Corruption in Bulgaria

There is a disparity between what international experts say about corruption in Bulgaria and the way the country's people see the problem. The European Union (EU) reports steady progress, but its view is not shared by Bulgaria's own monitors, scholars, and citizenry. This issue is explored through public reports, papers, and interviews. The analysis suggests that the disparate views of corruption arise from differing definitions of democracy. The Western emphasis on institution building and markets over citizen participation and social welfare has undermined citizen support for democratic reform. As a result, efforts by the EU and the United States in Bulgaria may inadvertently sustain a tolerance for corruption.