Latest News from Bulgaria
US Director Ted Kotcheff Granted Bulgarian Citizenship
Bulgarian Justice Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva on Friday granted citizenship to Ted Kotcheff, a US director born to Bulgarian parents.
Kotcheff submitted an application in February, prior to his arrival to Bulgaria for this years' edition of the Sofia International Film Festival.
On Monday he is to receive a birth certificate and Bulgarian identity documents.
More Than 3000 People Sought Asylum in Bulgaria in Jan-Feb 2016
As many as 3150 people applied for asylum in Bulgaria in the first two months of 2016, the State Agency for Refugees has said.
Most of these were citizens of Iraq (1719), followed by Afghanistan (917) and Syria (359), Pakistan (94) and Iran (8).
The latest statistics come after weeks-long delays in publishing the data.
EU-Turkey Migrant Deal: Europe Facing 'Herculean Task', Juncker Says
The EU will disburse EUR 3 B to Turkey until 2018 for Syrian refugees and will allocate as much additionally after that period, the EU and Turkey's leaders have announced.
Additionally, Ankara will work to implement its remaining 45 (out of a total of 72) prerequisites to be granted visa-free travel to Europe by the end of the Dutch Presidency of the Council of EU at the end of June.
EU, Turkey Leaders Agree on Migrant Crisis Deal
The European Council has said an agreement was reached between all 28 countries of the bloc and Turkey on a deal that is expected to ease pressure that hundreds of thousands of migrants have been applying on Europe over the past year.
Now unanimous agreement between all EU HoSG and Turkey's PM on EU-Turkey Statement
? Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) March 18, 2016
Bulgarian President: Judicial Reform Is in Centre of Everything
Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev said in a statement to parliament on Friday that continuing and completing the judicial reform should be the country's utmost priority as it is in the centre of everything.
Plevneliev noted this in his traditional speech after the conclusion of the month of political consultations with the parliamentary represented parties.
Bulgarian Police Bust Criminal Group Making Fake Euro Notes
Bulgarian police have cracked down on a criminal group dealing in production and distribution of counterfeit euro notes, the Ministry of the Interior announced on Thursday.
Police, acting jointly with customs officials and prosecutors, have thwarted an attempt to produce and distribute 50 million euro in fake banknotes, the ministry said in a statement.