Ilia Lazarov is a distinguished Bulgarian politician and a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) affiliated with the Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats). He represents the Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) and was elected in the 2024 European Parliament elections.
As an MEP, Lazarov plays a crucial role in shaping European policies, particularly in international trade and agriculture. His political career spans several significant roles in Bulgarian politics, and he has been recognized with multiple state honors for his contributions.
Current Role and Responsibilities
Committee Memberships
- Member of the Committee on International Trade (INTA), where he contributes to shaping the EU’s trade policies and international agreements.
- Substitute Member of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI), focusing on policies related to food security, rural economies, and agricultural sustainability.
Key Policy Focus Areas
- Advocates for economic stability and governance reforms in Bulgaria.
- Actively engages in trade negotiations and policy-making at the European level.
- Supports agricultural development policies within the EU, ensuring sustainable farming practices and fair trade.
Political and Administrative Career
Chief Secretary of the Union of Democratic Forces (UDF)
- Held a key leadership role within Bulgaria’s center-right political landscape.
- Influenced party strategies and policy direction, ensuring alignment with European democratic principles.
Chief of Staff for Former Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov
- Provided strategic guidance and administrative support during Stoyanov’s presidency.
- Played a vital role in shaping domestic and international policies.
Recognitions and Honors
Lazarov’s contributions to politics and governance have been recognized by several European nations:
- Spain – Awarded for his diplomatic and political efforts.
- Denmark – Recognized for strengthening EU cooperation.
- Sweden – Honored for contributions to European integration.
- Malta & Greece – Acknowledged for his role in fostering political and economic partnerships.
Political Vision and Contributions
- Advocates for stable governance in Bulgaria, emphasizing transparency and democratic values.
- Engages in European trade policy discussions, focusing on economic growth and market expansion.
- Supports EU agricultural initiatives, ensuring sustainability and fair trade agreements.
Lazarov continues to play a significant role in Bulgarian and European politics, bringing experience and commitment to policy-making within the European Parliament.
Personal Background
Birthdate and Birthplace
Ilia Lazarov was born on September 19, 1965, in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Education and Qualifications
- Lazarov earned a Master’s Degree in International Relations and International Law from Kiev State University, where he studied from 1986 to 1991.
- His academic background provided him with a strong foundation in diplomacy, international governance, and legal frameworks, which later influenced his political career.
Professional Career Before Entering Politics
Before formally stepping into politics, Ilia Lazarov played key roles in political and electoral processes within Bulgaria, particularly in the post-communist era:
- Election Monitoring & Coordination:
- Shortly after the fall of communism in Bulgaria, Lazarov became actively involved in election oversight.
- He was responsible for monitoring presidential and parliamentary elections, ensuring democratic integrity.
- Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) Roles:
- Held the position of UDF Coordinator for South-Western Bulgaria, managing party activities in the region.
- Led the Information Service of the UDF, contributing to strategic communication and public outreach.
- Key Government Positions:
- Became Head of Cabinet for UDF presidential candidate Petar Stoyanov during his campaign.
- Continued in this role when Stoyanov assumed the presidency, serving as Head of Cabinet from 1997 to 2002.
- Leadership Roles in UDF:
- Served as Secretary-General of the UDF (2005–2007), overseeing administrative and strategic party functions.
- Board Membership in Industrial Development:
- From 2016 to 2022, he was a member of the Board of Directors of the National Industrial Zones Company, contributing to economic and industrial policy planning in Bulgaria.
Family Details
Ilia Lazarov’s family details are not extensively documented in public sources. However, it is known that he maintains a private life, focusing on his political career and responsibilities as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP).
Privacy and Personal Life
- Lazarov has not publicly disclosed extensive details about his family, suggesting a preference for maintaining privacy regarding personal matters.
- His public presence is primarily centered around his political activities, legislative work, and engagements in the European Parliament.
Immediate Family
- There is limited publicly available information regarding his spouse, children, or other immediate family members.
- While some politicians share aspects of their personal lives, Lazarov appears to keep his private life separate from his professional commitments.
Public Engagement vs. Private Life
- Lazarov’s focus remains on his role in public service, advocating for policies and engaging in parliamentary duties.
- His official statements, speeches, and media appearances predominantly address political and legislative matters rather than personal aspects of his life.
Political Career
Entry into Politics
Ilia Lazarov entered politics in the early 1990s, following the fall of communism in Bulgaria. He became actively involved with the Union of Democratic Forces (UDF), a key political force in Bulgaria’s transition to democracy. His political engagement began in 1991 when he was responsible for monitoring presidential and parliamentary elections on behalf of the UDF. This role marked his entry into public service and laid the foundation for his future political career.
Milestones in Political Journey
Over the years, Ilia Lazarov has achieved several notable milestones in his political career:
- 1992: Appointed as the UDF coordinator for South-Western Bulgaria, a role that strengthened his influence within the party’s regional structure.
- 1995: Took on the role of Head of the Information Service of the UDF, playing a key role in shaping the party’s communication strategy.
- 1996-2002: Served as Head of Cabinet for President Petar Stoyanov during his tenure, a position that involved significant advisory responsibilities and direct involvement in state affairs.
- 2005-2007: Held the position of Secretary-General of the UDF, where he contributed to party leadership, strategy, and organizational development.
Key Roles Held
Currently, Ilia Lazarov serves as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), having been elected in the 2024 European Parliament elections. In this capacity, he is actively engaged in European policymaking and international relations.
His key responsibilities in the European Parliament include:
- Member of the Committee on International Trade (INTA): Participates in discussions and decision-making processes regarding trade agreements, economic policies, and global commerce.
- Member of the Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (DLAT): Contributes to strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations between Europe and Latin America.
Net Worth 2025
Financial Disclosures and Public Information
As of February 1, 2025, there is no publicly available information regarding Ilia Lazarov’s net worth. Financial disclosures for Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) vary based on national regulations and European Parliament policies. Specific figures related to individual politicians’ wealth, assets, or earnings are often not disclosed in detail.
Sources of Income
While exact figures are unavailable, potential sources of income for an MEP like Ilia Lazarov may include:
- MEP Salary: Members of the European Parliament receive a standard salary, which is regulated by EU rules. As of recent estimates, the basic monthly salary for an MEP is approximately €10,000 before taxes.
- Allowances and Benefits: MEPs receive additional allowances for travel, office expenses, and staffing. These allowances contribute to their overall earnings but do not necessarily indicate personal wealth.
- Previous Political Roles: Lazarov has held various political positions, particularly within the Union of Democratic Forces, which may have contributed to his financial standing. However, no public records disclose past salaries or financial gains.
- Investments and Personal Assets: There is no publicly available data regarding Lazarov’s investments, real estate holdings, or other sources of wealth.
Transparency and Financial Reporting
- European Parliament Rules: MEPs are required to declare certain financial interests, but detailed personal wealth assessments are not always mandatory.
- Public Declarations: If Lazarov has filed any financial declarations, they are likely available through European Parliament transparency reports or national disclosures.
Current Role in the European Parliament
Ilia Lazarov serves as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), where he is actively involved in several committees and delegations. His current role allows him to influence key legislative decisions, particularly in the areas of international trade, economic cooperation, and foreign relations.
Committees and Delegations
Lazarov is part of the following important committees and delegations:
- Committee on International Trade (INTA): This committee focuses on shaping EU trade policies and agreements with non-EU countries. As a member, Lazarov is directly involved in discussions and decisions that affect trade relations between the EU and other global markets.
- Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (DLAT): The DLAT delegation works to strengthen ties between the European Parliament and Latin American countries. Lazarov’s participation in this delegation helps foster diplomatic and economic cooperation across the Atlantic.
Specific Responsibilities and Areas of Focus
Lazarov’s responsibilities in the European Parliament revolve around representing Bulgaria’s interests and supporting the EU’s broader goals:
- Advocacy for Bulgaria’s Trade Interests: Lazarov works to enhance Bulgaria’s position in international trade discussions, seeking to ensure that the country benefits from EU trade policies and agreements.
- Promotion of Economic Cooperation with Latin America: As part of the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly, Lazarov plays a key role in developing economic and diplomatic ties between the EU and Latin American nations, fostering mutual benefits for both regions.
- Stability in Governance: Lazarov emphasizes the need for stable governance in Bulgaria, which he believes is crucial for strengthening the country’s role in international trade and EU policymaking.
Legislative Initiatives or Contributions
Lazarov has contributed to several significant legislative initiatives within the European Parliament:
- EU Strategy for Nuclear Fusion: Lazarov recently participated in the adoption of a key EU strategy for nuclear fusion, demonstrating his active involvement in shaping energy policy and advancing sustainable solutions for the EU.
Positions on Key Policies
Lazarov has shared his views on various pressing issues in EU policy, reflecting his balanced approach to complex challenges:
Trade
- Lazarov advocates for a unified European approach to trade policies. He emphasizes that stability and predictability in governance are essential for fostering strong trade relations, particularly for Bulgaria, which can benefit from well-structured agreements and collaborations with other nations.
Climate Change and Environmental Policies
- Lazarov supports addressing climate change while cautioning against excessive bureaucracy. He suggests that the EU should adopt a balanced approach, ensuring that environmental regulations are effective but not overly burdensome, in order to allow for sustainable economic growth alongside climate action.
Digitalization
- Lazarov is a strong proponent of digital transformation in Europe. He recognizes the role of digitalization in driving economic growth and sees it as a vital tool for the future of the EU economy. His support for digital initiatives aligns with broader EU goals of fostering innovation and technological progress.
Human Rights
- Lazarov has expressed a commitment to upholding traditional European values, especially when navigating social issues and human rights policies. While advocating for human rights, he maintains a cautious stance on certain liberal policies, reflecting a concern about preserving cultural and societal values within the EU framework.