Iliana Jotova proposes creation of Bulgarian Cultural Institute

Bulgarian President Iliana Jotova has proposed the establishment of a Bulgarian Cultural Institute to promote the nation’s 14-century history and achievements abroad. Speaking to the Bulgarian community in New York during a reception for Bulgaria’s Independence Day, Jotova noted that Bulgaria is currently the only European Union member state without such an institution.

Jotova highlighted that while other European nations utilize networks like the Cervantes Institute or the Goethe-Institut to project their culture, Bulgaria lacks a similar dedicated network. She suggested that New York would be a logical location for a branch due to its significant Bulgarian community and status as a global diplomatic hub.

The proposal follows Jotova’s participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where she led the Bulgarian delegation and delivered a speech. While the idea represents a political intention to increase Bulgaria’s cultural visibility, it has not yet been formalized into a specific institutional project.