Note: This event is in Bulgarian!

The Centre for Advanced Study Sofia introduces a new discussion series, titled “Politics and leadership in an era of crisis: post-democracy, illiberalism, authoritarianism. Alternatives and activism”, moderated by Prof. Anna Krasteva.

The first lecture in this series of debates will be presented by Dr Evgeni Kanev, on the topic of “Bulgaria as an Autocracy in the EU – Possible Scenarios” on Friday, 17 October 2025, at 17:30 at the American Corner of the Sofia City Library. Debaters: Assoc. Prof. Daniel Smilov and Assoc. Prof. Krassen Stanchev.

Abstract: Bulgaria is one of the most striking examples of an EU member state whose political system operates in violation of the Lisbon Treaty and even its own constitution. In practice, Bulgaria’s position in the EU is much closer to that of a country with a hybrid regime and a model of autocracy similar to the regimes in non-EU countries such as Serbia and Georgia. The aim of the discussion with Evgenii Kanev is to analyze the genesis, causes, and factors behind the degradation of Bulgarian democracy into autocracy after joining the EU and whether the reverse process is possible.

Bio: Evgeni Kanev holds a PhD in Economics and is a managing partner at Makonis, an investment and financial consulting company. He has served as managing director for Europe at the American company Tello Corporation and as director of corporate finance at KPMG Bulgaria. During his career as an investment consultant, he has managed over 300 projects involving mergers and acquisitions, business valuations, and financing in a number of countries in Eastern Europe and Ireland. In 2007, he was a candidate for the European Parliament. He was a member of the Civil Council of the Reformist Bloc and a long-time consultant to parties across the European democratic spectrum. He is the author of the book Public-Private Partnership and over 300 publications and interviews on economic and political topics with ideas for the development of Bulgaria.

The discussion will be streamed online via the Zoom platform:

Topic: ЦАИ София – Евгений Кънев “България като автокрация в ЕС – възможни сценарии”
Time: Oct 17, 2025 17:30 Sofia
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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88649141932?pwd=NNEvzm5I4s9ax5t3vp6DxdJeLlIBbU.1
Meeting ID: 886 4914 1932
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