Maria Simeonova
@mariasimeonova.bsky.social
Head of Sofia office, European Council on Foreign Relations - ECFR
📖 PhD, Department of Political Science, Sofia University | 🌐 EU foreign policy and the Black Sea Region | Eastern Europe
📖 PhD, Department of Political Science, Sofia University | 🌐 EU foreign policy and the Black Sea Region | Eastern Europe
Reposted by Maria Simeonova
„България винаги е заемала важно място на картата на Европа и това, което ни е липсвало, е самочувствието, че заемаме такова място и липсата на политическа воля да се възползваме от него.“ @mariasimeonova.bsky.social в студиото на „Директно“ по Bulgaria on Air:
България се връща на картата на модерната военна индустрия
Дебат по темата с доц. Георги Цветков и Мария Симеонова
www.bgonair.bg
October 30, 2025 at 11:11 AM
„България винаги е заемала важно място на картата на Европа и това, което ни е липсвало, е самочувствието, че заемаме такова място и липсата на политическа воля да се възползваме от него.“ @mariasimeonova.bsky.social в студиото на „Директно“ по Bulgaria on Air:
Reposted by Maria Simeonova
Ok, now some more clarity on the terms of the US-RS deal were. Dodik, Cvijanovic, & many other persons & firms dropped from US Dept of Treasury's OFAC list. This has been "the dark matter" of the deal. Unclear if more below the waterline. May find out at UNSC this week. 😬
www.klix.ba/vijesti/bih/...
www.klix.ba/vijesti/bih/...
Ukinute američke sankcije Miloradu Dodiku, Željki Cvijanović i brojnim drugim saradnicima i kompanijama
Ministarstvo finansija i trezora Sjedinjenih Američkih Država (OFAC) donijelo je odluku o ukidanju sankcija za brojne osobe iz Republike Srpske, a što je poveza...
www.klix.ba
October 29, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Ok, now some more clarity on the terms of the US-RS deal were. Dodik, Cvijanovic, & many other persons & firms dropped from US Dept of Treasury's OFAC list. This has been "the dark matter" of the deal. Unclear if more below the waterline. May find out at UNSC this week. 😬
www.klix.ba/vijesti/bih/...
www.klix.ba/vijesti/bih/...
Reposted by Maria Simeonova
NEW RELEASE
Southeast Europe in Focus | Scrutinizing Security in the Black Sea Region: A Closer Look at Bulgaria, Romania, and the Republic of Moldova
With contributions by D. Triantaphyllou, @mariasimeonova.bsky.social , M. Zulean and C. Bogatiuc.
🔗Download here: www.sogde.org/de/publikati...
Southeast Europe in Focus | Scrutinizing Security in the Black Sea Region: A Closer Look at Bulgaria, Romania, and the Republic of Moldova
With contributions by D. Triantaphyllou, @mariasimeonova.bsky.social , M. Zulean and C. Bogatiuc.
🔗Download here: www.sogde.org/de/publikati...
September 22, 2025 at 7:39 AM
NEW RELEASE
Southeast Europe in Focus | Scrutinizing Security in the Black Sea Region: A Closer Look at Bulgaria, Romania, and the Republic of Moldova
With contributions by D. Triantaphyllou, @mariasimeonova.bsky.social , M. Zulean and C. Bogatiuc.
🔗Download here: www.sogde.org/de/publikati...
Southeast Europe in Focus | Scrutinizing Security in the Black Sea Region: A Closer Look at Bulgaria, Romania, and the Republic of Moldova
With contributions by D. Triantaphyllou, @mariasimeonova.bsky.social , M. Zulean and C. Bogatiuc.
🔗Download here: www.sogde.org/de/publikati...
Reposted by Maria Simeonova
Last month Bulgarian authorities arrested Blagomor Kotsev, mayor of Varna Based on hearsay they transferred him to Sofia and remanded him in custody.
Bulgaria has oligarchs sanctioned by the US and UK but Kotsev is an opponent of theirs trying to clean things up.
tvpworld.com/88141560/bul...
Bulgaria has oligarchs sanctioned by the US and UK but Kotsev is an opponent of theirs trying to clean things up.
tvpworld.com/88141560/bul...
Political intervention needed to stop democratic backsliding
By arresting such a senior opposition figure on flimsy evidence and then denying him bail, Bulgarian prosecutors have entered the political arena.
tvpworld.com
August 4, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Last month Bulgarian authorities arrested Blagomor Kotsev, mayor of Varna Based on hearsay they transferred him to Sofia and remanded him in custody.
Bulgaria has oligarchs sanctioned by the US and UK but Kotsev is an opponent of theirs trying to clean things up.
tvpworld.com/88141560/bul...
Bulgaria has oligarchs sanctioned by the US and UK but Kotsev is an opponent of theirs trying to clean things up.
tvpworld.com/88141560/bul...
My latest piece for @ecfr.eu on the concerning trends of democratic erosion in #Bulgaria. It’s not simple but the #EU could do much more to prevent a decay from within 👇
European integration and modernisation are little more than a façade, masking deep-rooted governance problems, writes @msimeonova11 in her commentary on the threats to Bulgarian democracy.
The decay within: Why the EU needs to help defend Bulgaria’s democracy
Bulgaria celebrated its entry into the euro zone this month, but inside the country, opposition figures are being arrested and its judiciary is crumbling. This democratic backsliding risks…
bit.ly
August 1, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Reposted by Maria Simeonova
One of our policy fellows @kirland.bsky.social just published a new book on civil-defence relations in Russian defence policymaking. Check it out now 👇
Would you like to know why it has been so difficult for Putin's Russia to build a powerful military?
@waterstones.bsky.social has launched a 25% discount on upcoming titles, including my book on Russian military development! 1/4 #WPreorder
@waterstones.bsky.social has launched a 25% discount on upcoming titles, including my book on Russian military development! 1/4 #WPreorder
July 28, 2025 at 3:19 PM
One of our policy fellows @kirland.bsky.social just published a new book on civil-defence relations in Russian defence policymaking. Check it out now 👇
Reposted by Maria Simeonova
В този епизод на подкаста ни ‘World in 30 minutes’ @vtcherneva.bsky.social и @mariasimeonova.bsky.social обсъждат с Mark Leonard тревожните признаци на институционална ерозия и погазване на върховенството на правото.
Чуйте тук: ecfr.eu/pod.../episo...
Чуйте тук: ecfr.eu/pod.../episo...
ecfr.eu
July 25, 2025 at 12:13 PM
В този епизод на подкаста ни ‘World in 30 minutes’ @vtcherneva.bsky.social и @mariasimeonova.bsky.social обсъждат с Mark Leonard тревожните признаци на институционална ерозия и погазване на върховенството на правото.
Чуйте тук: ecfr.eu/pod.../episo...
Чуйте тук: ecfr.eu/pod.../episo...
Bulgarians are back on the streets. Just like 5 years ago, they want to break the networks that use the judicial system to target anyone, anytime. Bulgaria is sliding toward state capture - and the #EU shouldn’t turn a blind eye again. #Bulgaria #RuleOfLaw
July 17, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Bulgarians are back on the streets. Just like 5 years ago, they want to break the networks that use the judicial system to target anyone, anytime. Bulgaria is sliding toward state capture - and the #EU shouldn’t turn a blind eye again. #Bulgaria #RuleOfLaw
Reposted by Maria Simeonova
ECFR Director Mark Leonard kicks off #ACM25 with an ECFR Insight: “Unlike in 2003 when Europe was split between pro and anti-American countries at the time of Iraq, what you now have is a split between pro Trump parties and anti-Trump parties, and that is leading to a recasting of European politics"
June 27, 2025 at 12:51 PM
ECFR Director Mark Leonard kicks off #ACM25 with an ECFR Insight: “Unlike in 2003 when Europe was split between pro and anti-American countries at the time of Iraq, what you now have is a split between pro Trump parties and anti-Trump parties, and that is leading to a recasting of European politics"
Always a pleasure talking to TVP World - this time about our country’s most recent success: receiving the green light from the European Commission and the European Central Bank for our readiness to join the Eurozone on 1 January 2026.
youtu.be/Z70MjEJMxLs?...
youtu.be/Z70MjEJMxLs?...
Bulgaria and the euro | Maria Simeonova
YouTube video by TALKING WITH TVP WORLD
youtu.be
June 6, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Always a pleasure talking to TVP World - this time about our country’s most recent success: receiving the green light from the European Commission and the European Central Bank for our readiness to join the Eurozone on 1 January 2026.
youtu.be/Z70MjEJMxLs?...
youtu.be/Z70MjEJMxLs?...
Reposted by Maria Simeonova
5/ Ukraine, Syria, the eastern Med, the Red Sea: so much comes back to Turkey. @mariasimeonova.bsky.social in Sofia presents a nuanced take on how Europe can balance serious concerns about Turkish democracy with the need for geopolitical cooperation with Ankara:
ecfr.eu/article/no-e...
ecfr.eu/article/no-e...
No easy choices: How Europe can write a new chapter with Turkey
Europe’s security requires cooperation with Turkey, but Erdogan’s domestic abuses complicate the relationship. To navigate this, Europeans must invest in this partnership, prioritising urgent needs wh...
ecfr.eu
May 22, 2025 at 3:39 PM
5/ Ukraine, Syria, the eastern Med, the Red Sea: so much comes back to Turkey. @mariasimeonova.bsky.social in Sofia presents a nuanced take on how Europe can balance serious concerns about Turkish democracy with the need for geopolitical cooperation with Ankara:
ecfr.eu/article/no-e...
ecfr.eu/article/no-e...
Reposted by Maria Simeonova
Europe can't afford to ignore Turkey—but engaging with Erdoğan comes at a cost.
In her latest commentary, Maria Simeonova explores how the EU can balance immediate security needs with long-term democratic goals in its complex relationship with Ankara.
In her latest commentary, Maria Simeonova explores how the EU can balance immediate security needs with long-term democratic goals in its complex relationship with Ankara.
No easy choices: How Europe can write a new chapter with Turkey
Europe’s security requires cooperation with Turkey, but Erdogan’s domestic abuses complicate the relationship. To navigate this, Europeans must invest in this partnership, prioritising urgent needs…
bit.ly
May 8, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Europe can't afford to ignore Turkey—but engaging with Erdoğan comes at a cost.
In her latest commentary, Maria Simeonova explores how the EU can balance immediate security needs with long-term democratic goals in its complex relationship with Ankara.
In her latest commentary, Maria Simeonova explores how the EU can balance immediate security needs with long-term democratic goals in its complex relationship with Ankara.
Reposted by Maria Simeonova
Last week marked 100 days of Trump's second term—and his 'MAGA goes global' agenda is reshaping Europe's geopolitical landscape. Celia Belin's latest policy brief analyzes how his administration's policies are challenging the EU.
bit.ly/4iTWXoB
bit.ly/4iTWXoB
May 9, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Last week marked 100 days of Trump's second term—and his 'MAGA goes global' agenda is reshaping Europe's geopolitical landscape. Celia Belin's latest policy brief analyzes how his administration's policies are challenging the EU.
bit.ly/4iTWXoB
bit.ly/4iTWXoB
My recent piece looks at how the EU can engage with Turkey amid the democratic backsliding but also shared strategic interests. Disengagement risks new dependencies as member states start playing solo with Ankara.
Europe faces a strategic dilemma: engage with Turkey despite domestic concerns, or risk regional instability. Maria Simeonova explores how the EU can pragmatically deepen ties with Ankara while upholding its values.
No easy choices: How Europe can write a new chapter with Turkey
Europe’s security requires cooperation with Turkey, but Erdogan’s domestic abuses complicate the relationship. To navigate this, Europeans must invest in this partnership, prioritising urgent needs…
bit.ly
May 2, 2025 at 6:55 AM
My recent piece looks at how the EU can engage with Turkey amid the democratic backsliding but also shared strategic interests. Disengagement risks new dependencies as member states start playing solo with Ankara.
Reposted by Maria Simeonova
Динамиката на отношенията между Европа и Турция никога не е била проста - но именно в сложността се крият възможности за стратегическо преосмисляне. @mariasimeonova.bsky.social обобщава изборите пред ЕС и обяснява защо диалогът с Анкара е по-важен от всякога. ecfr.eu/article/no-e...
No easy choices: How Europe can write a new chapter with Turkey
Europe’s security requires cooperation with Turkey, but Erdogan’s domestic abuses complicate the relationship. To navigate this, Europeans must invest in this partnership, prioritising urgent needs wh...
ecfr.eu
April 29, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Динамиката на отношенията между Европа и Турция никога не е била проста - но именно в сложността се крият възможности за стратегическо преосмисляне. @mariasimeonova.bsky.social обобщава изборите пред ЕС и обяснява защо диалогът с Анкара е по-важен от всякога. ecfr.eu/article/no-e...
Il mio nuovo articolo su come l'UE debba sistemare le sue relazioni con la Turchia in un momento cruciale per la sicurezza in Europa. @ecfrsofia.bsky.social
L'Europa si trova di fronte a un dilemma strategico: impegnarsi con la Turchia nonostante le tensioni interne o rischiare l'instabilità regionale.
✍️ @mariasimeonova.bsky.social x @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social
✍️ @mariasimeonova.bsky.social x @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social
No easy choices: How Europe can write a new chapter with Turkey
Europe’s security requires cooperation with Turkey, but Erdogan’s domestic abuses complicate the relationship. To navigate this, Europeans must invest in this partnership, prioritising urgent needs…
bit.ly
April 30, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Il mio nuovo articolo su come l'UE debba sistemare le sue relazioni con la Turchia in un momento cruciale per la sicurezza in Europa. @ecfrsofia.bsky.social
Reposted by Maria Simeonova
L'Europa si trova di fronte a un dilemma strategico: impegnarsi con la Turchia nonostante le tensioni interne o rischiare l'instabilità regionale.
✍️ @mariasimeonova.bsky.social x @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social
✍️ @mariasimeonova.bsky.social x @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social
No easy choices: How Europe can write a new chapter with Turkey
Europe’s security requires cooperation with Turkey, but Erdogan’s domestic abuses complicate the relationship. To navigate this, Europeans must invest in this partnership, prioritising urgent needs…
bit.ly
April 30, 2025 at 8:15 AM
L'Europa si trova di fronte a un dilemma strategico: impegnarsi con la Turchia nonostante le tensioni interne o rischiare l'instabilità regionale.
✍️ @mariasimeonova.bsky.social x @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social
✍️ @mariasimeonova.bsky.social x @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social
Reposted by Maria Simeonova
📣 It’s a wrap!
After three days of fruitful discussions at our ECFR Annual Staff Retreat, in which we dove deep into the policy challenges of today’s world, we’re ready to tackle what lies ahead!
After three days of fruitful discussions at our ECFR Annual Staff Retreat, in which we dove deep into the policy challenges of today’s world, we’re ready to tackle what lies ahead!
March 13, 2025 at 5:07 PM
📣 It’s a wrap!
After three days of fruitful discussions at our ECFR Annual Staff Retreat, in which we dove deep into the policy challenges of today’s world, we’re ready to tackle what lies ahead!
After three days of fruitful discussions at our ECFR Annual Staff Retreat, in which we dove deep into the policy challenges of today’s world, we’re ready to tackle what lies ahead!
The full story about the Bulgarians who were recently found guilty in the UK of conspiring with the Kremlin to kidnap and possibly murder the journalists Christo Grozev and Roman Dobrokhotov.
Worth reading and understanding Kremlin’s changing techniques.
Worth reading and understanding Kremlin’s changing techniques.
“Let’s hire an ISIS suicide bomber to blow him up in the street!”: Europe’s most wanted man plotted my murder — and that of my colleague
A jury at the Old Bailey, London’s Central Criminal Court, has just found six of my compatriots — citizens of Bulgaria — guilty of conspiring with the Kremlin to kidnap and possibly murder me and my c...
theins.ru
March 10, 2025 at 7:07 AM
The full story about the Bulgarians who were recently found guilty in the UK of conspiring with the Kremlin to kidnap and possibly murder the journalists Christo Grozev and Roman Dobrokhotov.
Worth reading and understanding Kremlin’s changing techniques.
Worth reading and understanding Kremlin’s changing techniques.
Reposted by Maria Simeonova
Европейският съвет за външна политика и Министерството на външните работи на Република България подписаха Меморандум за сътрудничество. Меморандумът открива възможности за съвместни инициативи, обмен на експертиза и добри практики между двете страни.
@ecfr.eu
@ecfr.eu
March 6, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Европейският съвет за външна политика и Министерството на външните работи на Република България подписаха Меморандум за сътрудничество. Меморандумът открива възможности за съвместни инициативи, обмен на експертиза и добри практики между двете страни.
@ecfr.eu
@ecfr.eu
Reposted by Maria Simeonova
We should have no illusions: Just as it is now doing with Ukraine, the Trump administration will try to force the Europeans into line if they resist a deal on American (or rather Russian?) terms.
March 5, 2025 at 12:56 PM
We should have no illusions: Just as it is now doing with Ukraine, the Trump administration will try to force the Europeans into line if they resist a deal on American (or rather Russian?) terms.
На 18.02 споделих мнение, че 🇺🇸 гледат на войната в 🇺🇦 като пречка пред разгръщането на двустранните отношения с Москва, и че има припокриване на интересите между САЩ и Русия за международния ред. Обърнах внимание и на 🇹🇷 като един от ключовите фактори във войната. m.youtube.com/watch?featur...
"Европейският съюз трябва да се научи на прагматизъм във външната политика"
YouTube video by Euronews Bulgaria
m.youtube.com
March 3, 2025 at 10:33 AM
На 18.02 споделих мнение, че 🇺🇸 гледат на войната в 🇺🇦 като пречка пред разгръщането на двустранните отношения с Москва, и че има припокриване на интересите между САЩ и Русия за международния ред. Обърнах внимание и на 🇹🇷 като един от ключовите фактори във войната. m.youtube.com/watch?featur...
My piece for Riddle Russia on Black Sea security is out. I argue that this is the region where Europe’s security awakening and ability to deter Russia will first be tested.
ridl.io/black-sea-in...
ridl.io/black-sea-in...
Black Sea (in)security in 2025 – Riddle Russia
Maria Simeonova reflects on how the Black Sea security horizons have shifted three years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and what EU could do about it
ridl.io
February 26, 2025 at 9:33 AM
My piece for Riddle Russia on Black Sea security is out. I argue that this is the region where Europe’s security awakening and ability to deter Russia will first be tested.
ridl.io/black-sea-in...
ridl.io/black-sea-in...