The aim of this article is to present and analyse the experience accumulated by Bulgaria in performing activities within the defence diplomacy concept framework. The focus is on the process of establishing a systematic vision and approach towards practicing different 'defence diplomacy' activities during the last decade of both crisis management on the Balkans and preparation of Bulgaria for NATO membership. Despite the lack of a coherent concept, there are significant achievements in the list of the Bulgarian defence diplomacy practice, like the South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial Process, the establishment of the SEEBRIG, the Common Assessment Paper, the consolidation of a regional consensus on breaking the wars on the territory of the Former Yugoslavia, etc. Membership of NATO opens new opportunities for a more active and resultant performance especially in such areas as the Western Balkans, Black Sea area, and the Caucasus. The country's capacity to help with the creation of new national defence capabilities in Iraq and Afghanistan should also be taken into account.