REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Diplomatic Institute

The Diplomatic Institute is the first school of its kind for the professional training of diplomats and civil servants in the field of foreign policy in Bulgaria.

Research Activities

Providing applied research expertise on current issues on the Bulgarian foreign policy agenda

Key Strategic Priorities

One of the strategic priorities of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute is to provide the Bulgarian Diplomatic Service with applied research and analytical information on current issues on the Bulgarian foreign policy agenda and in contemporary international relations. Research activities complement the Institute’s training and public activities and are structured around several key areas:

Information and Analytical Materials

Preparation of information and analytical materials on current issues of Bulgarian foreign policy and diplomatic practice, as part of the analytical exchange within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government institutions. Priority topics include regional cooperation in the Balkans and the Black Sea region, the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy, and relations with China.

Training Materials

Drawing on the applied research expertise of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute in the preparation of training materials for specialised training programmes.

Expert Reports and Publications

Participation by the experts of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute through papers and presentations at national, regional, and international conferences, symposia, round tables, and other forums, as well as through contributions to the Institute’s publications.

Applied Research Projects

Implementation of applied research projects in the fields of international relations and Bulgarian foreign policy, aimed at the expert and academic communities. These projects seek to generate alternative analytical and information resources on priority and topical issues of Bulgarian foreign policy for the needs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To date, the Institute has successfully implemented applied research projects focusing on contemporary foreign policy and Bulgaria’s relations with its Balkan neighbours, including Türkiye, the Republic of North Macedonia, Serbia, Romania, and Greece.

Science Diplomacy

Development of a research stream dedicated to science diplomacy through participation in the working meetings of the European Informal Science Diplomacy Working Group (EUSDWG) and the Global Science Diplomacy Network (FMSTAN); delivery of lectures on science diplomacy as part of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute’s training programmes; and preparation of expert reports on the subject, with a view to strengthening Bulgaria’s international standing and exploring opportunities to develop science diplomacy as an instrument of the country’s foreign policy.

Impact and Significance

Supporting informed and expert decision-making in the field of foreign policy

Enriching diplomatic training with up-to-date research findings and analysis

Strengthening the analytical capacity of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Service and public administration

Contributing to the development of science diplomacy as an instrument of foreign policy

Изследователската Дейност на ДИ

Discover more about our research activities

Explore our latest publications and discover the resources available through our Library: