The idea of the Balkan Federation had been active since the second half of the 19th century. However, it was only between 1944 and 1948 that this idea came closest to realization, as the two largest countries in the Balkans at that time – Yugoslavia and Bulgaria – almost merged into a common federative entity. In 1945, the two members had a dispute regarding the structure of the federation. Yugoslavia advocated for a partitioned composition of the federation, in which Bulgaria would be one of the seven federations, while Bulgaria fought for a dualistic composition or confederation, in which Bulgaria and Yugoslavia would be equal members. Misunderstandings and disagreements among external actors temporarily halted the unification process. The next attempt – this time more successful – took place in 1947 when the countries signed agreements in Bled and Varna. The new agreements were meant to initiate a gradual rapprochement between Yugoslavia and Bulgaria, which could have led to a potential federation. However, the following year witnessed the Informbiro conflict between Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union, which destroyed any prospects of future unification in the Balkans.
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