USAID in Bulgaria: 1990–2007
Seventeen Years Hand in Hand
From our vantage point in 2007, it is striking how far Bulgaria has come
since 1989. The march from a highly centralized communist state to a
democratic, free market member of NATO and the European Union (EU)
has been long and often uphill. The U.S. Agency for International
Development (USAID) is proud of the partnership role it played in helping
Bulgaria make this momentous journey. To commemorate the closing of the
USAID program in 2007, this publication gives a short historical summary of
that role and the accomplishments along the way.
USAID, the U.S. Government’s foreign assistance agency, began to support
Bulgaria’s transition to a democracy and free market economy in 1990. It
continued its program over the next 17 years with more than $600 million in
assistance. During that period the USAID program evolved almost as
dramatically as Bulgaria’s own transition. Starting as a modest program of
emergency food and medical aid and support for democratic political
processes including free and fair elections, it quickly grew into a broad
spectrum of activities supporting many key components of the transition.
Throughout its history, USAID worked closely with the Bulgarian
government and indigenous counterparts, the World Bank, International
Monetary Fund (IMF), EU, and other donors to accomplish mutual
objectives. The accomplishments were the result of the tireless efforts of
dedicated and visionary Bulgarians whom USAID has partnered with
throughout the years.
While its programs changed considerably over time, the USAID commitment
to the basic foundations of democracy and free markets did not waver.
USAID made significant contributions to a vibrant civil society, effective and
accountable local governments, independent media, the rule of law, free
market systems, and sustainable private enterprise growth. USAID provided
consistent support to help establish and strengthen many important
Bulgarian institutions in these core areas. USAID also helped to reduce the
social and economic costs of the transition, with activities targeted to help
the unemployed, improve health care, support ethnic integration, and
preserve Bulgaria’s rich environmental diversity. In addition, USAID
provided millions of dollars of recovery assistance during the financial crisis
in 1996–97, the disruptions from the Kosovo crisis in 1999, and the extensive
flooding in 2005.
USAID closes its program in 2007 with Bulgaria solidly grounded as a new
member of the EU and with bright prospects for the future. Recognizing
that the transition process remains fragile, USAID is establishing two legacy
mechanisms that will provide funding for private organizations to help
ensure Bulgaria’s continued progress: the Bulgaria Fund and the America for
Bulgaria Foundation.
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