SOFIA: A EUROPEAN CAPITAL CITY WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION.

Sofia, a capital city of a member state of the European Union (EU), is perceived as an emerging metropolis of the Balkans. It is the capital city of Bulgaria, a national territory which is a cradle of civilisation. The city and the municipality are located in a strategic position both from a national and a European perspective. Main transport routes through Europe pass through Sofia. The historical backdrop further supplements the geophysical context, which renders the city a politically strategic focal point. In order to reinforce the existing infrastructure whilst respecting and preserving the geocultural and natural heritage of the city and the municipality, legal instruments for spatial planning were introduced to regulate the city’s development in the coming years. This development has to comply with EU directives aimed at the sustainable improvement of cities and their environs in terms of both a balanced economy and cultural heritage. It concludes by referencing to urban sights, landmarks and culture identified by Sofia’s primary school children – tomorrow’s leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]