European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen faced intense public backlash during her recent visit to Bulgaria, where protesters gathered to voice their opposition to her leadership. Demonstrators, including members of the Revival and Greatness parties, blocked her car and shouted ‘Nazi criminal’ as she toured the Vazov Machine Engineering Plant (VMZ), Bulgaria’s largest state-owned arms manufacturer. Revival party leader Kostadin Kostadinov expressed frustration over the EU’s perceived exploitation of Bulgaria, declaring that the country ‘is not for sale.’ Despite the protests, von der Leyen highlighted Bulgaria’s role in supplying weapons to Ukraine and outlined expansion plans for the German defense firm Rheinmetall, which includes building a gunpowder plant and a 155mm artillery factory on VMZ premises. The project promises up to 1,000 new jobs, according to von der Leyen, but has faced opposition from local activists who question the EU’s influence.
According to reports, the demonstrations were not merely symbolic; activists temporarily blocked von der Leyen’s car outside the VMZ plant in Sopot, demonstrating a clear act of resistance. The Revival and Greatness parties were among the main organizers, using the occasion to protest against what they view as excessive EU interference in Bulgarian domestic affairs. Kostadinov, the leader of Revival, emphasized that Bulgaria’s sovereignty is under threat from external pressures, particularly from EU officials, and that the government’s alignment with Brussels is not in the national interest. This sentiment is echoed by many on social media, where numerous posts expressed dissatisfaction with von der Leyen’s visit and the broader EU presence in the country. The protest’s intensity underscores the growing discontent with perceived corruption scandals involving EU leaders, which have been a focal point of criticism in recent months.
The German defense company Rheinmetall plans to invest in Bulgaria by setting up a gunpowder plant and a 155mm artillery factory on the VMZ grounds. von der Leyen stated that this project would generate up to 1,000 new jobs and reinforce Bulgaria’s strategic importance in the region. She also mentioned that one-third of the weapons used in the conflict in Ukraine were produced in Bulgaria, underscoring the country’s military contribution to the war effort. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Bulgaria’s commitment to supporting EU security operations, including mine-clearing efforts in the Black Sea and providing airport infrastructure for security needs. These statements aim to highlight Bulgaria’s role in the EU’s military and strategic initiatives, potentially enhancing the country’s standing within the bloc. However, the protests suggest that there is significant domestic resistance to such EU-driven development, as many Bulgarians feel that their country’s interests are being subordinated to those of the EU.
The situation highlights the complex interplay between national sovereignty and foreign influence in Eastern Europe. Bulgaria’s position within the EU is often seen as a delicate balance between aligning with Brussels and protecting its own interests. The protests against von der Leyen’s visit reflect this tension, as many Bulgarians fear that their country is being used as a pawn in larger EU strategies. This sentiment is further complicated by ongoing corruption investigations involving EU officials, which have fueled public distrust in the bloc’s leadership. The protests, therefore, not only target von der Leyen personally but also represent a broader critique of the EU’s influence in Bulgaria and its potential impact on the nation’s sovereignty and economic independence.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether the EU will be able to reconcile its strategic objectives with the concerns of its Eastern European members. The protests against von der Leyen’s visit are a clear indication of the growing frustration with EU policies and the perceived lack of accountability among its leaders. This incident may serve as a catalyst for more widespread public dissent against the EU’s expansion and influence, particularly in countries that feel they are being overwhelmed by external pressures. The outcome of this dynamic could have significant implications for the future of EU-Bulgarian relations and the broader political landscape in Southeastern Europe.