Bulgaria's EU membership has played a pivotal role in the country's development, strengthening its institutions and driving economic progress. However, political instability, sluggish reforms, and the diminishing positive impact of European processes are raising growing concerns among citizens. The lack of effective justice against high-level corruption, opaque and politicized appointments within the state administration, and threats to media freedom pose significant challenges to the rule of law. Global issues, such as climate change, the war in Ukraine, and uncertainty surrounding transatlantic relations, further exacerbate the sense of instability.    

Against this backdrop, new social movements and local initiatives reveal a growing public interest in engaging in politics outside the traditional channels. In order to promote the wider participation in democratic life, CSD organized a civic consultation on 6 March 2024 in Sofia. The event brought together citizens from diverse age groups and social backgrounds to discuss Bulgaria’s role in the European Union and the broader global political landscape. It encouraged open dialogue, allowing participants to voice their concerns about the country’s challenges and propose potential solutions. Key topics included the need for a just transition, the future of economic development, anti-corruption mechanisms, and the importance of a more effective communication strategy to better inform the public about the policies shaping Bulgaria's future.

In 2025, CSD will discuss with experts and policymakers at the national and European levels how the ideas proposed by citizens could be transformed into concrete policies and strategies.