Latest News from Bulgaria
Flu Vaccine Shortage Hits Bulgaria
For the third consecutive week, the Yambol region has reported the second-highest rate of respiratory and viral infections in Bulgaria. This alarming trend has highlighted a significant shortage of flu vaccines in the area.
Bulgaria Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening EU-Vietnam Cooperation
President Rumen Radev of Bulgaria has reaffirmed his country's commitment to enhancing cooperation between the European Union and Vietnam. Speaking after a meeting with Vietnamese President Luong Cong in Hanoi, Radev emphasized the importance of Vietnam as a key partner for Bulgaria in the Southeast Asian region.
Clear Skies and Gradual Warming: Bulgaria’s Weather Outlook for the Week
As the working week begins, the weather will be warmer. Maximum temperatures will range from 7° in northeastern areas to 12° in the southwest, with Sofia reaching about 8°. On the coast, highs will stay steady between 7° and 9°. Early risers will notice less frost, with minimum temperatures between minus 4° and 1° in most areas, around minus 4° in Sofia, and from 0° to 3° along the coast.
Nationwide Survey to Assess Readiness for Euro Adoption in Bulgaria
The Ministry of Finance has announced plans to conduct a study analyzing the attitudes, expectations, and challenges faced by citizens and businesses in relation to Bulgaria's transition to the eurozone. A public procurement valued at 400,000 leva, excluding VAT, has been launched for this purpose.
Bulgaria's Innovation Ranking Drops, Falling Behind Countries Like Ghana and Tanzania
According to an analysis by the Bulgarian Industrial Chamber (BIC), Bulgaria's position in the Global Innovation Index has significantly declined, reflecting the country's challenges in institutional efficiency and economic development. The lack of a stable government and a clear, long-term economic strategy have been identified as major obstacles to business operations in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria’s Schengen Accession: What Changes at the Borders Mean
Following Bulgaria's entry into the Schengen area's land borders, border checkpoints will remain operational, but movement across borders will become more streamlined, according to the Ministry of Interior.
Aging Fleet: Over 70% of Vehicles in Bulgaria Are More Than 15 Years Old
The state of Bulgaria's car fleet reflects a significant aging trend, with over 70% of vehicles on the roads exceeding 15 years in age. Meanwhile, only 4.6% of cars are less than five years old.
Bulgaria Nears Final Step for Eurozone Membership
Bulgaria is on track to meet the final requirement for eurozone membership, with expectations to fulfill the price stability criterion by the end of 2024.
Sharp Decline in Foreign Direct Investment in Bulgaria
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bulgaria recorded a net positive flow of 1.24 billion euros for the first nine months of 2024, equating to 1.2% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), according to data from the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB). Despite the positive figure, this represents a significant decline of 63.3% compared to the same period in 2023.
Bulgaria to Introduce 600 Speed Cameras in 2025 to Curb Road Accidents
Next year, approximately 600 speed cameras will be operational across Bulgaria, according to Acting Minister of Internal Affairs Atanas Ilkov. Speaking in Plovdiv during a memorial service for road traffic victims at St.
Varna Library Introduces Bulgaria’s First Humanoid Robot
The Varna Regional Library "Pencho Slaveykov" has introduced a humanoid robot named Emma, marking a significant step in incorporating technology into education, BNT reports. Emma was unveiled during the 20th-anniversary celebration of the library's American Center, attended by US Embassy cultural attaché Eric Brasil and Varna's Deputy Mayor, Pavel Popov.
Sharp Drop in Temperatures Across Bulgaria as Winter Conditions Set In
A swift cold front will move across Bulgaria from west to east overnight, according to the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH). Atmospheric pressure will see a sharp increase, significantly exceeding the monthly average.
Schengen Expansion: Bulgaria to End Border Checks with Greece, Land Controls Continue
Bulgaria and Romania are set to enter the Schengen Area, but border controls at their land borders will remain in place for at least six months following their accession. This agreement was finalized today in Budapest, where the interior ministers of Bulgaria, Romania, Austria, and Hungary signed a joint declaration, as reported by the Hungarian rotating presidency of the EU Council.
Kostadinov: New Elections Loom Amid Political Deadlock
The leader of "Revival," Kostadin Kostadinov, stated that Bulgaria is heading for new elections, emphasizing that the question now is how they will unfold. His remarks came after yet another failed attempt to elect a Speaker of the National Assembly, with the runoff between Raya Nazaryan and Silvi Kirilov producing no result.
Romania and Bulgaria may become full Schengen members in January, Hungary says
Romania and Bulgaria may become full members of Europe's borderless Schengen travel zone in January 2025, Hungary said on Friday, adding a final decision would be made at next month's meeting of EU interior ministers.