Influenced mainly from a sociology of deviance perspective, the article explores perceptions and attitudes towards immigrants in Bulgaria in the context of the intensified migration processes to Europe. Drawing on data from a set of representative surveys, the article aims to reconstruct the social distance specifics, fears and threat perceptions, radicalization and victimization associated with immigrants and to study the way they are affected by spatial and psychological proximity and personal relevance.

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Part of a larger research focused on deviance in the context of intensified migration, the study explores changes in the perceptions of Bulgarians towards migrants and refugees coming to the country or passing by in large numbers in their way to West Europe. Although Bulgaria continues to be predominantly a country of origin of migration, we are currently observing a change of attitudes and reduced solidarity towards migrants and refugees in the country. Drawing on data from a set of representative surveys, we are able to reconstruct a detailed picture of the perceptions and social distance towards migrants. What is more, the design of the survey and samples, enables us to make a comparison and distinction between attitudes of respondents living near centers for temporary accommodation of refugees and the general population, i.e. to study the role and importance of proximity and involvement for social distance, solidarity and perception of migrants and refuges as threat.

The paper introduces the MILIEU H2020 Project ‘Women, disability and inclusion – scientific excellence in Bulgaria’ – a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) project funded under the Horizon 2020 Programme, ‘Spreading excellence and widening participation – Twinning’ Call. The project aims to unlock, foster and sustain high-quality research at the intersection of studies on women, disability and inclusion by promoting collaboration, networking and an intensive exchange of research between partners. As a project to widen participation, MILIEU is specifically focused on driving excellence and enhancing the research-related fundraising and management competencies of the scholars and staff of the coordinating partner from the target country – in this case, the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The paper introduces MILIEU’s goals, methods and expected impact and presents the principal tasks and activities in implementing a project related to fostering research in the areas of women, disabilities and inclusion. It also describes the risks and challenges faced by MILIEU and the consortium and how they were overcome and turned into success stories.