This week in Bulgaria
Bulgaria celebrated DARA's victory at the Eurovision Song Contest, with several municipalities expressing interest in hosting the 2027 event. Domestically, news included the appointment of Kostadin Geshev as Deputy Minister of Environment and Democratic Bulgaria's proposal for fully machine-based voting. The country also focused on high school matriculation exams and assurances from the Social Minister regarding timely social payments.
About Bulgaria
Bulgaria, a Balkan nation, is celebrated for its rich historical tapestry, diverse landscapes ranging from the majestic Rila Mountains to the Black Sea coast, and a vibrant cultural heritage. While its European Union membership provides a framework for democratic institutions, the media landscape navigates challenges of ownership concentration and political influence, often leading to self-censorship. This dynamic environment shapes public discourse, necessitating a critical approach to news consumption.
Visiting Bulgaria
Media landscape
The Bulgarian press is legally free, yet it contends with significant ownership concentration and political influence, which can lead to self-censorship and a degradation of media products. EU membership offers some protective measures, but economic pressures persist.
To gain a comprehensive understanding, consult a variety of sources, including independent digital outlets, to balance perspectives influenced by concentrated ownership.
Sources we track 1
Lawyer for convicted Bulgarians in espionage case: They will remain free
- Two Bulgarians convicted in the UK for espionage are currently in Bulgaria and remain free. - Their lawyer stated they have no outstanding claims against them in Bulgaria. - The individuals were con…
Bulgaria signs declaration for more active participation in Coalition of the Willing
- Bulgaria signed a declaration expressing readiness for more active participation in the Coalition of the Willing. - This occurred despite Prime Minister Rumen Radev's previous statement rejecting wo…
Russia Hits One-Third of Ukraine's Grain Export Capacity
- Russian attacks have destroyed one-third of Ukraine's grain export capacity, according to the Ukrainian Agricultural Council (UAC). - Shipowners are reportedly refusing to enter Ukrainian ports due …
Bulgaria's acting chief prosecutor seeks dismissal of Plovdiv appellate prosecutor
- Bulgaria's acting chief prosecutor, Vanya Stefanova, has requested the dismissal of the appellate prosecutor of Plovdiv, Tihomir Stoev. - Stefanova has submitted a proposal to the Supreme Judicial C…
Bulgaria's Health Fund to Cover Scoliosis Corsets
- The National Health Insurance Fund (NZOK) will cover orthopedic corsets for scoliosis and neuromuscular diseases starting next year. - This decision follows a statement from the Commission for Prote…
NASA to use International Space Station until 2030
- NASA will continue to use the International Space Station (ISS) until 2030. - The agreement was reached between NASA chief Jared Isaacman and Roscosmos director Dmitry Bakanov. - This extension ensu…
France, Hungary, Belgium, and Slovakia threatened with U.S. sanctions over Russia dealings
- France, Hungary, Belgium, and Slovakia face potential U.S. sanctions over their continued import of Russian oil and gas. - The threat of sanctions is linked to these European nations' energy dealing…
The July 15 resistance is unprecedented in world democratic history
- The July 15 resistance against the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey is described as unprecedented in democratic history. - The attempt, carried out by a clandestine terrorist network within state institu…
Record Deficit and Spending: Parliament Debates Bulgaria's 2026 Budget
- Bulgarian lawmakers are set to debate the 2026 state budget, which projects a deficit of 5.7% of GDP. - This deficit exceeds the limits set by the Public Finance Act and has drawn criticism from bo…
US sanctions bill against Russia eases pressure on China and India
- U.S. senators have introduced a revised sanctions bill targeting Russia. - The new version eases tariff threats against China, India, and other importers of Russian oil. - This change aims to garner…
Trump Told Netanyahu to Withdraw Army from Syria and Lebanon, US Media Writes
- Former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw Israeli troops from Syria and Lebanon. - The report cites Israeli and U.S. officials. - The …
Defense Minister: Lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia is prerequisite for 'Coalition of the Willing'
- Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov stated that a "Coalition of the Willing" cannot be realized without lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia. - Stoyanov made the remarks before a parliam…
EU Court: Publishing names of doping athletes is legal
- The European Court of Justice ruled that publishing the names of athletes caught doping is legal. - The ruling clarifies European law regarding the disclosure of anti-doping rule violations. - This …
Road safety institutions identify problems, seek solutions with unified information system
- Institutions responsible for road safety agreed that building a unified real-time information exchange system is a key step to improving safety. - This agreement was reached during a meeting of the …
Actress Una Chaplin: Cinema Has Always Been 'Just Work' in Our Family
- Actress Una Chaplin, granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin, discusses her family's approach to the film industry. - She emphasizes that in her family, acting has always been viewed as a job rather than a…
Cyberbullying Tops Europeans' Fears for Children on Social Media, Survey Finds
- Europeans' biggest concern regarding children and social media is cyberbullying and humiliation, cited by 71% of respondents in a recent Eurobarometer poll. - The data, published at the end of last …
France to Allow Ukraine to Produce French Cruise Missiles
- France will permit Ukraine to manufacture French-designed cruise missiles. - Ukraine will also be allowed to produce French precision-guided bombs and air defense interceptor missiles. - This agreem…
Rubio Involved in Campaign Against International Criminal Court
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials are pressuring the International Criminal Court (ICC). - An unnamed State Department official stated this is part of a campaign for the ICC's …
Europe and Ukraine Launch Missile Defense Coalition in Paris
- Ten European nations, including Ukraine, have established a Coalition for Missile Defense in Paris. - The coalition aims to enhance integrated missile defense capabilities. - Bulgaria was not repres…
Kushner Joins EU-Backed Donor Conference for Gaza Reconstruction
- Jared Kushner participated in a European donor conference for Gaza's reconstruction via video link. - The conference, supported by the European Union, aimed to gather support for rebuilding the Pale…
Dismissed NDK chief to be investigated for illicit enrichment
- The National Palace of Culture (NDK) director, who was recently dismissed, will be investigated for discrepancies between his income and assets. - The Accounts Chamber reported several cases of conf…
Rectors to establish second Rectors' Council
- University rectors are planning to establish a second Rectors' Council. - This new council would operate in parallel to the existing one, which has represented higher education institutions for over…
Third Heatwave Turns Unprepared French Hospitals into Greenhouses
- France is experiencing its third heatwave of the year, with temperatures up to 18 degrees Celsius above seasonal norms. - Hospitals in northwestern France and Paris are struggling with the heat, wit…
Russia's fuel crisis escalates, driving up food prices as government measures falter
- Russia faces a growing fuel crisis that is driving up food prices, with government measures proving ineffective. - A Russian lawmaker warned the country could face bread shortages, comparing the sit…
Israel Adopts New Security Logic Centered on "Buffer Zones"
- Israel's security strategy is undergoing a significant transformation following recent conflicts with Iran and its allies, Hamas and Hezbollah. - The new approach involves establishing "buffer zones…
Bulgarian Education Minister assures legal compliance in dual role
- Bulgaria's Minister of Education has stated that he complied with the law regarding his dual roles as minister and university rector. - He explained that he submitted the necessary application to te…
Israel Elections Set for October 27, Netanyahu Confirms
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that elections will be held on October 27, averting early polls. - The decision followed a resolution of a crisis with ultra-Orthodox coalition pa…
Bulgaria's 1991 Constitution: Criticisms and Shaken Foundations
- Bulgaria's current constitution, adopted on July 12, 1991, is facing criticism and challenges to its foundational principles. - The constitution was adopted by the 7th Grand National Assembly during…
Heatwave Threatens France's Corn Harvest, Potentially Weakest in 50 Years
- France's corn harvest is at risk of being the weakest in 50 years due to weeks of intense heat and drought. This potential shortfall could significantly impact European grain production. Farmers and…
Bellingham double guides England to World Cup semis in extra-time win over Norway
- Jude Bellingham scored two goals, including the winner in extra time, to lead England to a 2-1 victory over Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals. - Norway's Andreas Schjelderup opened the scoring …
Lawyers and firms complain about slow work at the Registry Agency
- Lawyers and companies are complaining about the slow work of the Registry Agency. - The deadline for companies to convert their capital from Bulgarian leva to euros will be extended. - The Ministry …
127 fires extinguished in Bulgaria over 24 hours; one person injured
- Firefighters extinguished 127 fires across Bulgaria in the past 24 hours. - One person was injured, receiving first-degree burns in a fire incident. - The data comes from the Main Directorate "Fire …
Erling Haaland: the boy from Bryne who turned waiting into a weapon
- Erling Haaland, the Norwegian striker, is described as a direct and easy-to-read player in modern football. - Standing at 195 cm with a left foot, his game primarily focuses on the penalty area and …
Photo Gallery: Stop, Crab, Pass
- A photo gallery showcases the annual
New World Cup Record Set for Most Consecutive Clean Sheets
- A new record for clean sheets at the FIFA World Cup has been set at 667 minutes. - The record was broken by a goalkeeper who maintained a clean sheet for nearly six and a half matches. - The previou…
'Instagram' and 'Facebook' must change addictive design, European Commission warns
- The European Commission has accused "Instagram" and "Facebook" of violating a key EU law with their addictive design. - The warning targets features the Commission believes are intentionally designe…
Ukraine Introduces New 2000 Hryvnia Banknote Amid High Demand for Cash
- Ukraine is introducing a new 2000 hryvnia banknote, the highest denomination currency in the country. - The new banknote aims to facilitate cash transactions amid high inflation and disruptions to e…
US Confirms Israel to Withdraw from Lebanon Border 'Pilot Zone'
- The United States has assured that Israel will soon withdraw from a "pilot zone" established under an agreement with Lebanon. - This withdrawal is expected in the coming days, according to U.S. offi…
Police Honor Five Volunteers for Rescuing Two People Near Kom Peak
- Five volunteers from Godech were honored by the Sofia Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior for rescuing two people near Kom Peak. - The director of the Sofia Regional Directorate, Senior…
"Democratic Bulgaria" accuses DANS of withholding data on former health fund managers
- "Democratic Bulgaria" accuses the State Agency for National Security (DANS) of withholding data on former health insurance fund managers. - The party claims DANS is selectively providing information…
Kub Corporation Denies State Confiscation of 'Baba Alino' Properties
- "Kub Corporation" stated that no properties in "Baba Alino" were confiscated by the state. - This contradicts a court ruling on July 8, which confirmed the state's seizure of property in the area. -…
Bulgaria's industrial output shrinks 4.8% in June
- Bulgaria's industrial production contracted by 4.8% year-on-year in June, according to the National Statistical Institute (NSI). - The decline was less severe than in previous months. - The mining s…
At least 12 dead in Spanish wildfires
- At least 12 people have died in wildfires raging in southern Spain, according to emergency services. - Some victims were discovered inside vehicles, indicating the rapid and devastating nature of th…
Bulgarian lawmakers to discuss 2026 health and social security budgets
- Bulgarian lawmakers are set to discuss the state budgets for public social security and health insurance for 2026. - The proposed budgets include an increase in minimum insurance thresholds. - The d…
A Month-Long Struggle: Obtaining a New Bulgarian ID Card from Paris Highlights Bureaucratic Hurdles
- Obtaining a new Bulgarian identity card from Paris has proven to be a month-long ordeal involving electronic administrative services. - The process, intended to be time-saving and efficient, has ins…
France Beats Morocco 2-0 to Reach World Cup Semifinals
- France defeated Morocco 2-0 to become the first semifinalist in the World Cup. - "Les Bleus" dominated the match from the start, creating early scoring opportunities. - France's superiority was evid…
GERB and Democratic Bulgaria accuse government of sabotaging Rheinmetall project
- GERB and Democratic Bulgaria criticize the Bulgarian government for allegedly sabotaging a project with the German company Rheinmetall. - The parties claim that a government vice premier has suggest…
Woman Accused of Witness Intimidation in 'Kalashnikovs' Case Held in Custody
- A woman accused of attempting to intimidate a witness in the "Kalashnikovs" case remains in custody. - The Sofia City Court ordered her permanent detention. - The alleged intimidation occurred on Ju…
Two new directives incorporated into the Credit Institutions Act
- The Bulgarian parliament has approved amendments to the Credit Institutions Act, incorporating two new European directives. - These directives relate to the activities of the central bank and third-…
Sofia University Rector Eliza Stefanova Resigns as Head of National Accreditation Agency
- Prof. Eliza Stefanova, the new rector of Sofia University, has resigned as chair of the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NAEA). - The resignation was confirmed by the university in resp…
Homer's 'Odyssey' Gets New Edition Ahead of Cinema Premiere
- A new edition of Homer's "Odyssey" is being released just before its cinema premiere. - The publication features the classic translation by Georgi Batakliev and includes new illustrations. - The pub…
Twice as many students admitted to Sofia high schools "by illness"
- Nearly twice as many students were admitted to Sofia's high schools through an
Bulgaria's Justice Minister Seeks Shift to Democratic Judicial System
- Bulgaria's Justice Minister aims to transform the judicial system from a "family-type" to a democratic one. - Minister Nikolay Hadzhinikolov stated this goal during a television interview. - The min…
Bulgaria Launches AI-Powered System to Monitor Public Finances and Combat Corruption
- Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev launched SIGMA, a system for integrated civil monitoring of public finances. - The system uses artificial intelligence to detect favoritism and inflated prices i…
Judge Denies Dubai Flight With Politician Using Security Certificate
- Constitutional judge Dessislava Atanassova submitted a certificate from Istanbul security authorities to refute claims she flew to Dubai with DPS leader Delyan Peevski. - The certificate reportedly …
$50 Billion in Weapons: What Deals Were Confirmed at the NATO Meeting in Ankara
- Defense companies from NATO member states gathered in Ankara for an industrial forum alongside the alliance's summit. - Officials promoted procurement agreements and industrial cooperation opportuni…
Erdogan seeks Turkey's inclusion in Europe-only defense initiatives
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for NATO allies to remove restrictions in the defense industry. - Erdogan insisted that Turkey should be included in defense initiatives currently limit…
Assen Vassilev Accuses Prime Minister Radev of Amnesia
- Assen Vassilev, leader of "We Continue the Change," accused Prime Minister Rumen Radev of having amnesia. - Vassilev's remarks followed statements made by the Prime Minister on July 7. - The Prime M…
World Marks International Paramedics Day
- The world observes International Paramedics Day on July 8, an initiative established in 2022 by the UK's College of Paramedics. - The date coincides with the birthday of the first paramedic, marking…
Bulgarian Health Fund Approves Urgent Overseas Treatment for Three Children
- The National Health Insurance Fund approved urgent treatment abroad for three critically ill children. - The cases involve stem cell transplants in Germany and liver transplants in Germany and Italy…
Russians switch to propane-butane amid gasoline shortage
- Russians are converting their vehicles to run on propane-butane due to a national gasoline shortage. - Ukrainian attacks on refineries have created fuel scarcity and driven up gasoline prices. - Lon…
Turkey demands recognition as strategic factor in NATO
- Turkey insists on being recognized as a strategic factor within NATO. - This demand follows French President Emmanuel Macron's 2019 statement questioning NATO's 'brain death' and U.S. troop withdraw…
Why Europe Cannot Negotiate a New Yalta With Russia
- Europeans worried the U.S. might negotiate a new Yalta agreement with Russia. - Such a deal would have arbitrarily settled European borders and security over the heads of affected nations. - The art…
Switzerland edges Colombia on penalties to reach World Cup quarterfinals
- Switzerland advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals after defeating Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout. - Colombia's captain Davinson Sánchez missed a crucial penalty by hitting the crossbar, and go…
Bulgarian Ruling Party Promises Social Security Reforms as Budget Passes Committee
- Bulgaria's draft budget for state social security was approved in its first reading by a parliamentary committee. - The ruling party, Progressive Bulgaria, promised reforms to the social security sy…
Greek firms profit billions from Russian oil, defying G7 price caps
- Greek shipping companies are reportedly earning billions by transporting Russian oil, bypassing sanctions. - Firms like Dynacom Tankers, Stealth Maritime, and Onassis Group are increasing revenues b…
Bulgarian Agriculture Minister Announces Incentives for Farm Cooperatives
- Bulgaria's Minister of Agriculture announced new incentives for agricultural cooperatives. - These incentives include financial support and Value Added Tax (VAT) exemptions. - The minister believes …
Six Years After 'Rosenets': Players Change, But the Model Endures in Bulgaria
- Six years after the "Rosenets" incident, the political landscape in Bulgaria has changed, but the underlying issues persist. - A small boat carrying a party leader, a future leader, and a local coun…
Scientists Research How Tattoos Affect the Immune System
- Researchers are investigating how tattoos affect the immune system. - Studies suggest ink particles can enter the lymphatic system and accumulate in lymph nodes. - This accumulation may impact the b…
Burgas court keeps ViK executive director in custody over alleged €303,000 damages
- The District Court in Burgas has ordered the continued detention of the executive director of the water utility company, ViK - Burgas. - He and a subordinate are accused of intentionally causing dam…
London court rules insurers not liable for Nord Stream pipeline explosion damages
- A London court ruled that insurance companies are not obligated to pay compensation for the Nord Stream pipeline explosions. - The court determined that the damage was directly or indirectly caused …
UN chief: Societies undergoing AI experiment without plan or consent
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that societies are undergoing an experiment with artificial intelligence without a clear plan or consent. - He addressed delegates at the first global di…
Albania is a modern dictatorship, opposition figure says
- Albanian opposition figure Tritan Shehu labels the country a modern dictatorship, arguing that current opposition tactics aid Prime Minister Edi Rama. - Shehu expresses happiness that citizens are p…
NATO to Discuss Collective Security and Aid to Ukraine in Ankara
- NATO will convene a two-day forum in Ankara on July 7, under heightened security measures. - The summit will address collective security in Europe and the commitments of the U.S. and EU countries to…
Germany Convenes Emergency Meeting Over Arctic Crisis, Russian Border Activity
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz convened an emergency meeting with ministers and advisors due to Russian troops massing on the Lithuanian border. - The meeting, held in Berlin, addresses a potentia…
Zelensky discussed Gripen use in defense with Sweden
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the potential use of Gripen fighter jets in Ukraine with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. - The discussion focused on how the Gripen aircraft …
Borissov Denies Contact with Constitutional Judge Atanasova Amidst Flight Allegations
- GERB party leader Boyko Borissov stated he has had no contact with constitutional judge Dessislava Atanasova since her appointment. - Borissov's comments came in response to questions about Atanasov…
South Korea to Create Fund with AI Tax Revenue Amid Inequality Concerns
- South Korea plans to establish a fund using additional tax revenue from the booming semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors. - The fund aims to drive future growth and combat rising e…
Netherlands Approves Hosting Tribunal for Russian Aggression Against Ukraine
- The Netherlands has approved the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine on its territory. - The Dutch government's decision includes hosting both the prepara…
Bulgarian Vice President Honors Ministry of Interior Staff for 'Quiet Heroism'
- Vice President Iliana Iotova congratulated Ministry of Interior employees on the 147th anniversary of the department. - She expressed gratitude for the "quiet heroism" of uniformed personnel. - The …
Bulgarian Politician: Magnitsky Sanctions Should Prevent Even Buying Gum, Let Alone Travel
- A Bulgarian politician stated that individuals sanctioned under the Magnitsky Act should not be able to afford even basic purchases, let alone travel. - Ivaylo Mirchev, co-chair of Democratic Bulgar…
Germany Overhauls Social Assistance Rules, Affecting Millions
- Germany has updated its rules for social assistance, known as Bürgergeld, affecting over five million residents, including many Bulgarian citizens. - The changes, effective from the start of July, i…
Bulgaria's promise of spending consolidation remains only on paper
- Bulgaria's promise to consolidate state spending and address its excessive deficit remains unfulfilled, with no legislative action accompanying the 2026 budget. - While the budget forecast for the n…
Sofia Mayor Criticizes State Budget for Missing Key Priorities
- Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev stated that the proposed state budget omits four essential areas critical to society. - Terziev believes the budget proposal reflects the government's true priorities. - Th…
Bulgarian Revenue Agency inspects over 330 Black Sea businesses, finds irregularities in 100
- Bulgaria's National Revenue Agency inspected over 330 businesses along the Black Sea coast starting June 29. - Irregularities were found in 100 of the inspected businesses, primarily related to unis…
Divers and Drones Search Struma River for Second Missing Child in Bulgaria
- Rescue teams, including divers and drones, are searching for a second child missing in the Struma River in Bulgaria. - The incident occurred near the village of Pastuh when two children entered the …
Bulgaria Sees 400% Surge in Competition Complaints, Signaling Renewed Trust
- Complaints filed with Bulgaria's Commission for Protection of Competition surged by 400% in one year. - The head of the commission stated this significant increase indicates restored trust from busi…
Politician Willing to Believe Minister on Atanasova's Flights with Peevski
- A Bulgarian politician expressed willingness to believe the Interior Minister regarding controversial flights. - The politician stated his belief in the minister's account of flights taken by anothe…
Dr. Malchev: Eight Air Ambulances Are Sufficient for Bulgaria's Needs
- Bulgaria needs only eight air ambulances to meet its emergency medical transport needs, according to Dr. Martin Malchev. - Malchev, deputy director of the Center for Air Emergency Medical Aid, state…
Trump condemns communism's threat to US freedoms on July 4th
- U.S. President Donald Trump criticized communism during Fourth of July celebrations, linking it to threats against American freedoms. - Trump specifically targeted the progressive wing of the Democr…
Crucial Days Ahead for Albanian Protests, Edi Rama's Future in Focus
- Two crucial days lie ahead for protests in Albania, with the outcome potentially impacting Prime Minister Edi Rama's political future. - Protesters are focused on reclaiming small urban spaces that …
Americans Mark 250th Independence Day Amidst Somber Mood, Fading Optimism
- Americans are marking the 250th anniversary of their independence with a somber mood due to current challenges and declining belief in the American Dream. - Despite widespread pessimism, some indica…
Europe's extreme heat chills alcohol sales, challenging summer assumptions
- Extreme heat in Europe is challenging the assumption that hot summers boost alcohol sales. - Studies indicate that consumers are less inclined to buy cold drinks like beer or Aperol Spritz when temp…
Northern Bulgaria's Roads Lag Behind, Primary Routes Worse Than Secondary
- Northern Bulgaria has the worst road conditions in the country, with even primary roads in poorer shape than secondary ones. - Data from the Road Agency at the end of 2025 reveals that over 10% of B…
NATO Leaders to Affirm 'Ironclad Commitment' to Collective Defense
- NATO leaders will reaffirm their "ironclad commitment" to collective defense under Article 5 of the alliance's pact during a summit in Ankara next week. - The reaffirmation is outlined in a text app…
Sofia Sees Booking Surge for Vacation Rentals Amid Eurovision Hosting Hopes
- Flat Manager, a vacation property management company, reports a surge in bookings for Sofia in May of next year. - This increase is attributed to the city potentially hosting Eurovision, although th…
Bulgarian police arrest party cashier in €800,000 fraud case
- Police in Bulgaria have arrested a party cashier suspected of defrauding at least 25 individuals out of over 800,000 euros. - The suspect allegedly tricked victims into taking out bank loans under t…
Road Agency decides to remove guardrails on Plovdiv Ring Road
- The Road Agency has decided to remove guardrails on a section of the Plovdiv Ring Road. - The decision follows a fatal accident on November 25 where a mother, father, and their 14-year-old daughter …
Bulgaria's 2026 Budget: Record Spending, No Reforms
- Bulgaria's draft budget for 2026 allocates the largest share of GDP in its modern history. - A significant portion of these funds will go to unreformed systems. - The budget contradicts the Public F…
International Booker Prize Renamed Following New Sponsorship
- The prestigious International Booker Prize has been renamed The Bukhman International Booker Prize. - This change follows a decade-long funding commitment from Bukhman Philanthropies. - The prize re…