Prof. Ruslan Grinberg, Dr. of Econ., director of the Institute for Economic and Political Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences

Prof. Grinberg, what is the Institute’s assessment of the political and economic situation in Central Europe, and in Bulgaria in particular?
The Institute deals with the economy and politics of transition of the countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, China, Vietnam. We follow closely the Bulgarian politics, economy and culture. We all pursue three goals – a pluralistic democracy, social economy and civil society. This is the ideal, but we still have a long way to go.

I think that you, the Bulgarians, will approach the norms quickly thanks to your forthcoming membership in the European Union.

What about your evaluation of the political and economic situation in Russia?
Russia feels stable at the moment. The Russian President, Mr. Putin, was reelected for a second term of office. Everyone must recognise his merits. He terminated the separatism in Russia. He really wants to spur the country on to new horizons for development, create a favourable party climate and civil society. His task is laudable, yet rather tough to accomplish.

What is the level of the trade-economic relations between Bulgaria and Russia and what is their future in view of the processes of European integration?
The trade between Russia and Bulgaria has currently decreased two- or threefold, compared to the time before the commencement of democratic reforms. Yet the situation may change since Bulgaria does not stand a good chance to sell its produce on the European Union market.

Russia is interested in improving its economic parameters of collaboration with Bulgaria.

What is your attitude to Bulgaria’s membership in NATO?
It is good. If we regarded NATO as an aggressive military bloc, the official position of Russia would not be positive. Russia is a partner of NATO. Joint efforts are needed to cope with the Islamic fundamentalism, international terrorism. The whole international community should unite for the sake of this cause.

What is the future of the Bulgarian-Russian relations?
These relations must be set on an equal footing. We are mentally intimate nations –Slavs and Bulgarians. We used to have up-to-par relations in the time of the Soviet Union. In the future they will be built on a very rational basis, without sentiments, and in any case I believe that the future will be bright. Russia and Bulgaria are awaiting the new Renaissance.

Reneta Denkova