• Bulgaria is recognized as an autonomous state under the Treaty of San Stefan, which was signed by Russia and Turkey at the end of their war.

  • Bulgaria declares itself an independent kingdom.
  • During World War I, Bulgaria allies itself with Germany. Over 100,000 Bulgarian troops were killed, which was the most severe per capita loss if any nation during the war. 

  • The Soviet Army invades German occupied Bulgaria near the end of World War II.

  • Bulgaria communist party becomes one of the Soviet Union's most loyal allies. 

  • The end of the communist regime liberalizes price controls in the market and led to an economic crisis in the country.

  • Protests against the inflation in prices, rise in unemployment, and decrease in social service prompted the government to seek assistance from international financial institutions.

  • Bulgaria becomes a member of the European Union, which aids the country in revitalizing its economy.

  • European Commission permanently removes half of Bulgaria's aid following their government's failure to tackle corruption and organized crime.

  • Bulgaria experiences energy shortages after their gas supply is cut due to Russia-Ukraine disputes. 

  • Marin Raikov, the ambassador to France, is tasked with organizing elections after Prime Minister Borisov's resignation.

  • The president's veto on anti-corruption legislation is overturned, giving a special unit the ability to address high-level abuse.

Sources:

BBC News open_in_new
Britannica open_in_new