Latest News from Bulgaria
Variable Weather Expected in Bulgaria on November 21 with Snow and Rain
The weather in Bulgaria on Thursday, November 21, will be variable, according to the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology. Rain is expected in the morning, followed by sunny periods in the afternoon. Snow will fall in Western Bulgaria and the Forebalkan region during the morning. Winds will be moderate to strong, coming from the west.
Europol: International cigarette smuggling ring dismantled with the help of the “Greek FBI” – three arrests in Greece
The Organized Crime Units have successfully dismantled a criminal organization involved in the illegal production and trafficking of tobacco products, as part of a joint operational action (JAD) at the European level, under the auspices of Europol and coordinated by Eurojust.
Bulgaria’s President Seeks Constitutional Court Ruling on Recent Amendments
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has once again appealed to the Constitutional Court, seeking to declare unconstitutional the amendments made to the Constitution by the 49th National Assembly.
61% of Bulgarians Confident in Euro’s Stability
A recent nationally representative survey by the "Trend" Research Center reveals that 61% of Bulgarians view the euro as a stable currency. Additionally, 42% of respondents express confidence in the stability of the European economy. The survey, commissioned by 24 Chasa, was conducted from October 16 to 22, 2024, and included 1,002 adult participants from across Bulgaria.
Bulgaria to Increase Pensions by Nearly 10% in 2025
Pensions in Bulgaria will be increased by 9.6-9.7% from July next year, as per the Ministry of Finance's latest estimates, which are in line with the Swiss indexation rule. Initially, experts had predicted a smaller increase of 8.7%. As a result, the minimum pension is expected to rise to approximately 636-637 leva.
Netherlands May Hinder Bulgaria's Schengen Accession
The Netherlands may still pose a challenge to Bulgaria and Romania's full accession to the Schengen zone, according to a report in the Financial Times.
Over 1,200 Taxis Blocked Trakia Highway
More than 1,200 taxis caused a blockade on the "Trakia" highway near Plovdiv, specifically at the 121st kilometer.
Taxi drivers from over 50 cities across Bulgaria came together for a national protest against the sharp rise in the cost of mandatory "Civil Liability" insurance.
Delyan Peevski: Time for New Elections and Clear Leadership
Delyan Peevski, leader of "DPS - New Beginning," called for new elections, emphasizing the need for governance that prioritizes the people's interests. Speaking on the ongoing parliamentary impasse, he remarked, "It's time for elections because there must finally be consideration for the people. Those inside the plenary hall are not thinking about them.
Bulgaria’s Parliament Stalls Again as Speaker Election Remains Unresolved
The Bulgarian National Assembly continued its efforts to elect a Speaker, but for the fourth consecutive time, no candidate managed to secure the necessary support. In today's first voting session, the stalemate persisted.
Bulgaria, Romania, and Austria to Sign Joint Declaration on Schengen Accession
Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev announced that a joint declaration regarding Bulgaria's accession to Schengen will be signed on Friday in Budapest. The declaration will be signed by the interior ministers of Bulgaria, Romania, and Austria.
Bulgaria's Peevski Honored by Ukraine for Support During War
Delyan Peevski, chairman of the Bulgarian party "DPS-New Beginning," was awarded a medal for his exceptional service to the Ukrainian people. The award was presented by the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, and delivered by H.E. Olesya Ilashchuk, Ukraine's Ambassador to Bulgaria.
Today: GERB Will Back Raya Nazaryan for Speaker, WCC-DB to Support Silvi Kirilov
Boyko Borissov, leader of GERB, confirmed that his party will vote exclusively for Raya Nazaryan as Speaker of Parliament. Speaking to the media, he emphasized that the decision was made at GERB's municipal meetings and by the Executive Committee, reflecting the party's collective stance.
Inflation in Bulgaria Picks Up to 2.0%, Remains Below EU Average
In October, annual harmonized inflation in the European Union increased to 2.3%, with the Eurozone reporting a rate of 2.0%, according to Eurostat data. Inflation rates in both the EU and the Eurozone have risen compared to the previous month, with the September figures at 2.1% and 1.7%, respectively.
Bulgaria's Mariya Gabriel Appointed President of the Robert Schumann Institute
Bulgaria's Mariya Gabriel has been appointed president of the Robert Schuman Institute, the European People's Party (EPP) announced.
Until recently, her name had been linked to a potential role as NATO Deputy Secretary General. However, that position was instead filled by Radmila Sekerinska, former Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia.
Bulgaria: Protests of Taxi Drivers Block the Country
Taxi drivers across Bulgaria will stage a nationwide protest today, expressing outrage over the sharp rise in "Civil Liability" insurance premiums. They claim the increase is both drastic and illegal, accusing insurers of operating as a cartel. Representatives of the industry have engaged with institutions and political parties, seeking intervention.