IRENE MARIA PLANK

interview and photography by Anthony Georgieff

German Ambassador on Bulgarian wine, the Roman ruins of Serdica and the importance of the Digital Services Act

Irene Maria Plank 8.jpg

With a wide-ranging experience in Berlin, Brussels, Kinshasa, Rabat and Seattle, Irene Maria Plank seems like the perfect diplomat who can with equal ease discuss serious political issues and sample wine, analyse classical music and discuss religion, travel through remote mountain ranges and tend to her cats. Her tenure in Bulgaria started in 2023, but this is not her first time here. Frau Plank was already in Sofia the year before, serving as an interim chief of mission.

Bulgaria surprised me in more than one way. In June, I attended the parliament's opening session. Never did I think this would become a recurring appointment! To see so many elections, campaigns and elections again, this is something I didn't expect. But I think most Bulgarians are, to put it mildly, surprised about this as well.

Second, Bulgaria's young people! I have traveled the country a lot and though I see there are demographic challenges and structurally weaker regions, I am amazed and inspired by the bright, innovative, enthusiastic and dedicated students I meet in all corners of the country. They don't only have an excellent command of German and other foreign languages, but they think outside the box and have aspirations for Bulgaria. I love engaging with them.

And thirdly, Bulgarian wine is wonderful! In fact, I love it so much that I'm countering some long-standing traditions of my own ministry. For our National Day celebrations we have decided to serve Bulgarian wines instead of German wines. We choose a different wine region each year, have a little tasting within my embassy team before we settle on two or three wines. This year it will be the Rose Valley, last year the Valley of Thrace, before that the Struma Valley region. We have been receiving the best feedback for this new tradition! (And of course – the beer we serve is German!)

Inauguration of the new German trains in Sofia

How do you think EU membership can be helpful for some of Bulgaria's challenges?

In my opinion, being an EU member state has enormous advantages for all of us! Leaving aside the well-known facts – single market access, structural and cohesion funds, FDIs, improved infrastructure, educational opportunities, consumer protection standards, cultural and scientific cooperation and so on and so forth – these and other aspects individually, each in and of itself, are a huge gain! We are taking them for granted too often. But where in the world can you find such close cooperation between so many different nations that is going strong, despite massive geopolitical and economic pressures? It is a true miracle! Europe is a wonderful place. Let us treat it as such.

Bulgaria has a place and a voice in the EU: a voice which, in my opinion, it can and should use very confidently. Mitgestalten, a German word for which it is hard to find an adequate translation, "help to shape" in the sense of be vocal, contribute your own questions and ideas, bring your own specific input to the table. Since this is your place – at our common table.

On top of all this the Recovery and Resilience Plan – which each EU Member State got to work out in order to receive funds for local challenges and for making its economy more sustainable – offers a lot of potential specifically for Bulgaria! However, if this money is not accessible for the country, there will be long-term consequences: Bulgaria will miss out on important investments that would make it stronger.

At Alexandr Nevskiy Cathedral in Sofia

And finally, in the communications ecosystem, the Digital Services Act can be of great help in combating hate and disinformation online. In my view, it's about protecting democratic values. What is illegal in real life, should not be allowed online. This regulation forces the big platforms to step up to their responsibility. As we know, laws alone cannot solve the problem. Implementation is crucial – here as well as in Germany.

Is Bulgaria known in Germany?

Bulgaria is a wonderful country with so many assets. I have traveled extensively all over the country – mainly for work, but also some private trips. I am sure many foreigners say this, but it is a country rich in amazing landscapes, fascinating history and culture, mineral springs everywhere, delicious cuisine and people who are very hospitable. Maybe sometimes a bit reserved, but still the best of hosts.

I could go on and on about the nature here. You have the mountains and the sea, you are among the top European countries when it comes to biodiversity, you can show off not only beautiful scenery but also rare animal and plant species that have vanished in other parts of Europe. You have well-educated people, you excel in different sports, you have a high percentage of women in leadership positions. Your music is one of a kind!

However, a lot of this is, unfortunately, not well-known in Germany. I am working on changing this, and I know that the respective Bulgarian authorities are, too. I would love to see the positive and beautiful sides of Bulgaria portrayed in our news, magazines and social media a lot more.

It's a question of communication, I think. And of confidently and optimistically putting yourself out there because you have a lot to offer! In tourism, but also economically, geostrategically – the Black Sea region is becoming increasingly important. Politically speaking, Bulgaria is our go-to partner when it comes to understanding the Balkan region.

I hope that the Schengen membership for air and sea borders will bring more travellers to Bulgaria, and that a regular government would make it easier to invest in long-term cooperation in various areas.

At a friendship match

Last but not least: in my view, expanding the general service mentality would also help in attracting tourists and making them come back again.

Can you name three places in Sofia that you particularly like?

The ancient Roman streets and ruins of Serdica are one of my favourites! Long before modern energy efficiency ideas they had installed underfloor heating using the natural thermal springs. The contrast and interaction of the modern and the ancient is intriguing.

The area in and around Solunska Street is where I always make sure to take my guests to.

In front of the Europe mural in Positano Street

I have added another item on my private strolls with visitors through Sofia, and that is a big, bright and colourful mural right across from the Galabov Highschool at 26 Positano Street a picture depicting builders and craftsmen working together on the construction of a house – the European House. I love the symbolism of it and hope it reminds viewers of the historical exception and immense asset it is for us to have each other within the EU.

I love my balcony at home, where I sit, watch and feed the birds, where I tend to my little herb garden and sometimes even tomato plants.

Speaking of food, I cannot go without mentioning one of my favourite restaurants in the city, and that is the Soul Kitchen: a discovery my son made a year ago, when he was checking out vegan restaurants. This place has become very popular also with many of my non-vegan colleagues at the embassy: we often take our guests there and occasionally host larger gatherings in the tranquil backyard area. Everyone is surprised just how tasty vegan dishes can be.

Since we just hosted the European Football Championship Euro 2024 in Germany, I cannot go without mentioning one more favourite place in Sofia. I loved watching the Germany matches at Yunak stadium! We met there several times with work partners and friends in a very informal atmosphere, enjoying the game but also the drinks, food and good company. Bratwurst, beer and big emotions: a spicy German-Bulgarian mix. Brought the Euro Cup vibes to Bulgaria.

At a conference in Burgas

Do you have a hobby? What do you like to do in your spare time?

Reading. Clemens J. Setz is one of my favourite German-speaking authors. It is fascinating how he works with language. Georgi Gospodinov: He has this amazing way of diagnostically pointing out the mechanisms of our living and being, but without a sense of moral superiority. I like that he neither fools himself nor the reader.

I love animals – I have adopted two stray cats here. A new hobby which I started here in Bulgaria: horo dances! I try to go every week if my schedule allows. It is a good way to unwind, to do something completely different from office work, countless talks and representative tasks. I love how inclusive it is and that it is a hobby that people from all walks of life, from different socioeconomic backgrounds, from young to old, enjoy together.

If you have visiting friends from Germany, what would you recommend to them to do?

Visit a wine region and do a tasting. See one of the UNESCO world heritage sites like Rila Monastery or Boyana Church, the Old Town of Nesebar or some Thracian tombs – to get awareness of the vast, multi-faceted history and culture of this country.

For a true Bulgarian experience: grab a beer and spend an evening at Crystal Garden in the centre of Sofia: a great place for summer evenings with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, pleasant green surroundings and a few bars nearby.

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