Will Bulgarians return to Bulgaria? | Conversation with Damyan Pilkov

The topic of Bulgarians abroad has been part of public discourse for years. Over two million people have left the country in search of better opportunities, a higher standard of living, and a clearer perspective for development. However, today the reverse question is increasingly being asked – is it possible to reverse this trend and what would make some of the emigrated Bulgarians return to their homeland?

The answer is not straightforward, but it is increasingly shaped around the idea that the solution is not in the choice "Bulgaria or abroad," but in what each environment can offer and how good practices can be transferred and adapted. This is precisely the direction in which entrepreneur Damyan Pilkov thinks – founder of Plan Bulgaria, a consulting company aimed at investors based abroad who are considering developing business in the country. You can learn more about his initiative and the services he offers here. 

His personal path to this cause goes through abroad. After his education in Bulgaria, he moved to Bordeaux – a French city with a dynamic international environment, which gave him the opportunity to closely observe the lifestyle and mindset in Western Europe. It was there that he asked himself the question: “How do foreigners perceive us, Bulgarians, abroad?”

His experience shows that the differences are not so much in abilities as in the environment. According to his observations, Western Europeans “are not smarter or more disciplined than us,” but they work in systems that more successfully encourage their development. At the same time, life abroad is not without challenges – even with good language skills, he feels a distance and “diplomatic intolerance,” as well as a certain sense of insecurity. This contrast leads to the realization that opportunities in Bulgaria are often taken for granted.

The reasons for emigration remain largely economic. For years, the country has not offered sufficiently competitive conditions, and people seek not only better pay but also recognition for their work. This creates a paradox that is still felt today – employers talk about a lack of personnel, while young people do not see enough opportunities for realization.

Despite this, a change is gradually being observed. More and more Bulgarians living abroad are starting to invest back in the country – most often through property purchases or starting their own business. The period around COVID-19 further accelerated this process, causing many to rethink their priorities. Against this background, the country is beginning to be perceived not only as more accessible but also as a freer and safer environment for living and working.

At the same time, Bulgaria continues to suffer from insufficient international positioning. It is often known for negative stereotypes, despite real changes in the economic and business environment. Factors such as joining Schengen and adopting the euro have the potential to improve this image, but an active stance by the citizens themselves also plays a significant role.

From a business perspective, the country retains several competitive advantages – among them low taxes and a more flexible entrepreneurial environment, especially compared to the increasing tax burden in Western Europe.

According to Pilkov, however, the key is not only in the conditions but also in the attitude. “It is very important for a person to keep their enthusiasm and be proactive,” he says, adding that business success lies in providing clear value to the client: “Give a service that is at the highest level, the best quality on the market – and it will always be successful.”

And yet, the most important remains the personal choice of where a person wants to build their life. Our guest formulates this internal dilemma as follows: “I want to travel, but I also want to put down roots, to start a family here, in Bulgaria.”

Ultimately, the question “will Bulgarians return?” has no straightforward answer. But one thing is clear – Bulgarians are “hardworking and capable,” and the key to their return lies in creating an environment that motivates them, respects their work, and gives them a real perspective.

For a deeper look into the topic, as well as questions related to entrepreneurship, building a successful business, and personal lessons along the way, you can follow the full interview with Damyan Pilkov and Nikola Stoyanov here.