Bulgaria

Acting Bulgarian Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov has expressed support for the US President Donald Trump's goal of increasing defense spending for NATO member states to 2.4% of GDP, emphasizing that this target is both necessary and realistic.

The caretaker government of Bulgaria has approved an additional allocation of 20 million leva to the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defense. This decision was announced by the government press service, with the stated purpose of supporting the two ministries amid "increased migration pressure" between June 1 and October 31.

Russian energy giant Lukoil has announced plans to sell its largest asset in the Balkans, the refinery in Burgas, Bulgaria, to a Qatari-British consortium by the end of the year, marking a significant shift in Moscow's influence over energy supplies in Southeastern Europe, as reported by the Financial Times.

The Austrian media report that an upcoming meeting between the interior ministers of Bulgaria, Romania, and Austria in Budapest could bring new developments for the Schengen membership of Bulgaria and Romania, BNR reports. Set for November 22 and hosted by Hungary's EU presidency, the meeting was confirmed by Austria's Ministry of the Interior.

Coface Bulgaria has projected a steady expansion for Bulgaria's economy, despite ongoing economic challenges in the European Union. During the IX Conference on Risk Management titled "Risks of Optimism," agency manager Plamen Dimitrov presented a sector report predicting a growth rate of 2% for this year, with an increase to approximately 2.8% anticipated in 2025.

Bulgaria is anticipating over two million foreign visitors for the upcoming winter season, according to Acting Minister of Tourism Evtim Miloshev in an interview with Nova TV. He added that the total number of foreign visits is projected to surpass 3.2 million, which includes one-day and transit passes.

Bulgaria has become a preferred tourist destination for many international visitors, known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and range of vacation options. The country offers everything from scenic Black Sea beaches to mountain retreats, attracting those in search of unique, memorable experiences.

Five Bulgarian citizens were initially reported missing following recent floods in Valencia, Spain, confirmed the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by OFFNews. Later, the families of four of those individuals reported they were found safe and unharmed, leaving one Bulgarian still unaccounted for.

On November 1, Bulgaria commemorates a unique observance of All Saints' Day, known locally as the Day of the People's Awakeners. This holiday is dedicated not only to Christian saints but also to the great writers, educators, and national heroes who contributed to Bulgaria's spiritual and cultural revival.

Following the recent parliamentary elections in Bulgaria, foreign media have raised concerns over the influence of pro-Russian parties, which appear to be gaining momentum in the political landscape.