Macedonia

Greece’s unemployment rate dropped to 27 percent in June, compared to 27.1 percent in May, the country’s Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) announced on Thursday. The agency’s report showed that 1,303,884 people were out of work in June.

Over 450 polling stations will be open in 56 countries for the early parliamentary elections, Bulgaria's caretaker Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Katya Todorova told the national radio.

The 13-th edition of the Tattoo Fest Sofia will take place on October 4-5 in the 4km Party Center.

Besides the tattoo booths, the festival will offer stands selling jewelry, clothes and accessories.

Bulgaria's wood exports currently stand at slightly over 329 thousand tonnes, compared to around 166 thousand tonnes for the entire 2013, according to Customs Agency data for exports to Turkey and Macedonia.

Findings at the Alexander the Great-era tomb that was recently unearthed near ancient Amphipolis in the Macedonia region of northern Greece have intrigued the Greek public and caused a fair share of excitement.

Fed up with the constant barrage of doom and gloom at home as well as internationally, the people are naturally looking for some good news.

Another Macedonian citizen reportedly dies in Middle East

SKOPJE -- A 23-year-old Macedonian citizen identified as Dzelal S. has died in the war in Syria, according to reports.

His photograph has been posted on social networks along with a caption reading that he died "a shaheed."

Two stunning caryatid statues have been unearthed holding up the entrance to the biggest ancient tomb ever found in Greece, archaeologists said.

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Macedonia's Long-term  foreign and local currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDR) at 'BB+' with Stable Outlooks.

The issue ratings on senior unsecured foreign currency bonds have also been affirmed at 'BB+'. Fitch has also affirmed Macedonia's Short-term IDR at 'B' and Country Ceiling at 'BBB-'.

The National Cinema Council has picked Bulgarian Rhapsody as the Bulgarian movie to participate in the race for 2014's Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Bulgarian Rhapsody, a co-production with Israel is the last part of a trilogy directed by Ivan Nichev dedicated to the rescue of Bulgarian Jews during WWII.

Regional authorities in Central Macedonia, where archaeologists are excavating a large burial mound that has sparked intense media interest and captivated the public’s imagination have asked the government to increase security at the site. The request was made during a meeting on Thursday between Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas and Public Order Minister Vassilis Kililias.