SWOT ANALYSIS OF BULGARIAN AGRICULTURE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL: ECONOMIC AND STRATEGIC PERSPECTIVES

This study presents a SWOT analysis of Bulgarian agriculture in the context of the European Green Deal, focusing on the economic, environmental, and institutional dimensions of the sustainable transition. The analysis is based on a combined methodological approach, including a survey conducted among 92 agricultural holdings evenly distributed across the six statistical regions of Bulgaria (NUTS-2), as well as focus groups with representatives of different production models. The research identifies key internal strengths, notably the availability of modern equipment, accumulated production experience, and the application of sustainable farming practices. At the same time, major weaknesses are identified - high production costs, limited access to financing, low innovation activity, and a lack of institutional support. Development opportunities are linked to processes of technological modernization, improved access to markets, and the utilization of targeted funding. The main external threats include regulatory uncertainty and political instability. Based on the empirical findings, specific policy recommendations are formulated, aimed at providing differentiated support for farms, facilitating knowledge and technology transfer, and encouraging innovation in order to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector. The study proposes a framework for assessing the adaptive capacity of Bulgarian agriculture under the transformations driven by the Green Deal and aims to support the formulation of informed managerial and policy decisions.