Latest News from Bulgaria
Bulgaria's GERB Spent BGN 1.4B on Pensions – Deputy Health Minister
Bulgaria's Health Insurance Fund reserve of BGN 1.4B has been spent on pensions during GERB's office, according to Deputy Health Minister Dr. Boyko Penkov.
The answer came from GERB MPs, members of the parliamentary Budget Committee, after many requests from the Healthcare Committee, Bulgarian National Radio informs.
Two Thirds of Rebel Fighters In Syria Are European Citizens
Two thirds of the rebel fighters in Syria are citizens of European countries, says a report of the London-based International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation.
According to the report, entitled "Greenbirds: Measuring importance and influence in Syrian Foreign Fighter Networks'", around 10% of the foreign fighters are from Eastern Europe, Bulgaria included.
Bulgaria Will Fight for South Stream Gas Pipeline – Energy Minister
Economy and Energy Minister Dragomir Stoynev has vowed that Bulgaria will fight for the implementation of the South Stream gas pipeline project.
Stoynev told journalists Thursday that Bulgaria would comply with the decisions of the European Commission but it would seek a financial mechanism for the countries which would be negatively affected by the move.
UK Ambassador: Bulgaria Must Investigate Personal Data Misuse
Britain's Ambassador to Bulgaria Jonathan Allen urged the authorities to fully investigate the misuse of personal data in the collection of election registration signatures.
Bulgaria's GERB to Get Most EU Votes, Socialists Come Second – Poll
A total of 37% of Bulgarians are disappointed with the political party they support, a public opinion poll of Exacta Research Group shows.
Bulgaria's Foreign Minister: Gas Supply Disruptions Not Ruled Out
Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin believes that the scenario of a new gas crisis affecting Bulgaria is possible despite the lack of an immediate threat of a gas supply cut.
He explained that the problem would be triggered by the increase in gas prices and the new payment schemes which Russia planned to impose on Ukraine.
Bulgaria Has Second Highest Growth of New Car Sales in Q1
Bulgaria posts the second highest growth of new car sales in Q1 2014, shows data of the Brussels-based European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA).
First is Portugal with a 40.5% growth, while in Bulgaria were sold 4619 new cars, or by 30.4%.
The number of new car sales in EU continues its upward trend for a seventh consecutive month.
Bulgaria to Spend BGN 31.5 M on Repairing Second-, Third-Class Roads
A total of BGN 31.5 M will be invested in repairs of second-class and third-class roads in the following months, according to Bulgarian Regional Development Minister Desislava Terzieva.
She specified that a total of BGN 15.5 M would be provided from savings from winter road maintenance, while a total of BGN 16 M would be supplied by the Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA).
Turkish Airlines Launches Direct Flights Varna – Istanbul
A direct flight connecting Bulgaria's Black Sea city of Varna and Istanbul in just 45 minutes, will be launched in May.
Turkish Airlines and Varna airport have signed an agreement and as of 21 May 2014, there will be direct flights between the two cities 4 times a week, BGNES reports.
Bulgaria’s Dimitrov to Face Third Consecutive Spaniard
Bulgaria's best tennis player Grigor Dimitrov will play against the world number 6 David Ferrer in the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters.
Bulgaria To Spend Another BGN 35 M On Refugees
Bulgaria's Government approved the spending of another BGN 35 M on dealing with the refugee crisis, reports Sega daily.
Thus the total sum would reach BGN 62 M.
The new sum includes the completion of the construction of the 35 km fence at the border between Bulgaria and Turkey, as well as improvements of the living conditions in the refugee centers and their expansion.
Ivaylo Kalfin: EU Must Focus Beyond Fiscal Indicators
Ivaylo Kalfin is a Bulgarian socialist member of European Parliament and a former Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister (2005-2009).
In the European Elections 2014, Kalfin will lead the list of the newly-formed Alternative for Bulgarian Revival (ABV) movement, of former President Georgi Parvanov.
South Stream-Bulgaria: Work on Local Pipeline Section Continues
The South Stream-Bulgaria company has assured that work on the local section of the gas pipeline project continues.
The comments of the South Stream-Bulgaria company, as cited by ITAR-TASS, came after the announcement of the European Parliament that the project should not be implemented.
56% of Bulgarians Say Religion Has a Positive Role in Society
Fifty-six percent of Bulgarians think religion has a positive role in the society, shows a global survey of Gallup International.
Twelve percent say the contrary.
A global average of 59% of respondent have a positive opinion about the role of religion.
Bulgaria's Population Decreasing and Aging – NSI
As of end-December 2013 the population of Bulgaria was 7,245,677 persons representing 1.5% of the EU population, ranking the country at the 16th place immediately after Austria.