Bulgaria

Interview of Novinite.com with Poland's Ambassador to Bulgaria, Leszek Hensel, on the situation in Ukraine, the European Union, and Poland's economic transition.

Poland has been very active in the diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis. With Crimea's decision to join Russia, can we say that the EU's diplomatic strategy failed?

There is no risk of EU funds suspension, Bulgaria's government is making every effort to prevent it, Denitsa Karadzhova, EU Affairs and EU Funds Oversight Committee chair assured.

Bulgaria has allocated more BGN 176 M to 223 companies for projects involving "innovative napkins", creative furniture" or "innovative focus groups".

A new report rates Western Balkan countries midway in the world when it comes to quality of life and social progress.

The Social Progress Index 2014 Report rated a total of 132 countries using more than 50 indicators.

Bulgaria's government is planning to spend BGN 100 M (EUR 50 M) a year on Christmas and Easter pension allowances.

In 2015 alone, BGN 265 M (EUR 132.5 M) are to be put aside for pensions.

Their minimum threshold is expected to increase from BGN 154.50 (EUR 87.25) to BGN 168.50 (EUR 89.25) by July 1, 2017.

The summer timetable of the Varna Airport came into effect and the number of flights has increased. 

According to airport representatives, this year there will be a new regular route to Belgrade and to Istanbul. 

The Air Serbia flights to and from Belgrade start on May 1, three times a week and from June 15 the flights will be daily. 

Bulgaria is last but one in the EU by government expenditure on education as a share of the GDP, according to Eurostat data for 2012.

Bulgarian Labor Minister Hasan Ademov has said that the relative share of the working poor in Bulgaria has amounted to 7-8% over the past few years, following EU statistics.

Ademov participated Friday in an international conference on the working poor held under the aegis of the European Works Council.

Germany's concern Siemens is to provide the electrical systems and control and measurement apparatus for the offshore section of the South Stream.

MPs approved changes to Bulgaria's Energy Law which allow for the South Stream pipeline project to go around EU legislation.

With the latest decision by Bulgarian lawmakers, the South Stream segment passing through the country is given the status of a gas grid interconnection.