Latest News from Bulgaria
European Commission Plans to Ban Smoking in Outdoor Spaces
The European Commission is considering banning smoking in outdoor areas such as café terraces, bus stops, and zoos. This potential move aims to further restrict smoking in Europe, following the example of countries that have already implemented strict measures. Experts say this is part of a broader effort to protect public health.
Athens: Illegal immigrant traffickers arrested – They were transporting seven illegal immigrants in a car, hiding 11 more in an apartment
Police officers arrested two traffickers of illegal immigrants after a chase in the center of Athens on Sunday morning.
According to the an announcement, the arrests were made after DIAS officers spotted a car with many passengers moving on Acharnon Street.
Germany says Turkish visa process to continue smoothly amid new border controls
Germany has introduced temporary border controls to ensure safe, orderly, and legal entry into the country, a move that will not impact the visa issuance process for Turkish citizens, as confirmed by Germany's Embassy in Türkiye on Monday.
Southern Europe’s power rates up to five times higher
Electricity prices in Southern Europe are up to five times higher than those in Scandinavian countries and nearly double compared to Central and Western Europe, according to an analysis by Eurelectric, the European electricity industry association.
Eurelectric attributes the large price disparities to a reduction in cross-border energy flows.
Greece ranks third in EU for material and social deprivation
In 2023, 6.8% of the EU population faced severe material and social deprivation 👪
Highest rate in:
🇷🇴Romania (19.8%)
🇧🇬Bulgaria (18.0%)
🇬🇷Greece (13.5%)Lowest in:
🇸🇮Slovenia (2.0%)
🇨🇾Cyprus (2.4%)
🇸🇪Sweden, 🇱🇺Luxembourg & 🇪🇪Estonia (all at 2.5%)
Cyclone Boris Impact: Bulgaria Faces Cool Mornings and Intermittent Rain Through September
The first day of school in Bulgaria began with cool temperatures ranging from 6 to 11 degrees Celsius in most areas, while in South-Eastern Bulgaria and along the Black Sea, temperatures are slightly higher, reaching up to 15-16 degrees.
Mickoski Accuses Bulgaria of Diplomatic Missteps After Flag Incident
North Macedonia's Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has announced that a démarche will be issued to the Bulgarian ambassador due to Bulgaria's alleged violation of diplomatic norms.
Radev Clarifies Macedonian Flag Controversy During Informal Visit
The issue between North Macedonia and Bulgaria is not a bilateral one, but rather about North Macedonia adhering to the negotiation framework set by the European Council, according to Bulgarian President Rumen Radev. On Friday, Radev hosted Gordana Siljanovska, the president of North Macedonia, during her visit to Bulgaria.
Bulgarian President Criticizes Speculators Amid Military Plane Crash Investigation
Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev urged the media to avoid allowing political speculators and self-proclaimed experts to manipulate public opinion regarding the crash of a military plane near 'Graf Ignatievo' Air Base. He criticized individuals who, without relevant experience, act as judges and prosecutors, but did not name anyone specifically.
Bulgaria Risks Losing 500 Million from Recovery Plan Due to Delayed Reforms
Atanas Pekanov, Bulgaria's former vice-prime minister for European funds under the "Donev" administration, has warned that the country is likely to forfeit at least 500 million leva (250 million euros) from the Recovery and Sustainability Plan due to delays in implementing agreed reforms.
Germany Reinstates Border Controls Amid Rising Migration Concerns
Germany is reinstating border controls on its land borders starting today as part of efforts to address illegal migration. This decision has raised concerns among neighboring countries, who worry that the controls might cause traffic congestion and disrupt regular cross-border movement.
Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Convenes Emergency Meeting Amidst Flooding in Central and Eastern Europe
Bulgaria's Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev has called for a working meeting at the Council of Ministers today, involving Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Lyudmila Petkova, along with the Ministers of Interior, Environment and Water, Agriculture and Food, Regional Development and Public Works, Economy and Industry, Energy, and Defense.
Bulgarian Chess Teams Face Mixed Results in Olympiad Round
In the 5th round of the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Bulgaria's women's chess team secured a narrow 2.5:1.5 victory over Latvia. Antoaneta Stefanova and Nurgyul Salimova won their games on the first two boards, defeating Laura Rogule and Ilze Berzina, respectively. Viktoria Radeva managed a draw with Agnesa Stepania Ter-Avetisyan on the third board.
New School Year Begins in Bulgaria: 720,000 Students Head Back to Class
Around 720,000 students are expected to start the school year in Bulgaria today, with 58,000 of them being first-graders, according to BNR.
Clouds and Sunshine: A Mixed Start to the Week Across Bulgaria
In Western and Central Bulgaria today, cloud cover will decrease, leading to predominantly sunny weather. However, in other regions of the country, skies will remain overcast with some scattered rain showers. A light wind from the north-northwest will prevail. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 17°C and 22°C, with Sofia reaching around 17°C.