According to a review of friendship groups in Bulgaria’s 52nd National Assembly, nearly one in four members of parliament participates in the Russia friendship group, while only 20 lawmakers have joined the Ukraine counterpart. The informal voluntary groups, which total 86 country-specific formations in the current mandate, are designed to facilitate international contacts and parliamentary dialogue without carrying legally binding obligations.
Inside the Russia and Belarus Parliamentary Friendship Groups
According to parliamentary records, the Russia friendship group comprises 58 members. Kostadin Stoyanov from the “Vazrazhdane” party leads the pro-Russian bloc, alongside 55 members from “Progressive Bulgaria” (PB), representing 42% of that parliamentary group, and two other members from Vazrazhdane. Notable figures from Rumen Radev’s political circle populate the group, including three of the four deputy heads of the parliamentary group—Vladimir Nikolov, Galin Durev, and Slavi Vassilev—as well as spokesperson Anton Kutev.
This dynamic marks a shift from the 51st National Assembly, where the Russia friendship group drew a cross-party mix from the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), Vazrazhdane, There Is Such a People (ITN), and APS, while GERB and the then PP-DB declined to participate on the grounds that Moscow had designated Bulgaria an unfriendly state. Two years prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the pro-Moscow contingent in the legislature stood at 115 members.
Similarly, a 16-member friendship group operates for Belarus, led by Vazrazhdane lawmaker Ivelin Parvanov. Aside from two party colleagues, all remaining members belong to Progressive Bulgaria.
Contrasting Interest in Ukraine, Western Nations, and Asian Partnerships
In contrast to the large delegations for Moscow and Minsk, only two members associated with Radev’s faction have joined the Ukraine friendship group. According to the registry, lawmakers from other political forces make up the remainder of the 20-person roster, including five each from GERB-SDS and DB, and four each from PP and DPS. Ivaylo Mirchev, co-chairman of “Yes, Bulgaria,” heads the Ukraine group and participates in groups for six other nations.
Italy commands the highest overall participation in the 52nd National Assembly, drawing 89 lawmakers—37% of the legislature. Vladimir Nikolov of Progressive Bulgaria leads the Italy group, leveraging his past volleyball career in the country. The United States holds second place with 82 members, led by budget committee chairman Konstantin Prodanov of the ruling coalition, while Germany ranks third with 70 lawmakers. Turkey engages 64 deputies, and China and France share fifth place with 63 members each.
Parliamentary engagement with Asian nations also extends to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, a 13-member group focuses on North Korea—with Vladislav Panev of DB serving as the sole non-PB participant—while a separate South Korea group draws nine more members than its northern neighbor, including representatives from every party except Vazrazhdane.
Individual Lawmaker Mappings and Leadership Spread
Leadership across the friendship networks largely falls to the ruling majority. Djem Yemenov, deputy chair of the sports committee from DPS, holds the highest individual participation rate by signing up for 54 countries. Deputy parliamentary chair Ayten Sabri follows with 46 countries, and tourism committee head Rositsa Kirova of GERB has joined 44 groups.
Prominent party leaders show selective engagement. GERB leader Boyko Borisov and DPS leader Delyan Peevski do not belong to any friendship groups. Rosen Zhelyazkov and 12 other GERB members, along with three former ministers and PP figures Bogdan Bogdanov and Boyko Rashkov, also hold zero memberships. Conversely, Assen Vassilev participates in 17 groups—including the UK, US, France, Turkey, and China—while maintaining no affiliation with either the Russia or Ukraine groups. Nikolay Denkov belongs to 19 groups focusing primarily on major nations, taking the second spot in the Japan delegation.
Did you know?
Bulgarian lawmakers formed a 26-member friendship group with Luxembourg, a count equivalent to nearly half of Luxembourg’s total 60-seat parliament.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of parliamentary friendship groups in Bulgaria?
According to the National Assembly, these are informal voluntary groups intended to maintain international contacts, foster dialogue, and encourage cooperation with foreign parliaments. Membership grants eligibility for bilateral visits, overseas business trips, and hosting official delegations.
How many members are in the Russia friendship group in the 52nd National Assembly?
The Russia friendship group has 58 members, led by Kostadin Stoyanov of Vazrazhdane, with the majority of the remaining members affiliated with Progressive Bulgaria.
Which country’s friendship group has the highest overall participation?
Italy holds the largest share of legislative interest, with 89 members—representing 37% of all MPs—joining the bilateral cooperation group.
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