Housing policy in Bulgaria. Recent history, current projects and future trends

Abstract

The first attempts to look at the housing-related issues as an integral component of the national socioeconomic struсture were made in Bulgaria during the 1970s and 1980s during the advancement of the urban and spatial planning. This was, however, done mainly in the theoretical realm and did not inform governance decisions under the then existing political and economic conditions. This book is an attempt to analyse housing and housing policy in the context of the heightened conflict between the natural and man-made environment on a global scale. This conflict is ubiquitous. It necessitates a thorough re-evaluation of fundamental systemic values of the modern civilisation, determining it – economic, financial, ideological. The idea for sustainable development has multiple dimensions and many of these relate to housing and its potential contribution to sustainability. This book aims to foster scientific research and development of adequate governance policies in the field of housing, a truly interdisciplinary area, essential part of the spatial, economic and social fabric of Bulgaria. More specifically, it addresses major issues facing housing policy in Bulgaria based on an analysis of the theoretical and practical lessons from European countries.