The core responsibilities of the Political Department are:

• Following and analyzing political developments in Bulgaria and the position of the country in the international context, especially in the region.
• Following the CVM-process (Cooperation and Verification Mechanism) and the ensuing reforms in the field of justice and home affairs (reform of the judiciary, combating corruption and organised crime).
• Propagating Dutch government policy and promoting understanding and endorsement for Dutch points of view, among other things by way of active public diplomacy.
• Maintaining good contacts with the Bulgarian government, NGOs and other social institutions, as well as other embassies in Sofia.
• Assisting Dutch delegations (of ministers, officials and representatives of ‘civil society’) on official (working) visits to Bulgaria.
• Supporting the execution of bilateral projects (see 'Financial instruments for cooperation' for more information).

Staff of the Political Department:
Karel van Kesteren – Ambassador and Head of the Political Department
Martijn Elgersma – Counsellor
Andri van Mens – Second Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs and Asylum and Migration Affairs
Boriana Katzarska – MATRA and Political Affairs Advisor
Elena Atanassova – MATRA and Justice and Home Affairs Advisor
Nikolai Stoyanov – Public Diplomacy Advisor

Links:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands  www.minbuza.nl
Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria  www.government.bg
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria  www.mfa.government.bg
National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria  www.parliament.bg