We set a number of key objectives each year. For 2009 we have set the following objectives: 

1.   To reduce the capability of Organised Crime Networks operating in and through Bulgaria to harm the UK (trafficking of drugs, people and small arms, and fiscal/economic crime) and to increase the capabilities and political will of Bulgarian institutions to tackle it at source.

2.   To strengthen the operational capacity of the Bulgarian armed forces, to ensure Bulgaria contributes effectively on ESDP and NATO policy development, and to use Bulgarian expertise and training areas to improve UK operational capabilities.

3.   To improve the performance of UK business on the Bulgarian market.

4.   To support Bulgaria’s successful integration into the EU, including through continued JHA and social reforms, and proper use of EU funds, in order to protect wider UK interests, including the reputational risk to enlargement.

5.   To ensure Bulgaria contributes to the achievement of UK EU objectives, including delivery of the Global Europe agenda, promoting stability and reform in the Western Balkans, keeping Turkish accession negotiations on track, development of effective EU relations with Russia, and with the Black Sea region.

6.   To ensure Bulgaria signs up to ambitious EU climate change implementation package on emissions targets and use of key low carbon technologies during French Presidency, and that it contributes to achieving more effective EU internal and external energy policy, including diversification of supply routes from the Caspian.

7.   To ensure issues relating to the migration of Bulgarians to the UK, including access to the labour market, are addressed in a way which boosts the UK economy, while not damaging wider UK interests in Bulgaria.

8.   To provide effective support for British nationals in Bulgaria.

9.   To implement effectively locally the individual elements of the FCO Change Plan, and to ensure that our resources (people, money, estate, IT) are managed well and pro-actively.