Norway has announced its decision to close its embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria, as part of a broader diplomatic restructuring effort. The closure is intended to streamline Norway’s diplomatic presence in the region, with its operations in Bulgaria being managed through its embassy in Romania moving forward.
Norwegian officials stated that the decision was made to optimize resources and improve efficiency in managing diplomatic relations in Southeast Europe. While the embassy in Sofia will close, Norway emphasized that its commitment to maintaining strong bilateral ties with Bulgaria remains unchanged. Diplomatic functions, including consular services, will be handled by the embassy in Bucharest, Romania, ensuring that both Norwegian and Bulgarian citizens continue to have access to necessary support.
The move has raised concerns among some in Bulgaria, who fear it could signal a reduced diplomatic presence and engagement. However, Norwegian authorities have reassured the public that the decision is purely administrative and aimed at better managing diplomatic efforts across the region.
The embassy closure is expected to be completed within the coming months, with the transition to the embassy in Romania already underway. Despite this shift, both nations have expressed their intention to maintain a close and collaborative relationship on various levels, including trade, cultural exchanges, and international cooperation.
