The decision on the discontinuation of the Polish Institute in Sofia will in no way be detrimental to maintaining a substantial and significant cultural presence in Bulgaria. Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recently reviewed the network of Polish Institutes across the globe and attempted to re-examine their roles in the contemporary geopolitical reality. The analysis proved that the Polish Institute in Bulgaria, having served its purpose, can no longer function on the basis of the old rules. Poland continues to attach great importance to relations with Bulgaria and it would be a gross misrepresentation to interpret the discontinuation of the activities of the Polish Institute in Sofia in the previous format as in any way reflecting an intension to give less prominence to our mutual relations. Quite the contrary, no changes will be made to the scope of cooperation, the adjustments being confined to the institutional framework through which the relevant activities are conducted.
The changes are also part of a wide-ranging and necessary reform process aimed at streamlining the Polish cultural diplomacy across the world. In the context of these changes, a new strategy to promote development has been drafted for the coming years. The Polish Institutes will become more dynamic and compact cultural centres promoting Poland’s public and cultural diplomacy. We believe it is sensible to delegate promotion experts to be posted in the Embassy in Sofia. They will provide the outpost with full support in its cultural projects. It has to be noted that the discontinuation of the Polish Institute in Sofia will be effected without damage to next year’s cultural schedule, especially the Chopin Festival and the accompanying events.
