Latest News from Bulgaria
Bulgaria Could Have New Combat Aircraft after 3-1/2 Years - Defence Minister
The Bulgarian Air Force could have its ageing Soviet-made combat aircraft replaced by new multi-role warplanes in the next three to three-and-a half years, Defence Minister Nikolay Nenchev said on Wednesday.
The government commission tasked with studying the available options is expected to submit a report by the end of March, Nenchev told bTV broadcaster.
Research Ship Pelagia to Study Climate Change in Black Sea Region
Bulgaria's government has given the green light to Dutch-flagged research vessel Pelagia to conduct an oceanograpic expedition in the country's territorial sea and exclusive economic zone from 28 January to 5 February 2016.
Bulgarian Government Approves Draft Bill on State Aid
Bulgaria's government has approved a draft law on state aid that aims to improve financial discipline in the public sector and lower fiscal risks.
Russian Tourists Visiting Bulgarian Winter Resorts Increase 3% - Industry Source
Russia's Ural Tourism Association (UAT) has said that the number of Russian tourists spending their winter holidays in Bulgarian resorts increased by about 3% this season, reaching some 370,000 by early January, TASS reported on Wednesday.
Bulgaria to Discuss Gas, Trade, Tourism with Russia Jan 27-28
Bulgaria will discuss with Russia the potential construction of a gas distribution center on Bulgarian territory in compliance with the European Union legislation later this month, the government in Sofia said on Wednesday.
Bulgarian PM: Closing of Borders Is Necessary for Halting Refugee Influx
During a parliamentary question and answer session on Wednesday, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov stated that the closing of borders is necessary in order to halt the refugee influx.
Borisov added that the Bulgarian government has always maintained a firm stance on the refugee crisis.
Bulgaria's Ombudsman to Propose Ex-Justice Minister Diana Kovacheva as Deputy
Bulgaria's Ombudsman Maya Manolova will propose to parliament to appoint former Justice Minister Diana Kovacheva as her deputy after Kovacheva scored best in a public hearing among five nominations put forward by local NGOs.
Bulgaria Urges Extra Caution in Travel to Turkey after Istanbul Terror Attack
Bulgaria has advised its nationals travelling to Turkey to exercise extra caution following Tuesday's terror attack in Istanbul that left at least 10 people dead and 15 injured.
Extra caution should be exercised particularly on visits to big Turkish cities and popular tourist destinations, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Bulgaria Condemns Terrorist Attack in Istanbul
Bulgaria strongly condemned on Tuesday the terrorist attack in Istanbul that claimed the lives of at least 10 people.
Bulgaria's PM Offers Condolences to Turkish PM over Istanbul Terror Attack
Bulgaria's Prime Minister Boyko Borisov has expressed condolences to his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu over Tuesday's terrorist bombing in Istanbul.
"On behalf of the Bulgarian Government and on my own behalf, please accept our deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the terrorist attack today in the heart of Istanbul," Borisov said in a statement.
Bulgaria to Call Tender for Six New Engines for Its MiG-29s by End-January
Bulgaria will call a tender for six new engines for its MiG-29 fighter jets and the relevant spare parts by the end of the month, Defence Minister Nikolay Nenchev said on Tuesday.
Bulgarian Authorities Confirm Israel Requested Extradition of Palestinian Convict
Bulgarian authorities confirmed on Tuesday that Israel had requested the extradition of Palestinian Omar Zayed, who is being sought in connection with serving his life imprisonment sentence.
The request for extradition was submitted by Israeli judicial authorities to the Bulgarian Supreme Prosecutor's Office of Cassation through the justice ministry.
Bulgaria, China Sign Agreement on Enhancing Police Cooperation
Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Rumyana Bachvarova and her Chinese counterpart Guo Shengkun signed on Monday an agreement on jointly preventing and combating crime.
The legal framework for cooperation in the area of law enforcement between Bulgaria and China was last updated in 1996.
Bulgarian Exports to EU Increased by 9% Y/Y in January-October 2015
Between January and October 2015, Bulgarian exports to the EU amounted to BGN 24.4, which represented an increase of 9 % compared to the same period in 2014.
This is revealed by the preliminary figures of the National Statistical Institute (NSI), which were released on Monday.
Eurydice Study Shows Bulgarian Teachers Get Lowest Wages Across Europe
Bulgarian teachers are paid the lowest salaries among European countries.
This is shown by the latest annual report of Eurydice on Teachers' and School Heads' Salaries and Allowances conducted in 36 European countries during the 2014/2015 school year.
With an average wage of EUR 4970 per year, teachers in Bulgaria rank at the bottom.