Former President Radev on Board of Peace: Bulgaria Should Support Conflict Resolution Initiatives but Based on International Law
Approached by journalists here on Saturday, former president Rumen Radev (2017-2026) said that Bulgaria must support all initiatives aimed at preventing and resolving conflicts, but this must be based on a clear analysis of the country's responsibilities and commitments, and above all on internatio»»»
International Conference on Institutional, Clinical Solutions One Year after Kocani Fire Held in Skopje
An international conference on the institutional and clinical aspects and solutions a year after the Kocani nightclub fire was held in Skopje on Saturday. Participating were high-ranking government officials, international experts, and medical professionals from North Macedonia and other European c»»»
Budget Committee to Hold Extraordinary Meeting on State Budget Extension March 17
The National Assembly Committee on Budget and Finance plans to hold an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday, March 17, to discuss the state budget extension bill. The idea is that the bill should be debated in plenary on Wednesday or Thursday, when the current parliament holds its last sitting, Committ»»»
Bulgaria in Strong Position on Gas and Oil Supplies, Says Foreign Minister
Bulgaria is in a better position compared with other European countries regarding gas and oil supplies, as it relies far less on petroleum products through the Strait of Hormuz, with the main deliveries coming via the Black Sea, said caretaker Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky on Darik Radio, comme»»»
Caretaker Foreign Minister Neynsky Urges Caution on Bulgaria’s Possible Accession to Board of Peace
Caretaker Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky told Darik Radio here on Saturday that Bulgaria’s potential ratification of accession to the Board of Peace, an initiative launched by the United States, could commit the country to financial obligations and possible future actions whose scope remains unc»»»
GERB Leader Accuses Caretaker Government of Acting Like Fully Mandated One
The government is behaving not as a caretaker government, but as one elected with a full majority, said GERB leader Boyko Borissov, who reviewed the construction of the Vetrino–Rupcha section of the Vertical Gas Corridor on Saturday. He emphasized that the cabinet allows itself to dismiss people ac»»»
Central Election Commission Provides Update on Voting Machines and Preparations for April 19 Snap General Elections
Deputy Chair and spokesperson of the Bulgarian Central Election Commission (CEC), Rositsa Mateva, told NOVA TV here on Saturday that around 100–150 voting machines require replacement parts, while approximately 1,000 machines are missing some accessories such as battery cables, power extensions, or»»»
Energy Minister Traikov, US Chargé d’Affaires McDowell Discuss Energy Cooperation, Key Projects
Caretaker Energy Minister Traicho Traikov met with the US Chargé d’Affaires in Bulgaria, H. Martin McDowell, to discuss current issues in bilateral energy cooperation and the impact of global geopolitical tensions on energy markets, the Ministry of Energy said here on Saturday. A key focus of the t»»»
“The Truth Today”: Protesters in Sofia Demand Transparency Over Petrohan-Okolchitsa Case
A protest demanding transparency and answers about the so-called "Petrohan-Okolchitsa" case took place in central Sofia yesterday, where citizens gathered in front of the Palace of Justice. The demonstration was organized by Ralitsa Asenova, the mother of 22-year-old Nikolay Zlatkov, together with »»»
EXCLUSIVE: Cyprus acts as a “third force” in EU sanctions extension vote
EU presidency chair Cyprus has changed its stance on lifting EU sanctions on Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov and now opposes it due to historical disputes with Turkey, a bne IntelliNews source familiar with the Coreper discussions in the EU on March 13. »»»
EU rules on IDs of transgender citizens
EU member states are obliged to amend the data on gender in the identification documents of citizens who have undergone a sex change, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has ruled. The papers of transgender persons in the bloc must reflect their “lived gender” rather than their biolog»»»
There Is Such a People Floor Leader Yordanov Sees No Issue With Bulgaria Joining Trump’s Board of Peace
There is no problem with Bulgaria joining US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, There Is Such a People (TISP) Floor Leader Toshko Yordanov said in a television interview on Friday. Asked whether that support was linked to a wish of MRF Chair Delyan Peevski, Yordanov said Peevski could decide »»»
MPs Ask Cabinet to Submit Bill Ratifying Accession to Board of Peace Charter; Cabinet to Seek Constitutional Court Decision
Parliament Friday voted, 100-54 with three abstentions, to adopt a resolution instructing the caretaker Cabinet to submit a bill of ratification of Bulgaria's accession, as a founding State, to the Charter of the Board of Peace, established on the initiative of the United States. The draft resoluti»»»
MPs Ask Cabinet to Submit Bill Ratifying Bulgaria's Accession to Board of Peace Charter; Cabinet to Seek Constitutional Court Decision
Parliament Friday voted, 100-54 with three abstentions, to adopt a resolution instructing the caretaker Cabinet to submit a bill of ratification of Bulgaria's accession, as a founding State, to the Charter of the Board of Peace, established on the initiative of the United States. The draft resoluti»»»
Caretaker Health Minister Okoliyski: Pilot Cancer Screening Starts in June
Pilot screening for cervical and colorectal cancer is expected to begin in June in three regions of Bulgaria, caretaker Minister of Health Mihail Okoliyski told reporters on Friday. The two programmes were originally due to start last year. In early March, Okoliyski said the Public Financial Inspec»»»
GERB-UDF: No Accession Agreement, Bulgaria Has Joined Peace Board Charter
Georg Georgiev MP of GERB-UDF, who was foreign minister of the Rosen Zhelyazkov government, said there is no agreement on Bulgaria's accession to the Board of Peace. Bulgaria has supported and joined the Charter of the Board of Peace, he said, adding that the EU does not have a unified position on »»»
Citizens Protest in Downtown Sofia Demanding Truth about Petrohan-Okolchitsa Case
Citizens staged a peaceful protest in front of the Palace of Justice in Sofia demanding that the truth be revealed about the Petrohan-Okolchitsa case. The event was organized by Ralitsa Asenova, mother of Nikolay Zlatkov, one of the victims, together with relatives and friends of the other victims.»»»
Bulgaria Introduces R&D Tax Incentives, Industry Group Says
Companies will now be able to deduct an additional 25% of their research and development (R&D) expenses for tax purposes, after the National Assembly adopted on second reading amendments to the Corporate Income Tax Act, the Association for Innovation, Business Excellence, Services and Technology (A»»»
GERB-UD: No Accession Agreement, Bulgaria Has Joined Peace Board Charter
Georg Georgiev MP of GERB-UDF, who was foreign minister of the Rosen Zhelyazkov government, said there is no agreement on Bulgaria's accession to the Board of Peace. Bulgaria has supported and joined the Charter of the Board of Peace, he said, adding that the EU does not have a unified position on »»»
Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria Criticizes Parliament's Resolution on Peace Board Accession
During Friday's debate on a draft resolution requiring the caretaker Cabinet to submit a bill to ratify Bulgaria's accession to President Trump's Board of Peace, Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) said Parliament cannot instruct the government to do this. Parliament voted, 100-54 wit»»»
Bulgaria Evacuates over 2,600 Citizens from Middle East, Government Prepares for Further Risks
Bulgaria Evacuates over 2,600 Citizens from Middle East, Government Prepares for Further Risks Bulgaria has evacuated more than 2,600 of its citizens from the conflict zone in the Middle East in a large-scale operation carried out under difficult conditions, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov sa»»»
International Observers Launch Mission to Monitor Bulgaria’s April 19 Snap Elections
The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has opened an election observation mission for the upcoming snap parliamentary elections on April 19, ODIHR said. The mission is headed by Dunja Mijatovic and consist»»»
Four State Institutions Discuss Measures for Fair Elections
The Prosecution Service, the Ministry of Interior, the State Agency for National Security (SANS) and the Central Election Commission (CEC) discussed joint measures to ensure lawful, fair and transparent elections, to prevent and counter electoral offences, and to guarantee citizens’ political right»»»
Parliament Instructs Cabinet to Take Measures against Fuel Price Shock
The National Assembly Friday tasked the Council of Ministers with taking urgent measures to mitigate the impact of the high prices of crude oil and natural gas. The draft resolution was submitted by MRF-New Beginning earlier in the day and was adopted in a 97-20 vote, with 19 abstentions. The Counc»»»
MRF-New Beginning Floor Leader Pleased with Parliament's Resolution on Board of Peace
On Friday, Parliament voted, 100-54 with three abstentions, to instruct the caretaker Cabinet to submit a bill of ratification of Bulgaria's accession, as a founding state, to the Charter of the Board of Peace, established on the initiative of the United States. The draft resolution was submitted t»»»
January tourism up 6.2%
Skopje, 11 March 2026 (MIA) — The country's tourism saw a 6.2% increase in January compared to the previous year, driven largely by a surge in domestic travel, according to figures released Wednesday by the State Statistical Office. A total of 52,943 tourists visited the country in January 2026. Do»»»
Kaufland Bulgaria to Cut Food Waste by Half by End-2030
The corporate objective of German hypermarket chain Kaufland in Bulgaria is to reduce food waste by half by the end of 2030 compared to 2018. The company commented on the issue of food waste in connection with a new EU directive, which requires Member States to reduce food waste generated by househ»»»
BSP-United Left: Parliament Obliging Cabinet to Submit Ratification Bill Is Usurpation of Authority
BSP - United Left Floor Leader Nataliya Kiselova Thursday said that it is not permissible for the National Assembly, through its own act, to oblige he Government to submit a bill for ratification. She was speaking during the debate before Parliament's vote to instruct the caretaker Cabinet to submi»»»
Middle East War Begins to Affect Bulgaria’s Tourism: Industry Hopes for Domestic Tourists
The ongoing war in the Middle East is beginning to cast a shadow over Bulgaria’s tourism sector, with early signs already visible in reservations for the upcoming summer season, BGNES reported. According to representatives of the industry on the Southern Black Sea coast, the first effects are being»»»
Bulgaria’s Exports to EU Decline in 2025 as Imports Continue to Rise
Bulgaria recorded a decline in exports to European Union countries in 2025, while imports from the bloc continued to rise, according to data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI). Over the year, Bulgarian exports to EU member states fell by 3.8 percent compared to 2024, reaching a total val»»»
Peevski Push Prevails: Bulgarian Parliament Backs Move Toward Trump’s Board of Peace
A decision obliging the Bulgarian Council of Ministers to submit a law for the ratification of the country’s accession to Donald Trump’s so-called "Board of Peace" was adopted in parliament after a vote marked by significant absences and abstentions among MPs. The resolution passed with 100 votes i»»»
Bulgaria, Turkiye Explore Expanding Defence Cooperation Amid Conflicts in Ukraine and Iran
Bulgaria and Turkiye are exploring opportunities to strengthen defence cooperation against the backdrop of the wars in Ukraine and Iran. The issue was discussed during a meeting between Bulgarian caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov and Turkiye’s Ambassador to Bulgaria Mehmet Sait Uyanik at the Co»»»
Financial Expert Karina Karaivanova Elected and Sworn In as Deputy Central Bank Governor
On Friday, the National Assembly elected former EBRD Board member Karina Karaivanova-Ganozova as Deputy Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB), heading the Issue Department. Her candidacy received 101 votes in favour, 28 votes against and 16 abstentions. Karaivanova subsequently took the oat»»»
Bulgaria Reaffirms Support for Taraclia District’s Status in Talks with Moldovan Ambassador
Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister Radi Naydenov met with Emil Jacota, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Moldova, at Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry on March 12, the Ministry said in a press release on Friday. The two discussed the excellent bilateral relations between Bulg»»»
Bulgaria, Japan to Boost Cooperation in Innovation and High Technologies
Caretaker Innovation and Growth Minister Irena Mladenova met with Japan's Ambassador to Bulgaria Chikahisa Sumi to discuss opportunities to deepen cooperation in investment, innovation, high technologies and digitalization, the ministry's press centre said on Friday. Mladenova stressed that Japan i»»»
WizzAir to Open Flight Routes from Varna to Barcelona, Athens, Paris from June 15
WizzAir will open flight routes from Varna, on the Black Sea, to Barcelona, Athens, Paris Beauvais, Debrecen and Gdansk from June 15, Fraport Twin Star Airport Management said on Friday. Thus, the number of destinations WizzAir will operate from Varna Airport in the summer will increase to 23, note»»»
Bulgarian Farm Output Rises Amid Falling EU Prices in Late 2025
In the final quarter of 2025, farm gate prices for agricultural products across the European Union declined by nearly 1.9% compared to the same period in 2024, according to Eurostat. This follows a period of steady increases in the first three quarters of the year. Bulgaria, however, saw a slight r»»»
Bulgaria Bolsters Arsenal with 12 Advanced MARS 3 Rocket Launchers from German-Israeli Deal
Bulgaria is set to purchase 12 MARS 3 multiple rocket launcher systems as part of a broader European procurement initiative. The acquisition falls under a German-Israeli deal, which plans to produce a total of 500 rocket launchers for the German Bundeswehr, with half of these systems designated for»»»
Foreign Ministry Constantly Monitors Global Developments in View of Conflicts, Minister Says
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is constantly monitoring global developments with regard to international military conflicts, said Minister Nadezhda Neynski at a briefing with caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov on Friday. Neynski assured that appropriate measures are taken when necessary. She sa»»»
MPs Instruct Cabinet to Move for Ratification of Bulgaria's Accession to President Trump's Board of Peace
Parliament Friday voted to instruct the caretaker Cabinet to submit a bill of ratification of Bulgaria's accession to President Trump's Board of Peace. The resolution was backed by 100 MPs - from GERB-UDF, MRF - New Beginning and There Is Such a people, and five unaffiliated MPs. 54 MPs from Contin»»»
MPs Instruct Cabinet to Move for Ratification of Bularia's Accession to President Trump's Board of Peace
Parliament Friday voted to instruct the caretaker Cabinet to submit a bill of ratification of Bulgaria's accession to President Trump's Board of Peace. The resolution was backed by 100 MPs - from GERB-UDF, MRF - New Beginning and There Is Such a people, and five unaffiliated MPs. 54 MPs from Contin»»»
Government Will Refer Board of Peace Ratification to Constitutional Court
Commenting on the possibility that Parliament might adopt a resolution to require of the Cabinet to move a bill ratifying Bulgaria’s accession to President Trump's Board of Peace, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said at a news conference on Friday that, if such a decision is adopted, the gove»»»
Bulgaria: Rising Fuel Prices Drive Consumers to Stock Up
Fuel prices at wholesale bases, which supply both gas stations and agricultural producers, continue to rise steadily, prompting increased activity at fuel outlets across Bulgaria. Distributors report that customers are lining up and waiting for extended periods to fill their tanks, trying to take a»»»
Livestock Sector Warns of Crisis in Dead Animal Disposal
Three animal farming organizations have warned of a critical situation regarding the disposal of dead animals in Bulgaria. The warning was issued in a joint statement by the Union of Poultry Farmers, the Association of Pig Farmers and the Association of Industrial Pig Farming, received by BTA on Fr»»»
Bulgaria's Interim PM Honors MFA Team for Historic Evacuation Operation of 2,600 Bulgarians from the Middle East
Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to commend the staff of the Crisis Headquarters for their role in the recent evacuation of Bulgarian citizens from conflict zones in the Middle East and Iran. The operation, described as unprecedented in both scale and complexity,»»»
Religious Denominations Exempted from Rent Income Tax
By amendments to the Corporate Income Tax Act passed conclusively on Friday, Bulgaria's Parliament exempted from corporate tax the income accruing to religious denominations from renting real estate. Under the adopted provisions, the profit from renting real estate owned by a religious denomination»»»
Agriculture Minister Alerts Prosecution Service of Malpractices in Animal Waste Incineration
Caretaker Agriculture and Food Minister Ivan Hristanov submitted an alert to the prosecution service on Friday regarding alleged abuse in a public procurement procedure for incinerators. The Minister made public his alert at a news briefing outside the government headquarters. He said that on his v»»»
Caretaker Cabinet Has All Submitted Documents Regarding US President Trump’s Board of Peace, FM Neynsky Says
Caretaker Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky said at a news conference on Friday that the government has all documents submitted to the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria regarding US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, commenting on Bulgaria’s potential accession to the body. Neynsky said that f»»»
First Lesser Kestrel Returns to Bulgaria from Wintering Grounds
The first lesser kestrel to return to Bulgaria this season from its wintering grounds has been spotted in the village of Kliment near Karlovo (Central Bulgaria), the Green Balkans conservation organization said Friday. The sighting is an encouraging sign for the colony’s growth and the successful r»»»
MPs Adopt Amendments to Budget Extension at First Reading
MPs on Friday adopted at first reading amendments to the budget extension bill with 174 votes in favour and 23 against, with no abstentions. All parliamentary groups supported the proposal except Vazrazhdane. The deadline for proposals between the first and second readings was shortened to three da»»»