Bulgaria » International Relations

Membership of International groupings/ Organisations International Monetary Fund (IMF) European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) World Tourism Organization (WTO) World health Organization (WHO) United Nations (UN)

Bulgaria's Relations with neighbours

Bulgaria has accorded high priority to promoting good relations with its neighbours. It has signed significant bilateral confidence building agreements with both Turkey and Greece, and established a Balkan initiative for regional security and co-operation.

Bulgaria began accession negotiations with the EU in March 2000 and formally finished them in December 2004. Provided that it fulfills its commitments to implement European standards in areas such as the economy and the judicial system Bulgaria will become a full member of the EU in January 2007. In 2004, Bulgaria became member of the NATO.

Trade and Investment with the UK

UK exports to Bulgaria continue to raise – £155.4 million in 2004, compared to £153.7 million in 2003. Bulgarian exports to UK jumped significantly in 2004 – up from £126 million in 2003 to £150.3 million. The highest value British exports are textile yarn and accessories and telecommunications equipment. The main Bulgarian exports to UK are textiles, iron and steel and machinery. Most of Bulgaria’s trade is with the EU – 56% - and principally with Germany, Italy and Greece; Russia also accounts for important parts of imports, though this is almost all from the import of oil and gas.