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
Austria prematurely withdraws livestock from pastures due to heat and drought
- Austria is experiencing a severe heatwave and drought, leading to a shortage of water and grass for livestock. - Farmers are prematurely moving cattle from drying alpine pastures to slaughterhouses.…
András Baka elected president of Hungary
- András Baka has been elected as the new president of Hungary by the parliament. - Baka, a former chairman of the Supreme Court, was nominated by Péter Magyar's Tisza party. - The election follows a …
Second-hand clothing no longer a compromise for Bulgarians, who increasingly shop pre-owned
- Bulgarians are increasingly choosing second-hand clothing, driven by both lower prices and perceived quality. - The trend signifies a shift from second-hand clothing being solely a budget option to …
DNA from 2024 sabotage found on drone at Leipzig airport
- DNA evidence found on a drone that crashed at Leipzig Airport links to a 2024 sabotage incident targeting warehouses. - Reports suggest a connection to the arson of a DHL logistics center in Leipzig…
Trump Left NATO Summit Secretly Via Military Jet Amid Assassination Threat
- Donald Trump reportedly left a NATO summit in Turkey secretly via military aircraft. - His departure was allegedly prompted by a serious assassination threat from Iran. - The White House has not off…
Fentanyl is reshaping Bulgaria's drug market, replacing heroin
- Synthetic drugs, particularly fentanyl, are rapidly changing Bulgaria's drug market. - Seizures of heroin have sharply decreased, while fentanyl confiscations have multiplied. - This shift indicates…
Bulgarian and Turkish Police Academies to Sign Cooperation Agreement
- Turkey's Minister of Interior, Mustafa Çiftçi, is visiting Bulgaria for an official trip. - A key event during the visit will be the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the police acade…
Manhunt. The Rise of Fentanyl. Is There a Way Out of Putinism
- This text is the daily "Morning Briefing" newsletter from Dnevnik, curated for subscribers. - The newsletter focuses on news expected to have lasting significance, serving as an informational guide …
European Journalists Urge Media Not to Glorify Vigilantism After Teen Murder
- The Association of European Journalists - Bulgaria issued a statement regarding a murder by teenagers in Plovdiv. - The organization urged media not to glorify vigilantism or illegal acts. - The sta…
Bulgarian Judge: Public Must Know What Happened in Court Cases
- A judge in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, emphasized the importance of public knowledge regarding court proceedings. - Judge Petko Minev stated that transparency allows society to understand court activities an…
British music festivals introduce ticket installment payments
- UK music festivals are showing signs of recovery, with major events like Boomtown selling tickets rapidly this year. - The increased ticket sales are attributed to the introduction of installment pa…
"A Terribly Good Person" by Kirsten King: An Excerpt
- Dnevnik is publishing an excerpt from Kirsten King's highly anticipated debut novel, "A Terribly Good Person." - The novel introduces the character of Lillian, described as chaotic, impulsive, and a…
Does Germany provide good conditions for seasonal workers?
- The article questions whether Germany provides adequate living and working conditions for seasonal workers. - It highlights that despite established regulations, violations are common, with reports …
South Korea sees surge in 'Ma-tong' debt; defaults rise among young and elderly investors
- The outstanding balance of minus-one accounts (Ma-tong) across South Korea's five major commercial banks has surged by over 3 trillion won since late last year. - Concerns are rising over the increa…
Biden's prostate cancer has spread and is painful, son reports
- President Joe Biden's prostate cancer has spread beyond his bones and is causing significant pain, according to his son, Hunter Biden. - Hunter Biden described the condition in an interview with the…
Dnevnik Team Shares Second Part of Summer Reading List: Exploring Memory, Loss, and Freedom
- The second part of Dnevnik's summer reading list features books on memory, loss, and freedom. - The first part included crime mysteries, Bulgarian literature, historical novels, and popular science…
Court Backs Farmer Whose Pastures Were Marked for Development
- A court in Elin Pelin has sided with a farmer whose pastures were taken by the municipality for development. - The farmer, who owns 139 cows, had previously used 200 decares of municipal land for gr…
Why Typhoons Have Such Strange Names
- Typhoons are given unusual names, such as Dim-sum, Geguri, Burapha, and Thiru. - These names are drawn from various cultures and languages, including Korean, Thai, and Micronesian. - The naming conv…
Only Regional DPS Leader Remains in Custody Over Burgas Water Utility Affair
- Only the regional leader of the DPS party for Burgas, Hristo Shirokov, remains in custody following an investigation into a local water utility company (ViK). - The Burgas Regional Court ordered his…
Downed Drone in Bulgaria Identified as Ukrainian Army 'Maya' Decoy
- Authorities in Bulgaria have identified a downed drone near the former Kardam border crossing as a "Maya" decoy drone. - Initial analysis of the wreckage indicates the drone is of a type widely used…
Tension Erupts at Bulgarian Youth Camp Involving Italian Jewish Teenagers
- A group of Italian Jewish teenagers on a youth camp in Bansko, Bulgaria, became involved in a tense situation. - The incident occurred outside their hotel when a group of youths dressed in black app…
Plovdiv and Bansko: Fascization or Isolated Incidents?
- The article questions whether recent incidents in Plovdiv and Bansko represent a broader trend of "fascization" or are isolated events. - It emphasizes the need for a unified societal response again…
Bulgarian Podcast "Word of the Week" Concludes Seasons, Features Artist Interpretation
- The "Word of the Week" podcast with host Iva Doichinova has concluded its first two seasons. - During the seasons, 36 guests shared 36 words significant to their worldview. - Artist Damyan Damyanov …
"It just hits you": Desperation inspires two women to create a platform for caregivers
- Two women in Bulgaria created a platform to support caregivers, inspired by their own difficult experiences. - The platform aims to address the growing need for elder care in Bulgaria, where a signi…
Under the Eiffel Tower in the Amazon
- The Amazon Theatre in Manaus, Brazil, is a unique cultural venue constructed with materials from around the world. - It features ceramic tiles from Alsace, marble from Italy, and steel from Scotland…
Why Concrete Barriers Are the Exception on Bulgarian Roads
- Concrete barriers are rarely used on Bulgarian roads, despite their importance in preventing head-on collisions. - Trucks frequently breach existing guardrails on highways like Trakia, leading to se…
US box office earns billions, but fewer viewers fill cinema seats
- The American box office achieved its most successful weekend in history last week, driven by the films "Spider-Man: No Way Home" and "The Odyssey." - However, the industry's recovery is increasingly…
Alcaraz Withdraws from Cincinnati Masters, Postponing Tennis Comeback
- Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati, delaying his return to the professional tennis tour. - Alcaraz is currently practicing and hitting the ball with full…
Bulgaria launches public debate on 'fair price' methodology for basic foods
- The Bulgarian government has released a draft methodology for determining "fair prices" for basic food items for public discussion. - The Ministry of Economy announced the methodology aims to create…
Sofia Municipal Inspectors Now Use Body Cameras for Construction Site Checks
- Municipal inspectors in Sofia are now equipped with body cameras during construction site inspections. - The initiative aims to increase transparency and efficiency in oversight activities. - Sofia …
Sofia invests 367 million euros in new trams, trolleybuses, and buses
- Sofia Municipality plans to invest 367 million euros in modernizing its public transport system. - The funds will be used to acquire new trams, trolleybuses, and buses. - The investment will be fina…
Sofia to Save Over 81 Million Euros on New Cleaning Contract
- Sofia, Bulgaria, expects to save over 81 million euros through a new contract for cleaning services in three districts. - The new agreement is with the company 'Chista Sofia,' a consortium including…
Bulgarian Children's Network Urges State Policy After Plovdiv Murder
- The National Network for Children in Bulgaria is calling for a state policy following a recent murder in Plovdiv. - The organization emphasizes that vigilantism does not protect children but rather …
Global Food Prices Hit 3.5-Year High Amid Heatwaves and Conflicts
- Global food prices have reached their highest level in three and a half years. - Hot weather and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are cited as primary causes. - The United Nations Fo…
NATFIZ Students Accept Mediator in Conflict with Rector
- Students at NATFIZ, the National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts in Bulgaria, have accepted Evtim Miloshev as a mediator in their conflict with the rector. - The protesting students demand the resi…
Thai Teen Kills Seven, Then Himself, in Bangkok School Attack
- A teenager in Thailand killed at least seven people before taking his own life in a school in Bangkok. - Police identified the victims, including the perpetrator's grandparents, in what is described…
Children's 'Justice' Dispensing Signals Adult Powerlessness, Says Psychologist
- Children acting as vigilantes and dispensing their own brand of justice indicates a failure of adult responsibility, according to a psychologist. - Social media plays a role, but blaming it entirely…
Vigilantism Does Not Protect Children, But Harms Their Environment, Says Bulgarian NGO
- The National Network for Children in Bulgaria argues that vigilantism does not protect children but harms their environment. - The organization stated that protecting children and upholding the rule…
Maternity, Pensions, Unemployment Funds Now Payable via Revolut
- Bulgaria's National Social Security Institute (NSSI) now allows payments like maternity benefits and unemployment funds to be received via Revolut. - This change, effective August 1, expands payment…
Bulgaria's Environment Ministry Prepares Fines Based on Company Revenue for Pollution
- Bulgaria's Ministry of Environment and Water is preparing a legal revision to set fines for pollution and environmental violations as a percentage of companies' revenue. - This change aims to increa…
Burgas Water Company Executives Accused of Operating as Organized Crime Group
- Prosecutors in Burgas have accused top officials at the municipal water company (ViK - Burgas) of operating as an organized crime group. - Three detained executives face charges related to their all…
Europe Pushes for Nature Investment After Billions in Fire Damage
- The European Union will urge member states to increase investments in environmental management to reduce the risk of forest fires. - The push comes after billions of euros in damages caused by recen…
British Foreign Secretary Announces New Sanctions Package Against Russia
- British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced a new package of sanctions against Russia. - The sanctions aim to increase pressure on individuals and companies supporting Russia's war in Ukraine. -…
Bulgaria's Finance Ministry pledges to defend state interests in Plovdiv Fair case
- Bulgaria's Ministry of Finance vows to protect the state's interest in the Plovdiv Fair case. - The ministry stated it has not yet received any notifications or court orders from the Supreme Court o…
New opening date for metro to "Levski G" set for August 15
- The opening date for the metro extension to "Levski G" in Sofia has been set for August 15. - This new deadline is provisional and depends on the state acceptance commission's approval. - The inform…
Interactive map now shows all Black Sea water facilities
- Bulgaria's Ministry of Transport has launched an interactive map displaying all registered water facilities along the Black Sea coast. - The digital tool consolidates data on these facilities in rea…
Following incidents in Plovdiv and Bansko: The state must investigate hate, not justify it
- The article argues that the state must investigate hate crimes rather than justify them, following incidents in Plovdiv and Bansko. - It suggests that politicians' refusal to condemn discrimination …
Revenue Agency and Border Police to inspect goods with high fiscal risk
- The National Revenue Agency (NRA) and Border Police are launching joint checks on goods with high fiscal risk. - The initiative aims to increase control over imports and combat tax evasion. - The ch…
London to Debut Robotaxis with Safety Drivers as Uber and Wayve Gain Licenses
- Uber and British company Wayve have received a license to operate robotaxis in London. - Initially, these vehicles will have a human driver behind the wheel. - Wayve's vehicles are designed to be au…
Bulgaria a 'Phenomenon' in Balkan Fentanyl Distribution, Analyst Says
- Bulgaria is considered a "phenomenon" in the Balkans regarding fentanyl distribution, according to an expert. - Street fentanyl typically contains only 2-3% active substance, suggesting it's often i…
"I'm not that good with boundaries in love": LP on the freedom to be oneself
- Singer LP discusses the freedom to be oneself and the nature of artistic expression in a new interview. - LP believes that once a song is released, it belongs to the audience, who are then free to i…
Artificial intelligence detects hidden health risks in sleep studies
- Artificial intelligence can detect hidden health risks during sleep studies, according to a publication in Nature. - AI analysis of routine sleep data identified health markers that doctors previous…
Fentanyl Surges in Bulgaria, Displacing Heroin Amid Major Crackdown
- Bulgaria is seeing a sharp increase in seized fentanyl doses over the last two years, with official data indicating a significant rise. - This trend coincides with the country's largest-ever operati…
Yemen's Houthis Attack Saudi Tankers
- Yemen's Houthi rebels attacked Saudi oil tankers off the coast of the Red Sea port city of Yanbu. - The Houthi group also conducted a separate missile attack on another Saudi oil tanker in the Gulf …
Bulgarian official warns of return to 'old guard' in Interior Ministry regional directorates
- A warning has been issued in Bulgaria regarding the potential restoration of personnel from previous eras within regional directorates of the Ministry of Interior (MoI). - The statement suggests tha…
Anti-Semitic Act or Verbal Conflict? Investigation Underway into Incident with Jewish Youths in Bansko
- An incident involving Italian children of Jewish origin in Bansko, Bulgaria, has sparked strong reactions. - The event, which occurred on August 2, is being investigated as either an anti-Semitic ac…
Kostadin Angelov announces ruling parties are secretly preparing healthcare reforms
- Kostadin Angelov, chairman of the parliamentary health committee and GERB MP, claims the ruling coalition is planning significant reforms to the healthcare system. - Angelov alleges these reforms ar…
Putin Appoints Denis Lyapunov Commander of Future Russian Drone Forces
- Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed Denis Lyapunov as the commander of the future Russian drone forces. - These forces will be responsible for the deployment and use of drones on the batt…
UN Warns of New Global Food Price Surge Driven by War and Climate
- The UN warns that the world is on the verge of a new surge in food price inflation. - This is attributed to a combination of factors including wars in Iran and Ukraine, and the El Niño climate pheno…
Serbia to allow local firms to supply its refinery amid low Danube levels
- Serbia will allow local oil companies to use the NIS refinery to ensure supplies for August. - This measure is a response to high demand and critically low water levels on the Danube River. - The de…
US Senate Pauses Expedited Procedure for Russia Sanctions
- The U.S. Senate has paused expedited procedures for imposing "hellish sanctions" against Russia. - The move was initiated by Senator Raphael Warnock, who supports aid to Ukraine but fears the legisl…
Bulgaria's National Children's Hospital Project Excluded from 2026 Budget, Igniting Political Firestorm
- The Bulgarian government's decision not to include the National Children's Hospital project in the 2026 budget has sparked sharp political debate. - Prime Minister and Health Minister are facing cri…
Dnevnik Newsletter: Your Daily Compass for Tomorrow's News
- This article is an excerpt from the "Morning Dnevnik" newsletter, designed for subscribers of Dnevnik. - The newsletter focuses on news expected to have significance for the following day. - It serv…
US Senate to decide if Dr. Fauci faces criminal charges over COVID-19 handling
- Dr. Anthony Fauci may face criminal prosecution over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. - Fauci refused to answer over 100 Senate questions regarding his pandemic management, leading to a confro…
Bulgarian Interior Ministry: Single base supplied all fentanyl in country
- Bulgaria's Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Lyubomir Nikolov, stated that a specific base was the source of all fentanyl distributed in the country. - Nikolov expressed hope that the ana…
Protesters Occupy Ancient Tree to Block Border Wall Construction in Arizona
- Protesters in Arizona climbed a century-old cottonwood tree to prevent its removal. - The tree is slated for removal to make way for a border wall construction project. - Activists are employing dir…
Interior Ministry Secretary General hopes fentanyl users face withdrawal starting tomorrow
- Bulgaria's Interior Ministry Secretary General expressed hope that fentanyl would be scarce starting tomorrow. - He stated that all the fentanyl distributed in Bulgaria originated from a specific ba…
Zelenskyy: Russians are proud of their mistreatment of people
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged increased international pressure on Russia. - His call follows the release of a video showing a Kherson resident being targeted by a Russian drone. - Ze…
Germany and France May Take State Control of Tank Maker KNDS
- Germany is considering a plan to take full state control of KNDS, a tank manufacturer, in cooperation with France. - The move is reportedly driven by strategic considerations regarding the defense i…
Bulgarian Ministry Issues 100th Construction Permit in First 100 Days
- The Bulgarian Ministry of Regional Development issued its 100th construction permit within the first 100 days of the current government. - The permits cover projects including those under the recove…
After Record Losses, Business Union Demands Urgent Concession for Sofia Heating Company
- The Confederation of Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria (KRIB) is urging the Sofia Municipal Council to grant a concession for "Toplofikatsia - Sofia". - This call comes after the municipal he…
Bulgarian prosecutors ordered to pay over 150,000 levs after returning destroyed seized car
- The Bulgarian Prosecutor's Office was ordered to pay over 150,000 Bulgarian levs in damages. - The compensation was awarded after the prosecution returned a seized new Audi A8 in a nearly destroyed …
"Sporten Dnevnik": Talent mission asks the right question, but the answer is not yet complete
- The "Sporten Dnevnik" bulletin raises questions about talent development in Bulgarian football. - The publication suggests that while the right questions are being asked, the answers are not yet com…
Dacia, Ford Suspend Romanian Production to Aid Energy Conservation
- Dacia and Ford are voluntarily suspending production at their Romanian plants until August 19 to aid the country's energy conservation efforts. - The measure is expected to reduce energy consumption…
Bulgaria's Personal Insolvency Law Takes Effect
- Bulgaria's Personal Insolvency Act is now in effect, allowing individuals to declare bankruptcy. - The official Registry of Personal Insolvency has been launched by the Registry Agency. - The regist…
Nearly 4,600 Activate 'eZdrave' Health App in One Week
- Nearly 4,600 citizens activated the 'eZdrave' application in the past week. - The Ministry of Health announced that regional health inspectorates will assist citizens. - The 'eZdrave' app aims to im…
Bulgarian Retail Association warns of surge in fake brand websites during sales
- The Bulgarian Retail Association warns of an increase in scams involving fake websites mimicking popular brands. - These fraudulent online stores lure consumers with unrealistic offers and deep disc…
Bulgaria to close all disability institutions by 2035 with over 380 million euro investment
- Bulgaria's Ministry of Labor and Social Policy announced a new strategy to close all institutions for people with disabilities by 2035. - The strategy involves significant investments exceeding 380 …
Bulgaria Sees Rise in Construction Permits and New Building Starts
- Bulgaria saw an increase in construction permits issued in April, June, and July compared to the previous year. - The number of buildings investors began constructing also rose during these months. …
'One artwork, one display window': Nora Ampova makes contemporary art more visible
- Artist Nora Ampova launches 'Trotoar View,' a new contemporary art initiative in urban spaces. - The project features one artist, one artwork, and one display window, aiming to increase the visibili…
Ministry of Agriculture Begins Mass Inspections of Fruit and Vegetable Imports
- Bulgaria's Ministry of Agriculture has initiated widespread inspections of imported fruits and vegetables at its borders. - Inspections are being conducted at borders with Turkey and North Macedonia…
Turkey to Form Legal Framework for PKK Dissolution
- Turkey plans to establish a legal framework for the dissolution of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). - The ruling party is expected to submit a bill to parliament on Monday to create legal conditi…
University autonomy in Bulgaria is largely administrative
- The Law on Higher Education in Bulgaria defines academic autonomy's core values as intellectual freedom and the creative nature of educational and research processes. - However, the article suggests…
If propaganda triumphs over journalism (about Russia, the war in Ukraine, and Bulgaria)
- The article discusses the struggle between propaganda and journalism, particularly concerning Russia, the war in Ukraine, and Bulgaria. - It suggests that educated and competent individuals must exp…
World produces more electricity; nuclear's share halved in 25 years
- Global electricity production is increasing, but the share of nuclear power has halved over the past 25 years. - Renewable sources like solar and wind power are gaining a larger share, particularly …
EU convenes emergency council Tuesday over Ceuta crisis
- The European Union will convene an extraordinary Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting on Tuesday. - The meeting is in response to the crisis in Ceuta. - Ireland's Prime Minister Micheál Martin a…
Borissov calls information about receiving bribes from Vasil Bozhkov a lie
- Boyko Borissov has denied allegations of receiving bribes from Vasil Bozhkov. - The claims stem from information published by the investigative website Bird.bg. - The U.S. Treasury Department's Offi…
EU to Crack Down on Greenwashing with New Regulations
- New EU regulations, effective September 27, 2026, will restrict unsubstantiated sustainability claims by businesses. - Companies must clearly specify which part of a product or activity an environme…
Italians protest beach concessionaires over free access
- Activists in Italy are protesting against the concessionaires of beaches who are selling umbrellas and sunbeds. - The activists advocate for free access to all beaches, clashing with operators who h…
Bulgaria allows purchase of properties as small as 1 square meter
- It is now possible to purchase even 1 square meter of property in Bulgaria. - Despite high prices, the Bulgarian real estate market remains attractive to investors seeking returns beyond low bank de…
Two 18-year-olds critically injured in unregistered motorcycle crash
- Two 18-year-olds are in life-threatening condition following a head-on collision involving two unregistered motorcycles. - The accident occurred around 5:30 a.m. in the village of Kovatitsa, near Lo…
Wildfires out of control in several parts of Greece amid strong winds
- Multiple wildfires are raging out of control in various locations across Greece. - Strong winds are hampering firefighting efforts. - No casualties have been reported so far, according to the Bulgar…
Sofia Municipality Updates Platform for Non-Emergency Citizen Reports
- Sofia Municipality is updating its "Call Sofia" platform for submitting non-emergency citizen reports starting today. - The changes affect how citizens' reports are processed, from initial problem d…
Bulgaria's Ombudsman to Challenge Budget in Constitutional Court
- Bulgaria's Ombudsman, Velislava Deneva, announced plans to challenge the national budget in the Constitutional Court. - Deneva intends to contest specific provisions within the budget law concerning…
Thousands gather in Kyiv demanding reinstatement of Fedorov
- Thousands gathered in Kyiv to protest the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov as Minister of Defense. - Protesters sent a signal to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressing their dissatisfaction with the …
Firefighting continues under Mount Sharaliya in Pirin
- Firefighting efforts continue under Mount Sharaliya in Bulgaria's Pirin National Park. - Personnel from the regional fire department, park directorate, forestry services, and volunteers are involved…
Farmers' market calendar for August
- Interest in farmers' markets in Bulgaria is growing, driven by concerns over food quality and origin. - The discussion around food prices in Bulgaria increasingly includes quality and provenance. - …
Bordeaux wineries sidestep wildfire, but climate threats loom large
- Wineries near Bordeaux narrowly avoided the major wildfire. - The disaster highlighted climate risks, with heatwaves and drought threatening grape yields and quality. - The region faces ongoing chal…
Befriending the Rock Face
- Cyclists are a common sight on the roads of Italy's Dolomite Mountains, undeterred by steep climbs and sharp descents. - Riders navigate treacherous roads with sheer drops, relying on skill and trus…
Trump: Israel 'Really Happy' with Hamas Disarmament Deal
- Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Israel is "really happy" with the agreement reached with Hamas. - The agreement, brokered by the Peace Council, aims for the complete disarmament of th…