Sofia Pride, Family March to Take Place in Sofia on Saturday
Sofia Pride and the Family March will take place in Sofia on Saturday, the Sofia Municipality said, noting that both events have been coordinated with the municipal authorities. Sofia Pride will be held between 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. A concert is scheduled to take place between 4 pm and 6 pm near »»»
Bulgarian Interior Minister Meets with US Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security
Bulgaria's Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev has met with US Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Todd Wilcox, the Ministry said on its website. The two discussed opportunities to expand the highly effective law enforcement cooperation between Bulgaria and the United States. Wilcox»»»
EC to Propose Opening Excessive Deficit Procedure for Bulgaria, Commissioner Dombrovskis Says
The European Commission (EC) will now propose to open an excessive deficit procedure (EDP) for Bulgaria, EU Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis said at the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) press conference on Friday, following a meeting of European finance mi»»»
President Iotova Interviews Candidates for Membership on Central Election Commission
President Iliana Iotova interviewed 15 candidates for membership on the Central Election Commission (CEC), who were nominated by the parties and coalitions represented in the 52nd National Assembly. The head of State is expected to sign a decree appointing the candidates, and they will take office »»»
Finance Minister Donev Takes Part in ECOFIN Meeting
Bulgaria's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Galab Donev attended a meeting of the EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) in Luxembourg on Friday. During the meeting, the Council discussed the economic and financial impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Europe’s econom»»»
Romania asks Ukraine to program drones to self-destruct if they go off course
Romanian Defense Minister Radu Miruta has urged Ukraine to program its maritime drones to self-destruct if they veer into the country’s territorial waters. The official made the remarks after a drifting Magura-type kamikaze naval drone exploded in Romania’s Black Sea port of Constanta on Friday, wh»»»
BNB's Project for Commemorative Euro Coin Dedicated to Bulgarian Alphabet Has Scientific Grounds, President Says
Head Of State Iliana Iotova said that it is completely reasonable for the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) to stand up for their project for a commemorative European coin dedicated to Bulgarian alphabet. The statement was made Friday at a ceremony in Sofia on occasion of Prof. Nikolay Nenovsky's entry»»»
Health Minister on Unqualified People Administering Medicinal, Cosmetic Products Intravenously
The intravenous administration of dietary supplements and cosmetic products, as well as of medicinal products that have not been authorized for use in Bulgaria - except for the permissible exceptions under the Medicinal Products in Human Medicine Act - and of those of unknown origin is prohibited, »»»
Ombudsman Inspects All Migrant Centres, Facilities under Border Police Directorate
The specialized National Preventive Mechanism Directorate within the Ombudsman's Office inspected all registration and reception centres of the State Agency for Refugees, as well as the detention facilities of the Border Police General Directorate, the Ombudsman's press office announced on Friday. »»»
Здравният министър напомни, че е недопустимо извършването на венозни инжекции и интравенозни инфузии от хора без квалификация
The intravenous administration of dietary supplements and cosmetic products, as well as of medicinal products that have not been authorized for use in Bulgaria - except for the permissible exceptions under the Medicinal Products in Human Medicine Act - and of those of unknown origin is prohibited, »»»
Bulgaria Ranks 5th in EU Growth as Economy Expands 3.1% in Early 2026Opinions
Bulgaria’s economy expanded by 3.1% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, placing the country fifth in the European Union in terms of economic growth, according to data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI). Around 3.5 million people were employed during the period, NSI deputy chairman»»»
Gerapetritis: Greece's position on so-called Kosovo remains unchanged
BELGRADE - Greek FM Giorgios Gerapetritis, who is visiting Belgrade, said on Friday Greece's position on the so-called Kosovo remained unchanged, and that his country strongly supported Serbia's EU perspective and recognised the significant progress it had made in meeting in its accession commitmen»»»
Prime Minister Radev: Bulgaria and Turkey Share a Common Interest in Expanding Regional Connectivity
Rumen Radev stated that Bulgaria and Turkey share a common interest in expanding transport, energy, and digital connectivity, which is of strategic importance for the entire region. He made the remarks to journalists at the National Assembly of Bulgaria following his participation in parliamentary »»»
Bulgarian Armed Forces Hold Exercises to Enhance Interoperability
Bulgarian Armed Forces are conducting exercises to enhance operational interoperability, Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov said Friday at Cheshnegirovo Air Base during the Distinguished Visitors Day of the multinational special operations exercise Stealth Dagger 26. "We are in a period of inten»»»
Customs Agency Chief Outlines Plans to Expand Border Infrastructure at Balkan Business Forum
Bulgaria plans to modernize and expand border infrastructure, including the construction of a new border crossing and upgrades to existing facilities, Customs Agency Director Nikolay Shushkov said at the Balkan Business Forum in Bansko on Friday. Shushkov described Turkiye as Bulgaria’s largest tra»»»
Turkiye Among Bulgaria’s Most Important Strategic Partners - Deputy PM Poulev
Turkiye is one of Bulgaria’s most significant partners across a range of sectors and one of its key foreign trade partners, with bilateral trade reaching record levels, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexander Poulev said at the fifth Balkan Business Forum i»»»
Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Meets Niagara Falls, Ontario Mayor
Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova met with Niagara Falls, Ontario Mayor Jim Diodati, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The visit took place on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Canada, the Ministry said on its website on F»»»
Contract for Repair of Bulgarian An-30 Aircraft Extended until August 2, 2026, Defence Minister Says
Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said during Question Time in Parliament on Friday that the contract for the overhaul of the Bulgarian Air Force's An-30 transport aircraft with Ukrainian company Ukrainmash has been extended until August 2, 2026. Responding to a question from Vazrazhdane MP Ivelin »»»
Education Minister: School Curriculum Reform Could Be Completed by End-2027
A procedure to revise Bulgaria's school curricula is already under way, and the Ministry of Education and Science will seek to complete the process by the end of 2027 instead of the currently projected 2029 timeline, Education and Science Minister Georgi Valchev told journalists in Stara Zagora, So»»»
BTA, Bulgarian Association of Recycling Sign Partnership Agreement
The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) and the Bulgarian Association of Recycling (BAR) signed a partnership agreement at the BTA National Press Club in Sofia. The agreement was signed by BTA Director General Kiril Valchev and BAR Board of Directors Chairman Zdravko Bikov. Valchev noted that with this agr»»»
Environment Minister: Enforcement Measure Against Bobov Dol Thermal Power Plant Remains in Force
The compulsory administrative measure imposed on Bobov Dol Thermal Power Plant (TPP) remains in force and has not been lifted, Environment and Water Minister Rositsa Karamfilova said in response to a question from Ivaylo Petrov of Progressive Bulgaria during Question Time in Parliament on Friday. P»»»
Regional Development Minister: Plovdiv's Southeastern Bypass Works to Restart Once Administrative and Technical Issues Are Cleared
Regional Development and Public Works Minister Ivan Shishkov said construction work on Plovdiv's Southeastern Bypass will restart once all administrative, technical and design issues are resolved. At Question Time on Friday, Vazrazhdane MP Angel Georgiev asked about the expected resumption of the p»»»
Population Remains Unhealthy Despite Rising Healthcare Spending, Health Minister Says
The population remains unhealthy despite a significant increase in healthcare spending over the past five years, Health Minister Katya Ivkova told journalists on Friday. Presenting data for the 2021-2025 period, Ivkova said spending on hospital care increased by from BGN 2.6 billion in 2021 to BGN »»»
Burgas Investor Seeks Green Light for North Beach Zipline Project
The concessionaire of Burgas North Beach plans to build a zipline connecting the Sea Garden to the beach, creating a new tourist attraction for the city, Simeon Tsvetkov, a representative of the concessionaire company, told BTA on Friday. He emphasized that visitors would be able to ride from a hig»»»
Public Council Members Take Part in Central Election Commission Candidate Hearings for First Time, President Says
Opening public hearings at the President's Administration building on Friday, President Iliana Iotova said members of the Public Council to the Central Election Commission (CEC) would take part for the first time in the vetting of candidates nominated for members by parliamentary represented partie»»»
Corruption Pressure in Bulgaria Reaches 41%, Experts Call for Stronger Safeguards Against State Capture
Experts discussed various forms of corruption and put forward recommendations for countering them at a public discussion in Sofia organized by the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) in connection with the presentation of its latest report, "Safeguarding the Foundations: Strengthening Instituti»»»
Media Review: June 12
OVERVIEW No single topic dominates Friday’s media. POLITICS Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov in an interview for Bulgarian National Television’s morning programme said that ammunition or weaponry cannot be provided if doing so would violate the law and reduce stocks below the required minimum leve»»»
Romania among EU countries with lowest business use of social media – Eurostat data
Almost two thirds of EU companies with at least 10 employees used at least one social media platform in 2025, with Romania among the member states reporting the lowest levels of adoption, according to Eurostat data. Across the EU, 63.57% of enterprises used social media in 2025, up from 61.1% in 20»»»
PM: Bulgaria Will Continue Implementing Zhelyazkov Cabinet Declaration on Water Releases to Greece in Medium Term
Prime Minister Rumen Radev Friday said that in the medium term, Bulgaria will continue to implement a declaration signed with Greece by the Rosen Zhelyazkov government in 2025 because it is a sound and rational document covering a five-year period. Radev replied to a question from Peter Petrov MP o»»»
PM Radev: US Was Given Enough Time to Plan Aerial Tankers' Relocation from Sofia Airport
Approached by reporters in Parliament's lobby about the USAF aircraft deployed at Sofia International Airport, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said here on Friday: "We gave the US side enough time to be able to plan its steps and seek a new location." In his words, such aircraft should be stat»»»
Bulgaria Approves €195 Million Deal for Seven New Air Force Radars
The National Assembly has approved an investment expenditure for the purchase of seven new three-coordinate radar systems intended for the Air Force. The decision passed with broad support, receiving 186 votes in favor, while only three MPs from “Revival” opposed it. The total value of the project »»»
Bulgaria Ranks 35th in Wealth of Nations Index, Remains Lowest in EUOpinions
Bulgaria ranks 35th out of 40 countries in the 2026 Wealth of Nations Index (WNI), remaining the lowest-ranked EU member state, according to data cited by the Institute for Market Economy (IME). The country recorded 546 points, an increase of 13 points compared to the previous year, but its overall»»»
Bulgarian National Television Director Milotinova Presents Public Broadcaster's Management Programme to Media Regulator
Bulgarian National Television (BNT) Director General Milena Milotinova presented the public broadcaster's management programme to the Council for Electronic Media (CEM), outlining priorities including preparations for hosting Eurovision 2027, digital development and modernization of the television'»»»
Prime Minister Says Georgi Kandev Cited Only Personal Reasons for Resigning as Interior Ministry Acting Secretary General
Former acting Interior Ministry Secretary General Georgi Kandev cited only personal reasons for his resignation, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said on Friday, adding that no professional motives were presented. Speaking to journalists in Parliament, Radev said he had met Kandev after learning of his r»»»
Health Minister Questions High Pay of State Hospital Directors amid Mounting Debts
The salaries of directors of some state-owned hospitals significantly exceed those of senior government officials despite poor financial performance and mounting debts at the institutions they manage, Health Minister Katya Ivkova told journalists on Friday at a press conference at her ministry. Pre»»»
PM Radev Says Turkiye Seeks Renegotiation of BOTAS Deal to Deepen Energy Cooperation with Bulgaria
The Turkish side has expressed interest in renegotiating the BOTAS agreement in order to deepen energy cooperation with Bulgaria, including in both natural gas transmission and electricity transport, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said here on Friday. Speaking to journalists in Parliament, Radev said t»»»
Burgas Region Steps Up Traffic Control for Summer Season
Over 240 uniformed officers, supported by specialized equipment, will take part in intensified road traffic control across Burgas Region during the summer, chief commissioner Nikolay Nenkov of the Burgas Regional Police Directorate said Friday. He spoke at a briefing after a midnight specialized op»»»
Bulgaria Begins Implementing New EU Migration and Asylum Rules
Bulgaria's State Agency for Refugees (SAR) is ready to implement the requirements of the European Union's Pact on Migration and Asylum, which entered into force on Friday, SAR Chair Ivan Ivanov said, as quoted by the agency's press office. Ivanov explained that the pact introduces a border procedur»»»
Parliament Approves Changes to Membership of Standing Committees
The National Assembly approved changes to the composition of several standing committees on Friday. The committees and their leaderships were originally elected on June 4. Petar Vitanov of Progressive Bulgaria was relieved of his membership in the Committee on Labour, Social and Demographic Policy »»»
Parliament Approves Procedural Rules for Selecting Candidates for Deputy Governor of Health Insurance Fund
The Parliament unanimously adopted on Friday the procedural rules on the terms and conditions for proposing candidates for deputy governor of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), the presentation and public disclosure of the documents and their hearing in the Committee on Health, as well as t»»»
Vazrazhdane Leader Claims Foreign Influence Over Bulgarian Foreign Minister Appointments
Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov said in a declaration in Parliament here on Friday that it was an “open secret” that Bulgarian foreign ministers are allegedly nominated by foreign ambassadors, and questioned who appointed the current foreign minister, Velislava Petrova. Addressing the Prime »»»
Independent Analysis of Toplofikacia Needed, Says Sofia Mayor
In order to stop the breakdowns and shock bills, an independent technical, financial, legal and regulatory analysis and audit of district heating company Toplofikacia Sofia EAD is needed, believes the Mayor of the capital, Vassil Terziev. His comment was made in connection with the decision of the »»»
Progressive Bulgaria Supports Holding of Annual March in Support of Traditional Family
Progressive Bulgaria supports the holding of the annual demonstration in support of the traditional family and family values, as stated in a declaration by the Parliamentary Group's Deputy Floor Leader Slavi Vassilev in Parliament here on Friday. Speaking on behalf of his Parliamentary Group, Vassi»»»
Bulgarian Consumer Group Welcomes New EU Honey Origin Labelling Rules
Bulgaria's Association for Affordable and Quality Food welcomed new European Union rules requiring detailed origin labelling for honey blends, saying the measure would improve transparency and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. The rules, which take effect on June 14 under Directive»»»
PM Radev, Cabinet Members to Participate in Question Time
Prime Minister Rumen Radev is expected to answer a question from Peter Petrov from Vazrazhdane about the general policy of the government regarding the long-term supply of guaranteed water quantities to the Republic of Greece, according to the programme for parliamentary question time published on »»»
President Iotova to Hold Public Hearing of Central Election Commission Candidates
President Iliana Iotova will hold a public hearing of the candidates proposed by the parliamentary parties and coalitions in the 52nd National Assembly for members of the Central Election Commission (CEC) on Friday, as announced by the press service of the presidential institution. The head of Stat»»»
Judicial Council Plenum Adopts Decision on Restricted Access to Certain Case Files
The Plenum of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) adopted a decision on Thursday instructing courts to immediately mark certain categories of cases as "restricted access". Case files in some proceedings will not be public, while in other cases only the operative parts of the judgments will be access»»»
Education Ministry Presents Draft 2026 Budget Providing for 5% Pay Indexation
The Education Ministry's draft 2026 budget was presented at a meeting of the Sectoral Council for Tripartite Cooperation in Preschool and School Education on Thursday, the Education and Science Ministry said. Diyan Stamatov, head of the Union of Employers in the Public Education System in Bulgaria,»»»
Foreign Minister, Committee Discuss North Macedonia Restrictions on Bulgarian Citizen's Treatment in Bulgaria
Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova said Bulgarian citizen Iva Mihaylova cannot receive adequate medical treatment in the Republic of North Macedonia. Speaking at a meeting of the Committee on Policies for Bulgarians Abroad on Thursday, Petrova said Mihaylova already has a scheduled admission to the»»»
Bulgarian President, Turkish Foreign Minister Discuss Improving Connectivity, Ensuring Regional Security
For projects aimed at improving connectivity between Bulgaria and Turkiye to succeed, they must be viewed holistically and in the context of deeper cooperation in Southeast Europe, Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova said Thursday during a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who is on »»»