The left in Europe has a future if it provides solutions

24/11/2025
10:46

Kristian Vigenin was a lecturer at a youth training in Yambol

“Our place is in Europe, and not since yesterday. It is true that we are going through a turbulent period, but the future of Bulgaria and of the BSP cannot be outside the European structures. The EU is a union of rules, compromises and mutual respect. There can be different opinions in the Union, but when our arguments are convincing, they are heard. Our task is to be active, to insist and to take part in the debates.” This was stated by Bulgarian MEP Kristian Vigenin from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, who was a lecturer in training modules with young BSP members from the Yambol region, held on the initiative of the BSP-United Left MP Krasimir Yordanov. Vigenin stressed: “The left has to be applicable in real political work. The BSP should not be a party only of flags and protests, but of solutions and concrete policies. “

The discussion focused on the role of the BSP, Bulgaria’s place in the European Union and the challenges facing the contemporary Bulgarian and European left. The conversation covered topics such as the BSP’s participation in government, the challenges of attracting young people, and combining European left policies with the Bulgarian context.

The young socialists raised questions about the BSP’s participation in government, its positions towards other parties and the ways the left can attract the young generation. The European future of Bulgaria was also discussed, along with the role of left policies in the EU and how social commitment is combined with modern European trends.

The European Parliament and young people’s interest in politics

The MEP drew attention to the complex political situation in the European Parliament, the formation of new majorities and the challenges for the Socialists when the European People’s Party often looks for support from the far right. “We face a choice, to withdraw into the corner and watch others take decisions, or to remain an active part of the process, to fight for left policies and to defend citizens, even at the price of compromises. At this stage we choose the second,” he said.

The young socialists were active on topics such as EU enlargement, security, Ukraine, artificial intelligence and Bulgaria’s role in European decisions. They also raised the topic of North Macedonia’s European integration, on which Vigenin stated clearly: “There will be support for the country’s accession to the EU when they fulfil their commitments.”

The meeting in Yambol showed young people’s strong interest in politics and their wish to be part of the BSP’s development. Kristian Vigenin stressed that initiatives like these are very important for the renewal of the left, for its European path and for bringing the focus back to the real policies that affect people.