SOFIA — A recent survey conducted by the Alfa Research agency between February 20 and 28, 2025, has revealed that a significant majority of Bulgarians support aligning with the European Union’s common positions amid growing transatlantic tensions.
The study, which gathered responses from a sample of 1,000 adults, found that 59% of Bulgarians believe the country should back the EU’s stance in international matters, with only 14% favoring alignment with the United States and 27% remaining undecided.
The survey highlighted a notable rise in support for Bulgaria’s EU membership, with approval increasing from 57% in September 2024 to 61% in February 2025, approaching historically high levels.
In contrast, only 15% of respondents expressed negative views about EU membership, while a quarter of the population was still uncertain.
This surge in pro-EU sentiment comes at a time of heightened friction between Europe and the United States following the start of President Donald Trump’s second term.
Key issues such as NATO’s role, military spending, trade tariffs, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have intensified debates about Bulgaria’s place in the Western alliance.
Despite these challenges, support for EU membership remains robust, with a significant portion of the population emphasizing the need to preserve European unity.
Ambivalence Towards NATO Membership
The survey also uncovered mixed feelings regarding Bulgaria’s NATO membership. While a majority of Bulgarians continue to support the alliance, the margin between positive and negative views has slightly narrowed.
Between September 2024 and February 2025, the proportion of those in favor of NATO membership fell from 40% to 39%, while opposition rose from 28% to 30%.
Analysts suggest that this shift may be linked to growing concerns about NATO’s capacity to effectively defend Bulgaria in the event of a military conflict.
“The slight decline in support for NATO likely reflects public anxiety about the alliance’s ability to protect Bulgaria, particularly amid escalating tensions in Eastern Europe,” commented Elena Dimitrova, a political analyst based in Sofia.
Divided Views on the US and Russia
When it comes to broader international relations, the survey revealed a split in Bulgarian attitudes towards the United States and Russia. Approximately 52% of respondents held a favorable view of the US, while 48% expressed positive opinions about Russia.
This division is particularly evident among voters of the pro-Russian “Revival” party, where support for US-aligned policies slightly exceeds that for EU-aligned ones (39% versus 34%).
In contrast, key EU member states received strong approval from Bulgarians for their roles in defending European interests and seeking a resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
Approval ratings for Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom ranged from 73% to 85%, underscoring a clear preference for European-led diplomatic efforts.
The Path Forward
With the EU navigating complex relations with the United States and a prolonged conflict on its eastern borders, Bulgaria’s stance within the bloc is becoming increasingly pivotal.
The growing public support for EU membership and alignment with its common positions suggests that Sofia is likely to continue prioritizing European unity in its foreign policy decisions.
However, the evolving perceptions of NATO and the divided opinions on the US and Russia indicate that Bulgaria’s strategic choices may face additional scrutiny in the coming months.
As the country balances its commitments to both the EU and NATO, the government may need to address public concerns more directly to maintain a coherent foreign policy direction.