Bulgaria

Bulgaria ranks 25th in Europe for the number of people who read, according to a Eurostat study from 2022. With just under 40% of Bulgarians engaging in reading, the country is positioned fourth from the bottom in Europe, with Italy, Cyprus, and Romania demonstrating even lower interest in books.

In the next 20 years, nearly half of Bulgaria's workforce is expected to be over the age of 55, reflecting a significant aging trend in the country. A study by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce (BCC) reveals that if this trend continues, the proportion of older workers could reach 48 percent, with two-thirds of the employed population representing older generations.

During the first six months following Bulgaria's adoption of the euro, "Bulgarian Posts" will offer free exchange of banknotes and coins from levs to euros at the official exchange rate, with a daily limit of 1,000 leva per person. For exchanges between 1,000 leva and 10,000 leva, customers will need to submit a request 3 to 5 working days in advance, but only at designated post offices.

Bulgaria is marking the 147th anniversary of the Shipka epic, commemorating the historic battle at Shipka Pass. The national celebrations, which began on August 19, will reach their peak at Shipka Pass.

A fire that ignited last night in the high parts of Rila is spreading rapidly, with flames now advancing at an altitude of around 2,300 meters. The fire is located in difficult-to-access terrain above the Dupnik village of Bistrica, within the Rila National Park. Park officials and firefighters are working tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading into the forested areas.

The Bulgarian right-wing party "Revival" has submitted a report to the Sofia City Prosecutor's Office (SCPO), urging an investigation into what they describe as "foreign agents" allegedly working against the interests of the state and Bulgarian children.

Overnight, the skies will remain mostly clear with calm conditions, according to the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH).

Greek media have reported that Bulgarian and Russian mafia groups are active in the tourist regions of Northern Greece, specifically in Kavala, Thassos, and Halkidiki. According to a journalistic investigation, these criminal organizations have infiltrated local businesses, particularly nightclubs and tourist companies, often using fake identities to rent establishments.

The International Cycling Tour of Bulgaria will kick off on Sunday, August 25, prompting the "Road Infrastructure" agency (RIA) to advise drivers to exercise increased caution on the roads. During the 71st edition of the race, which runs until Thursday, August 29, traffic will be temporarily restricted on various sections of the national road network.

William Burns, the CIA Director, is currently on a two-day visit to Kosovo, making his way through southeastern Europe. On Thursday, Burns was reported to have been in Bulgaria as part of a tour that included stops in Sarajevo, Belgrade, Sofia, Skopje, and Pristina, according to Radio Free Europe.