Latest News from Bulgaria
Cloudy Skies and Rain in Parts of Bulgaria on December 3
On December 3, Bulgaria will experience predominantly cloudy skies, with rain expected in parts of Southeastern Bulgaria. Winds will be light to moderate, coming from the northeast. Daytime temperatures will range between 4°C and 9°C, with Sofia seeing highs around 6°C.
Economic Impact of Schengen Membership: Bulgaria Stands to Gain Substantial Benefits
Bulgaria's admission to the Schengen area could bring substantial financial benefits, amounting to an estimated 1.63 billion leva annually. This projection comes from a study conducted by the Institute for Economic Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, commissioned by the Ministry of Economy and Industry to evaluate the economic implications of joining Schengen.
Mass Layoffs Impact Thousands of Bulgarian Workers Amid Investor Withdrawals
Mass layoffs have resurfaced in Bulgaria's labor market, with nearly 10,000 workers affected in the past two years. Once associated with the closure of major industries, this process has gained renewed attention as significant foreign investors withdraw from the country.
Banking Sector in Bulgaria Reports 3 Billion Leva Profit, Faces Potential New Taxation
Bulgaria's banking system is on track to surpass three billion leva in profits again this year, following the record-breaking 3.4 billion leva reported in 2023. According to the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB), commercial banks in the country had already posted a total profit of 3.0 billion leva by the end of October.
Bulgaria's Average Salary Rises to 24,485 Leva in 2023
In 2023, the average gross annual salary in Bulgaria reached 24,485 leva, marking a 15.3% increase compared to the previous year, according to data released by the National Statistical Institute (NSI).
Bulgaria’s Caretaker Prime Minister Pushes for Increased Defense Spending Above 2% of GDP
Caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev has announced a request to the Ministry of Finance to ensure that defense spending exceeds 2% of Bulgaria's gross domestic product (GDP). This commitment aligns with NATO's broader goals, which urge member states to allocate even higher percentages for defense, targeting 2.5% of GDP by 2025 and encouraging a move toward 3%.
EU Freezes 1.2 Billion Leva Payment to Bulgaria Due to Reform Delays
Bulgaria's request for the second tranche of funding under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) has been met with resistance from Brussels. The European Commission has withheld the release of the payment, which amounts to 1.2 billion leva (653 million euros), citing the country's failure to meet several key reforms outlined in the plan.
Bulgaria's PM Urges Parliament to Prioritize Budget Adoption Amid Political Uncertainty
Caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev emphasized that the adoption of the national budget remains a top priority for Bulgaria. He urged the 51st National Assembly to begin its work so that the budget can be discussed and approved. Glavchev noted that the Ministry of Finance has already prepared the budget and shared it with political parties.
Petrohan Pass Blocked by Fallen Trees Amid Winter Weather Chaos
The Petrohan Pass remains fully closed to traffic due to numerous fallen trees obstructing the road, as reported by Nova TV. This has prompted authorities to direct drivers to alternative routes. Those traveling from Sofia are advised to detour via Iskrets, Svoge, and Vratsa, while traffic heading in the opposite direction is being redirected through Varshets.
Coalition Challenges Push Bulgaria Toward Potential April Elections
In Bulgaria, the political climate remains tense as parties struggle to form a stable coalition following parliamentary elections. The uncertainty has persisted, with significant divisions between key political groups such as GERB, "We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB), and the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP).
Variable Conditions Across Bulgaria on December 2: Snow, Rain, and Clouds
On December 2, Bulgaria will experience varying weather conditions across different regions. Light snow is expected in the Pre-Balkan areas, with precipitation gradually easing in Southwestern Bulgaria. Skies will remain partly cloudy, accompanied by a mild to moderate north-northeasterly wind.
The December Events of 1944: An 80-year-old bloody “Why”
The historical trauma of the December Events, essentially a composite of numerous smaller traumas and just as many enigmas, remains largely unhealed. Eight decades later, instead of resolving the questions, time has merely multiplied them.
Evidence Shows Bulgaria Fell Under Ottoman Rule Later Than Believed
Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov has revealed that new archaeological findings suggest Bulgaria fell under Ottoman control between 1420 and 1422, rather than the commonly accepted date of 1396, BTA reported. At a briefing in Vidin, Ovcharov, alongside Assoc. Prof. Zdravko Dimitrov, discussed the results of excavations in Bononia, where around 200 coins were uncovered.
Bulgarians’ Top Travel Choices in October: Greece and Turkey
In October, Bulgarians predominantly traveled to neighboring Turkey and Greece, while the largest groups of foreign visitors to Bulgaria came from Romania and Turkey, as reported by the National Statistical Institute (NSI). Bulgarian citizens made 720.9 thousand trips abroad during the month, marking a 3.9% increase compared to October last year.
Bulgaria Raises Liability Limits for Motor Insurance with Euro Adoption
Bulgaria's forthcoming adoption of the euro will bring changes to the liability limits for compulsory motor insurance.