Bulgaria

Bulgaria's aspirations to join the Eurozone in 2025 face significant hurdles as economic slowdown and political uncertainty pose formidable challenges, according to a recent analysis by the World Bank.

Renowned actor and co-founder of Nobu Hospitality, Robert De Niro, is set to make waves in Bulgaria's hospitality scene with the opening of two luxury hotels under the Nobu brand. The US-based brand, known for its upscale hotels, restaurants, and residences, is making its mark in Bulgaria with properties in Sofia and Varna.

Speaking in Pleven, MEP Radan Kanev emphasized the advantages of Bulgaria's forthcoming entry into the Schengen area, particularly in bolstering efforts to combat smuggling along its borders. Kanev stressed that stricter controls enforced by European institutions would enhance Bulgaria's ability to tackle criminal networks engaging in illicit activities.

In a momentous occasion marking the entry of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area by air and sea, Balchik Airport is set to witness a remarkable gathering of more than 20 planes from Romania. This groundbreaking event, titled "Schengen Check," represents the first of its kind on Bulgarian soil, symbolizing a new era of cooperation and connectivity between the two nations.

Bulgaria's Kristalina Georgieva has been appointed for a second term at the helm of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Administrative Board of the IMF announced today that Georgieva's reappointment was reached "by consensus," a testament to her sterling reputation and the trust she has garnered from member nations.

Overnight, most parts of the country will experience mostly clear skies, with temporary increases in cloudiness expected over the eastern half of the Danubian Plain. Some areas may experience short-term rainfall. Minimum temperatures will range between 9°C and 14°C, around 9°C in Sofia.

Many Bulgarians living and working abroad are actively purchasing properties in their homeland. Despite the upward trajectory of apartment prices in Bulgaria, they remain among the most budget-friendly in Europe, making the country an attractive destination for investment among expatriates.

In a significant move toward Bulgaria's integration into the Eurozone, the European Commission (EC) has pledged support for the country's efforts to promote the adoption of the euro.

Amidst mounting frustration and disillusionment, a recent survey conducted by the Market Links agency sheds light on the prevailing sentiments surrounding Bulgaria's political landscape. The findings, commissioned by bTV and encompassing responses from 1046 adults surveyed between March 30 and April 7, paint a bleak picture of public opinion.

Amid growing concerns over security in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine, Bulgaria's Acting Minister of Defense, Atanas Zapryanov, has addressed the issue of conscription, stating that while it is being discussed, no political decision has been reached as of yet.