All News on Social Issues in Bulgaria
Genetic Study Reveals Strong Slavic Ancestry in Bulgarians, Romanians, and Croats Across the Balkans
Groundbreaking DNA research spanning Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Serbia, Romania, Albania, and Greece has unveiled striking revelations about the genetic makeup of Balkan populations. The study, conducted collaboratively by scientists from Serbia, Spain, and the US, sheds light on the prevalence of Slavic genes in the region.
Bulgarian Border Police Thwarted Over 193,000 Illegal Entry Attempts in 2023
The Interior Ministry of Bulgaria disclosed that since the beginning of 2023 until November's end, the Border Police and other law enforcement units have successfully prevented over 193,000 illegal entry attempts into Bulgaria.
It was ordered: Drones to be sent to the border of Serbia
This was told to the Austrian APA agency at the Ministry of the Interior in Vienna.
"Close cross-border cooperation in the fight against brutal people smugglers is absolutely necessary. The knowledge of Austrian drone specialists is therefore also sought after on the border of Serbia and North Macedonia," Interior Minister Gerhard Karner told the agency.
Alarming Reality: 17% of Bulgarian Babies and Young Children Live in Poverty
Startling statistics unveiled by the National Statistical Institute reveal that a staggering 17% of children between the ages of 0 and 5 in Bulgaria grapple with poverty. This concerning figure emerges alongside an infant mortality rate that remains nearly double the European Union average, standing at 3.6%.
Sexual Transmission Dominates New HIV Cases in Bulgaria
The Ministry of Health in Bulgaria revealed that a staggering 90.8% of newly reported HIV cases were transmitted sexually, marking a concerning trend on World AIDS Day. Since the start of this year, 228 new HIV-positive cases have emerged, totaling 4,276 cases between 1986 and November 2023.
Serbia Bolsters Border Security, Plans Increased Police Presence along Bulgaria Border
Amid growing concerns over illegal migration, Serbian Interior Minister Bratislav Gasic reaffirmed the country's commitment to thwarting unlawful crossings during a visit to the Regional Border Police Center for Bulgaria. Reports from Serbian media outlined his statements, indicating a heightened focus on curbing illegal migration, particularly from Bulgaria and North Macedonia.
Foreign Nationals Drive 90% of Illegal Migrant Trafficking in Bulgaria
Since the start of 2023, Bulgaria has seen a drastic surge in trafficking-related pre-trial proceedings, with 1,277 cases initiated, marking a staggering 60% increase compared to the same period in 2022. This revelation came from Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov during a forum in Brussels.
In Need of Shelter: Over 3,400 Unaccompanied Minors Seek Safety in Bulgaria
Amidst a concerning trend, Bulgaria grapples with an alarming surge in unaccompanied children seeking refuge within its borders. The Bulgarian Helsinki Committee (BHC) disclosed a staggering number—over 3,400 unaccompanied minors have sought protection in Bulgaria since the start of 2023.
Finance Minister Accuses President Radev of Citing 'Fake News' on Budget Claims
Finance Minister Assen Vassilev rebuked President Rumen Radev for referencing "fake news" in his recent remarks about the 2024 draft budget, warning that a budget veto might lead Bulgaria into the new year without a financial plan.
Global Child Pornography Bust: Two Detained in Bulgaria in Widespread European Operation
A major crackdown on a child pornography network operating through the encrypted chat app "Signal" has led to the arrest of thirty-one individuals across Europe, including two in Bulgaria, according to AFP.
October Sees 41% Decrease in Illegal Migrants in Bulgaria
In October, Bulgaria's Interior Ministry revealed a significant decline in illegal migrant detentions by 41% compared to September 2023. A total of 1,359 individuals from third countries were apprehended, with 122 caught entering, 134 leaving, and 1,103 found within the country.
Bulgaria's Health Minister Cites Concerns Over Child Mortality Rates
Health Minister Hristo Hinkov raised critical points at the 6th National Congress of the Bulgarian Medical Association, highlighting Bulgaria's leading position in Europe's mortality rates. He emphasized a concerning 2-3% disparity above the EU average in child mortality rates, despite a decline.
Bulgarian Police Dismantle Migrant Trafficking Ring: Ten Arrested
A total of ten individuals have been arrested in an extensive police operation aimed at disrupting an organized crime syndicate involved in trafficking migrants, announced Chief Commissioner Anton Zlatanov, head of the Border Police. These arrests, which took place across Sofia and Montana in Northwestern Bulgaria, primarily targeted Bulgarian nationals.
Detention of Trans Activist Spotlights Bulgaria's Legal Gender Debate
Gabriela Bankova, a transgender woman who initiated a hunger strike on November 13 to challenge the court's denial of her gender change request, was apprehended by Bulgarian police due to the absence of valid identification papers.
Bulgaria Boosts Minimum Pension to BGN 580
A significant shift in Bulgaria's pension landscape is on the horizon, as the minimum pension for service and age is slated to surge by 11% under the Swiss rule, reaching BGN 580 starting July 1, 2024. Alongside this increase, widow's supplements are also expected to see a rise, as per insights from "Sega."