The Urban Planning Strategy for the Development of Sofia

Recalling the doctoral research undertaken by the author at the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Sofia, this article reproduces the argument for an urban planning strategy for the development of the Bulgarian capital. It concludes that with recent developments in the Balkans, Sofia fell short in meeting the challenges and the steps towards sustainability included in the Sofia Statement of 1998. Its ambition to become a focal point for New Europe in the region is fading away; the city risks retaining the lowest ranking as an EU national capital.