Member states of the European Union

As Bulgaria anticipates the full integration into the Schengen Agreement, a potential hurdle looms on the horizon, suggesting delays that could extend beyond the initially projected 2025 timeline.

Bulgaria has been identified as the 11th fastest shrinking nation globally and the 25th highest aging nation, according to a recent CIA report cited by Nova TV. The United Nations has corroborated these findings, highlighting the overall fertility rate as a key indicator. Europe's rate stands at 1.5, falling short of the 2.1-point threshold necessary to maintain population stability.

Greece lags in the EU in terms of internet speed, despite the significant investments that have been made in recent years, according to Eurostat data for 2023.

The country comes last (with only 2.9%) In terms of the ranking of countries with the highest percentage of enterprises with "fast" connections, according to Eurostat data for 2023.

Greek social media is up in arms after a Forbes Magazine article ranked Athens as the worst European city for remote working. The article was based on a survey by a British technology services company, Brother UK, which looked at which are the best and worst cities for remote working in Europe.

Addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, "We Continue the Change" Co-chairman Kiril Petkov emphasized the potential for Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece to achieve the highest GDP growth in Europe through collaborative infrastructure development.

The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the American Hellenic Institute.

Founded by late Eugene Rossides in 1974 following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, AHI is specialized on issues related to Cyprus and Greece as key enablers of a principled and interest-based US policy in the region.

The Finance Minister, Assen Vassilev, refuted any connection between ongoing tax inspections at numerous Austrian companies and Austria's recent rejection of Bulgaria's Schengen accession. Vassilev clarified that the inspections involving a large Austrian food chain and a petrol station were part of regular fiscal risk assessments mandated by the goods declaration regulation.

Romanian media outlets have recently erupted with news of a significant development: the official removal of the Netherlands' veto that had been impeding Bulgaria's access to the Schengen area.

Hungary will lift its objection to Bulgaria joining Europe's passport-free Schengen zone after the Bulgarian parliament formally confirms its scrapping of an extra tax on Russian gas shipments, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has said.

"I was informed by my Bulgarian colleague that yesterday the Bulgarian parliament scrapped this law," Szijjarto said in a video on his Facebook page.

Hungary threatened on Monday to block Bulgaria's bid to join the Schengen area if fees for the transfer of Russian gas are not removed.

The Financial Times reports this, citing three sources familiar with the discussions (noting that the Hungarian authorities have not commented officially).