Dimitar Keranov: Bulgaria and Romania must expand cooperation in all areas

Published: 9 January 2026 | Updated: 9 January 2026 | Author: Vladimir Mitev | Source: The Bridge of Friendship

Summary

The document is an interview with Bulgarian political scientist Dr. Dimitar Keranov about Bulgarian-Moldovan relations, regional security, and international relations in Southeast Europe following the start of Russia’s large-scale military invasion of Ukraine.

Key points from the interview:

• Moldova’s Europeanization: Dr. Keranov is in Chisinau and observes the country advancing economically and socially toward the EU, despite problems like corruption and Russian influence. He believes Moldova is politically ready for the EU and could realistically join in about five years, provided no dramatic domestic political changes occur.
• Challenges and Russian Disinformation: He discusses the societal division in Moldova, noting that the pro-European side won the elections, albeit by a small margin. He emphasizes that Russia is a serious source of disinformation, particularly in Russian-speaking regions like Gagauzia and Taraclia, spreading blatant lies to discredit President Maia Sandu and create artificial divisions. He addresses Transnistria, suggesting the region should not block Moldova’s EU future and will likely rejoin the rest of Moldova eventually.
• Bulgaria’s Role: Bulgarian-Moldovan relations have a greater strategic potential, as Moldova is key to European security. Bulgaria, as an EU and NATO partner, can offer assistance against hybrid threats, share its experience in energy diversification, and provide expertise. He highlights the success of the University of Ruse branch in Taraclia and a cultural center in Comrat, but notes that Bulgaria’s political instability and corruption issues hinder a clear, comprehensive strategy for support.
• Romanian-Bulgarian Cooperation: Keranov stresses the importance of expanding Romanian-Bulgarian cooperation, especially in the Black Sea region, to face Russian aggression and disinformation. Both countries have a huge interest in Moldova’s EU accession and should consider joint support initiatives.
• Energy and Infrastructure: Bulgaria is important for Moldova’s energy security as a “European gateway” to gas corridors, providing access to LNG via Greece. He welcomes the December 2025 memorandum signed by Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania on infrastructure corridors between the Black and Aegean Seas, calling it a mechanism to improve regional coordination, logistics, and security, made possible by the war in Ukraine.
• Foreign Policy Vision: Keranov advocates for a modern Bulgarian foreign policy based on:
  • Strong support for Ukraine and Moldova.
  • Real connectivity (transport, energy, digital) to reduce vulnerability within NATO and eliminate dependence on Soviet weapons.
  • Defense against hybrid threats, learning from Moldova’s targeted strategy to neutralize Russian interference.
  He concludes that Bulgaria and Romania must be the most active countries in expanding cooperation in all areas.