The President of the European Centre for Information Policy and Security (ECIPS), Ricardo Baretzky, has issued a stark warning to those considering investments in Bulgaria, urging them to reconsider, especially if they have families and children. Baretzky’s concerns focus on the deeply rooted issues of corruption, particularly within Bulgaria’s education and judicial systems, which he claims are critically underperforming and out of sync with European Union expectations. He emphasized that the problems of racism, drug sales in schools, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations are becoming increasingly alarming in the country, which despite its EU membership, continues to face systemic dysfunction.

“Corruption in Bulgaria is on the brink of explosion,” Baretzky said, pointing to the fact that while Bulgaria has been a member of the European Union since 2007, it has consistently failed to meet key reforms that were agreed upon with Brussels. “This is a country where brides are still sold at a young age, where judicial reforms are stagnating, and where racism permeates both schools and public spaces,” he added.

Education in Crisis: Drugs, Racism, and Fear

One of the most concerning areas highlighted by Baretzky is the state of Bulgaria’s education system, which he described as a “facade hiding deeper issues.” On the surface, Bulgaria’s schools appear to function adequately, but ECIPS has uncovered troubling realities beneath this veneer. According to Baretzky, racism, drugs, and a severe lack of quality education are rampant in the country’s schools, creating an unsafe and hostile environment for many students.

Racism, in particular, has become a disturbing trend in Bulgarian schools. Children from minority backgrounds, particularly those with Asian or Eurasian features, are often subjected to racial slurs and bullying. Words such as “Chinese pig” and “fagot” are frequently hurled at these students in both school settings and public spaces, perpetuating a culture of discrimination. This toxic atmosphere is not only damaging to the victims but also goes unchecked, as parents and school authorities are often too fearful to speak out. “It is a proven fact that schools, in collusion with local police and psychologists, often abuse their power to intimidate and silence families who attempt to raise concerns,” Baretzky explained.

The involvement of drugs in schools is another pressing issue that further exacerbates the crisis in Bulgarian education. According to ECIPS, drug sales within schools have become a pervasive problem, with both students and staff involved. This has been nicknamed the “perfume business,” a codename that belies the dark reality of drug trafficking and its ties to prostitution, which stretches beyond Bulgaria’s borders into the wider European market, notably in countries such as the Netherlands.

“The drug trade within schools has become a gateway to larger criminal networks that entangle students and expose them to a life of exploitation,” Baretzky noted. This illegal enterprise, he added, is enabled by corrupt officials who profit from the system while ordinary citizens are left to suffer the consequences.

Judicial Reform: A Broken System

While the situation in Bulgaria’s education sector is dire, the country’s judicial system fares no better, according to ECIPS. Baretzky pointed out that the judicial reforms agreed upon with Brussels have failed to materialize, leaving Bulgaria far behind its European counterparts in terms of rule of law and transparency.

In Baretzky’s view, the judicial system in Bulgaria does not function as a mechanism for justice but rather as a vehicle for corruption. “Victims of crimes are often neglected, and the judicial process seems more focused on creating roadblocks than delivering justice,” he explained. This dysfunctional system, he argued, is perpetuated by a culture of bribery and influence-peddling, where only those with connections to people in power can expect favorable outcomes.

“The golden rule in Bulgaria is simple: don’t make trouble, and if you do, you better know someone in power,” Baretzky said. “Otherwise, you risk years of persecution, intimidation, and denial of your basic rights.”

According to ECIPS findings, many victims who seek justice in Bulgaria are further victimized by the very system meant to protect them. In some cases, prosecutors will use any means necessary to avoid conducting proper investigations, even if it means exacerbating the suffering of innocent individuals. “This creates an environment of fear, not only for Bulgarians but also for foreign visitors who may find themselves caught in this web of corruption,” Baretzky warned. European Union citizens, in particular, could face unexpected challenges if they become embroiled in legal disputes in Bulgaria.

The Persistence of Racism: A National Problem

Racism in Bulgaria extends far beyond the school system, permeating the fabric of society. Baretzky’s report highlights how visitors of Asian or Eurasian descent, as well as other minorities, are often targets of racially motivated abuse. This is not limited to verbal assaults; minorities also face systemic discrimination in various sectors, including employment, housing, and healthcare.

According to Baretzky, racism in Bulgaria is not just a social issue but a structural one, ingrained in the country’s institutions and reinforced by a lack of accountability. “The failure of the Bulgarian government to address these issues only emboldens those who perpetuate racist ideologies,” he said. The rise of far-right movements across Europe, including Bulgaria, has only exacerbated these tensions, making the country an increasingly hostile environment for minorities.

A Growing Problem: Corruption and Crime

At the heart of Bulgaria’s problems is the issue of corruption, which Baretzky described as the root cause of many of the country’s failings. Despite Bulgaria’s membership in the European Union, corruption remains rampant at all levels of government, from local municipalities to the highest echelons of power.

Bribery is a common practice, and those who refuse to participate in corrupt dealings often find themselves marginalized or worse. “Corruption in Bulgaria is not just about money; it’s about power,” Baretzky said. “Those in positions of authority use their influence to control the system, ensuring that only those who are willing to play by their rules can succeed.”

This pervasive corruption has far-reaching consequences, not only for Bulgaria’s citizens but also for the European Union as a whole. Baretzky questioned why Brussels continues to finance a system that perpetuates these problems, knowing full well that it is not an issue of language or cultural barriers. “Many Bulgarians speak English and are fully capable of participating in European discussions,” he said. “The problem is that nobody wants to change the system because it works for those in power.”

The Way Forward: ECIPS to Present Findings to Brussels and the UN

In light of these alarming findings, ECIPS will present a formal report to Brussels and the United Nations as part of the Sustainable Development 2030 program. Baretzky stressed that it is imperative for the European Union and the international community to take a closer look at the situation in Bulgaria and hold the country accountable for its failure to implement meaningful reforms.

“The time for complacency is over,” Baretzky said. “Bulgaria cannot continue to hide behind its EU membership while allowing corruption, racism, and exploitation to flourish.”

He also called on potential investors to seriously reconsider any plans to do business in Bulgaria, particularly if they have families and children. “This is not a safe environment for families,” Baretzky warned. “The lack of proper schooling, the pervasive racism, and the constant threat of corruption make it a dangerous place for anyone who values their security and well-being.”

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability

Baretzky’s warning is a clear signal that Bulgaria’s problems are not just internal matters but have far-reaching implications for Europe as a whole. As the country continues to grapple with issues of corruption, racism, and judicial dysfunction, the European Union must confront the uncomfortable reality that one of its member states is failing to uphold the values and standards expected of it.

With ECIPS set to present its findings to international bodies, the hope is that Bulgaria will be held to account and that meaningful reforms will be implemented. Until then, however, Baretzky’s message is clear: Bulgaria remains a risky and unstable environment, particularly for those who seek to invest in the country’s future.

“We cannot allow corruption to become the status quo,” Baretzky concluded. “It’s time for change, and it’s time for Europe to act.”