Because …. Bulgaria is a Member of the European Union and thus is an important country for work with in order to influence a range of EU priorities, including budget reform and CAP, climate change, further enlargement and the Lisbon agenda.  

Because …. The UK and Bulgaria have shared interests, such as the Atlantic relationship and the fight against organised crime and terrorism.

Because …. Bulgaria continues to contribute significantly to overseas military operations in support of NATO (ISAF, KFOR), EU (Op ALTHEA, Bosnia, and Chad and the Central African Republic), and Coalition Operations in Iraq, as well as UN Observer Missions world-wide.

Because  … Bulgaria is located in a strategically important part of Europe, neighbouring the Western Balkans, the Black Sea and Turkey - all regions that are of interest to the UK and Europe for security, political and energy reasons.

Because …. The UK was the number 1 foreign investor in Bulgaria in 2006 and 2007

Because … Nearly half a million British tourists come to Bulgaria each year – to the Black Sea coast in summer and to ski resorts like Bansko in winter.  In addition, around 40,000 UK nationals own property here.