In the 1990s, Bulgaria moved gradually away from dependence on markets in the former Soviet sphere, increasing its exports to the European Union (EU). In 1999 Bulgaria joined the Central European Free-Trade Agreement (CEFTA), with whose members (Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia; Macedonia was added in 2006) it has established important trade relations.
During the 1990s, Bulgaria transitioned away from reliance on markets in the former Soviet Union and focused on expanding its exports to the European Union. In 1999, Bulgaria joined the Central European Free-Trade Agreement (CEFTA), which has facilitated important trade relationships with its member states.