News - Austria, Vienna, Permanent Representation of the Republic of Bulgaria

On the 3-rd of March, we commemorate the restoration of Bulgarian statehood and pay tribute to the resilience, dignity, and determination of the Bulgarian people. Our National Day is not only a remembrance of history, sacrifice and courage; it is a reaffirmation of the values that continue to unite and guide us — sovereignty, independence, solidarity, democracy and commitment to peace.

The twice Nobel Prize–nominated Bulgarian writer Yordan Radichkov once wrote, “I am convinced that disorder is the natural state of the world.” His words remind us that stability and order are never guaranteed. They are the result of deliberate effort, cooperation, and respect for shared rules.

In today’s international environment the rules-based international order is constantly questioned. International law does not enforce itself. Multilateralism does not come about naturally, but requires constant efforts and sustained engagement. International institutions need care, attention, and occasionally a firm nudge in the right direction.

Here in Vienna, a vital center of global diplomacy, the Permanent Mission of Bulgaria works actively towards achieving our priorities within the frameworks of the OSCE, the UN Office at Vienna, IAEA, CTBTO, UNIDO and many others.

Our priorities are clear:

• Restoring a fair, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine and in Europe.
• Strengthening nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear safety and security
• Supporting effective international cooperation against organized crime, corruption, and trafficking, with the clear aim of promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
• Strengthening the voice of civil society in the implementation of undertaken commitments in this area.
• Creating space for public-private initiatives in the field of space cooperation and industrial development.
• Supporting Ukraine in addressing the immediate consequences of Russia’s war of aggression with OSCE and Participating in the industrial recovery of Ukraine together with UNIDO.
• Finally yet importantly, defending multilateralism as the most effective tool for addressing shared global challenges.

Multilateralism is not an abstraction. It is the glue that holds the international system together It is a practical framework that protects sovereignty, ensures predictability, and provides all states, regardless of their size, with fair standing in global affairs.

If disorder may be the natural state of the world, then cooperation is a conscious choice. Bulgaria chooses cooperation, Bulgaria chooses dialogue — but above all, Bulgaria chooses responsibility.  It is out of this responsibility that Bulgaria will continue to support Ukraine and its people in its fight for the right to freely determine its own future.

Finally, I wish to take the opportunity to thank my dedicated team. My thanks go our Austrian hosts here in beautiful Vienna and all our partners and colleagues for their cooperation and friendship.