HomeCountries & Areas…Bulgaria hide Bulgaria Subscribe View Fact Sheet Embassies & Consulates Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs International Travel Information What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc. International Travel Information: Learn More Current Travel Advisories Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions Learn More U.S. Relationship These are excerpts from the U.S. Relations With Bulgaria U.S.-Bulgaria Relations U.S. Assistance to Bulgaria Bilateral Economic Relations U.S.-Bulgaria Relations The United States established diplomatic relations with Bulgaria in 1903. Bulgarian national Asen Kermekchiev (later Ace Kermek) was the first American Consular Agent in Bulgaria. A businessman, physician, and journalist, Kermekchiev served the United States Government even while working as a field doctor for Bulgaria in the First Balkan War and was praised for protecting American lives and The United States established diplomatic relations with Bulgaria in 1903. Bulgarian national Asen Kermekchiev (later Ace Kermek) was the first American Consular Agent in Bulgaria. A businessman, physician, and journalist, Kermekchiev served the United States Government even while working as a field doctor for Bulgaria in the First Balkan War and was praised for protecting American lives and property while at the front. He also founded the first American Chamber of Commerce in Sofia. Bulgaria was allied with Germany in World War II and became a satellite of the Soviet Union at the war’s end. As Bulgaria emerged from communism in the 1990s, the United States moved to encourage development of multi-party democracy and a market economy. Collapse U.S.-Bulgaria Relations Read more about U.S.-Bulgaria Relations U.S. Assistance to Bulgaria The United States supported Bulgaria’s political and economic development from the early 1990s to Bulgaria’s accession to the EU in 2007. During this transformative period, USAID invested more than $700 million towards development of Bulgaria’s energy sector, banking and financial institutions, and civil society. Bilateral Economic Relations Bulgaria is a member of the European Union. Upon its accession to the EU, the country adopted regulations and standards that conform to EU norms. U.S. companies conduct business in Bulgaria across the major industry sectors, especially in information and communication technology. The United States and Bulgaria have treaties on avoidance of double taxation and bilateral investment. Integrated Country Strategies The Integrated Country Strategy is the four-year strategy articulating U.S. priorities in a given country. The Chief of Mission leads the strategy. View Integrated Country Strategies Investment Climate Statements The Investment Climate Statements analyze a variety of economies that are or could be markets for U.S. businesses and provide information on the business climates. View Investment Climate Statements Fiscal Transparency Report The Fiscal Transparency Report analyzes government transparency and identifies needed changes to improve public spending accountability. View Fiscal Transparency Report Discover More 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report View all Department Reports and Publications Highlights March 3, 2024 Bulgaria National Day February 16, 2024 Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Bulgarian Prime Minister Denkov and Deputy Prime Minister Gabriel February 16, 2024 Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov Before Their Meeting December 2, 2023 The United States Joins Multinational Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy Capacity by 2050 to Support Global Climate and Energy Security Goals November 9, 2023 United States Welcomes the Republic of Bulgaria to the Artemis Accords VIEW ALL NEWS Tags Bulgaria Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs