Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova has held talks with Kalin Slavov, Executive Director of Transparency International Bulgaria, and Deputy Executive Director Kremena Chobanova, focusing on the rule of law, institutional accountability, and the role of civil society in fighting corruption.
At the centre of the discussion was the challenge of rebuilding public confidence in state institutions. "The greatest challenge is to restore people's trust in institutions and their sense that those institutions are there to serve them," Minister Petrova said. She added that the new government had received unequivocal support from Bulgarian citizens, who expect decisive action to prevent and prosecute corruption, ensure a predictable business environment, and provide stability in governance.
The Foreign Minister framed anti-corruption efforts and transparency in public-private sector interactions as directly linked to economic growth and regional stability. Petrova stressed that it is a priority for Bulgaria to consolidate its position as a reliable ally, an attractive destination for business, investment and tourism, and a factor for regional stability — goals she connected explicitly to the development of economic diplomacy.
In that context, Petrova highlighted Bulgaria's efforts to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), describing accession as a key foreign policy priority. She noted that, from the outset of the process, active and consistent steps have been taken to align Bulgarian legislation, policies and practices with OECD principles and standards.
The minister also thanked Transparency International Bulgaria for its commitment and active engagement, which she said contributes to the development of civil society.
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