Abstract
The aim of this chapter is to explore, on the basis of an analysis of the country’s party system and the changes it has undergone during the accession process, how closer relations with the EU have influenced Bulgarian party politics. We consider the influence the EU has had on the format and mechanics (Mair, 2000) of the Bulgarian party system during the post-communist transition period (1989–2005). The first section outlines the three phases of development the Bulgarian party system has passed through. It appears that EU integration has not influenced the format of the party system but has had an impact on its mechanics. The second section directs attention to transnational party cooperation and its influence on the composition of the country’s party system. The third section focuses on EU issues as they are presented in party programmes and the emergence of Eurosceptic political forces that have succeeded in gaining parliamentary representation.
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© 2007 Dragomir Stoyanov
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Stoyanov, D. (2007). The Impact of EU Integration on the Bulgarian Party System. In: Lewis, P.G., Mansfeldová, Z. (eds) The European Union and Party Politics in Central and Eastern Europe. Palgrave Studies in European Union Politics. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230596658_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230596658_10
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
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