Declining trust in institutions, the rise of populism, the lack of effective justice, opaque political appointments, and threats to media freedom are increasingly undermining the foundations of the rule of law. At the same time, global challenges - including the war in Ukraine - reinforce the sense of insecurity and impasse. To promote inclusive dialogue and broader public participation in politics, CSD organized a national consultation on 16 May 2025 in Sofia.
The event built on the outcomes of two earlier civic consultations that identified key obstacles to Bulgaria’s sustainable development. Experts and citizens presented policy recommendations aimed at enhancing communication between institutions and the public at both national and local levels. Discussions explored strategies for launching public information campaigns on pressing societal issues, establishing effective mechanisms to combat disinformation, and providing legal assistance to vulnerable groups. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to address energy efficiency, air pollution and illegal logging, as well as to simplify procedures and regulations to improve access to EU funding. The potential for implementing these recommendations will be further examined at international forums in Belgrade and Brussels in September and October 2025.
