In the interview, Dr. Rumena Filipova cautions against framing Rumen Radev as “the new Viktor Orbán”, noting that Bulgaria’s institutional setup and slower trajectory of Europeanisation make direct comparisons misleading. Rather than a clear ideological shift, she points to continuity: Bulgarian foreign policy is likely to keep balancing between pro-EU and pro-Russian positions, with more …
In her comments for European Western Balkans, Dr Rumena Filipova argues that Bulgaria’s new political stability is unlikely to translate into movement on key regional issues. Her key points: No shift on North Macedonia: Radev is expected to maintain a firm line, particularly on the requirement to include a Bulgarian minority in the constitution — …
In her commentary for El Español, Dr. Rumena Filipova highlights that Rumen Radev’s decisive electoral victory should be understood in light of longer-term trends in Bulgarian public attitudes, particularly a sustained preference for strongman-style leadership. Key takeaways: Radev’s win reflects pre-existing societal preferences for a paternalistic, stability-oriented leadership model This trend cuts across demographics, including …
For El País on Bulgaria’s elections, Dr Rumena Filipova noted that as the emotional charge and sharp opposition between “status quo” and “change” forces has faded since 2021, voters may be reverting to a more familiar preference for strongman-style leadership. After several inconclusive election cycles, the earlier momentum for reform, fuelled by demands for transparency …
Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by El País on the Recent Bulgarian Elections Read More »
Dr Rumena Filipova commented on recent developments in the Gulf and their broader geopolitical implications in an interview for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria. She noted that the conflict appears to be moving towards de-escalation, despite initial perceptions of rigidity on the part of the Iranian regime. Mounting military and economic pressures, including weakened leadership capacity and …
Dr Rumena Filipova was featured in a discussion with Bobby Ivanchev on Bulgarian National Radio, addressing a range of domestic and international issues. The conversation outlined IGA’s mission, goals, and research focus, with particular attention to questions of governance, institutional resilience, and geopolitical risk. A key theme was the growing disillusionment among younger generations, including …
Dr Rumena Filipova was interviewed by Bloomberg TV Bulgaria on the recent tensions in transatlantic relations following Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s criticism of the US military campaign in Iran. In the interview she discussed: Spain as an example of a country that can undermine solidarity within NATO and Europe and establish itself as a …
Dr. Rumena Filipova was delighted to represent IGA at ASCE 2026 – Securing Knowledge Across Borders: Strengthening International Research Partnerships, organised by the RISC Institute at The Texas A&M University System. The world’s premier forum on research security – which marked its 10th anniversary, brought together over 600 experts from federal agencies, universities, and research …
International Seminar: ASCE 2026 – Securing Knowledge Across Borders Read More »
In the interview, Dr Filipova explains that the Arctic is no longer a distant or purely environmental issue. Climate change is rapidly transforming the region into a space of growing geopolitical and security importance, yet Europe continues to underestimate its strategic relevance. She points out that European policies towards the Arctic remain fragmented and largely …
IGA is pleased to highlight the contribution of Dr Rumena Filipova to a comprehensive study led by the Central European Institute of Asian Studies, which offers the first systematic, bottom-up analysis of Europe-Taiwan relations across 30 European countries and EU institutions. In her chapter, Dr Filipova examines the state of Bulgarian-Taiwanese relations, tracing recent developments …
