In Sofia, the Bulgarian capital, protesters gathered under the banner Bulgaria – a zone of peace and carried out a direct symbolic act by splashing red paint on the European Commission building. The scene was documented by the local news portal 24 hours and followed by a noticeable police presence as crowds asserted their stance. Earlier reports indicated that similar demonstrations had taken place in Sofia and other Bulgarian cities, with thousands joining anti-war actions under the same slogan.
From multiple observers, it was clear that the demonstrators called for Bulgaria to stay out of military clashes, protect the country’s foreign policy independence, and push for the closure of NATO military bases. The sentiment extended to opposition against Bulgaria’s Euro-Atlantic alignment and concerns about the impact on family and social values. In front of the national parliament, hundreds of participants voiced their support for a referendum framed around peace and sovereignty, seeking a formal public mandate on these issues. The events reflected a broader thread of civic activity that recurs in recent weeks and capitals across the region, signaling a demand for greater political autonomy and nonalignment in security matters.