The Employers Association of Bulgaria in Cooperation with the Centre for Liberal Strategies Economic Benefits for Bulgaria from Joining Nato

Since the idea of Bulgaria joining NATO was launched in public space, the debate has targeted predominantly the political and the military-technical aspects of the issue. The Employers Association of Bulgaria does not underestimate the importance of these factors nonetheless, as a representative of the big domestic private capital, we believe that it is about time to seriously and extensively research and analyze the economic and social aspects of a future membership of Bulgaria in NATO. Political acts that wouldn't have economic consequences simply do not exist, as momentous economic acts have their ramifications in the political course of the country. Obviously, the behavior of the private capital is a barometer for any of the changes. Hence it is unquestionably of the interest of the Employers Association of Bulgaria to avail itself of a strategic analysis of the economic and social development of this country in the circumstances of NATO membership. We took the initiative to perform such a research in cooperation with the Centre for Liberal Strategies, a leading Bulgarian think tank. We understand that this paper, being the first of its kind, marks the beginning of a process which will continue at least until Bulgaria is officially invited to join NATO. Therefore we would be grateful for your opinion, comments and recommendations.