Latest News from Bulgaria
Macedonia Crisis Linked to Fate of Turkish Stream, Russia's EU Envoy Says
The key issue about Russia's Turkish Stream project is in what direction the future gas pipeline will go after reaching Turkey's border with Greece, Russia's ambassador to the EU Vladimir Chizhov has said.
There are three options, three countries after the pipeline enters Greece, Russian news agency Interfax quoted Chizhov as saying in an interview.
Greek energy minister: US against Russian natgas extension; we’re Ok
Greece’s far-left energy minister told Russian media on Friday that Washington was negative towards the idea of extending Russia’s proposed natgas pipeline from Turkey to Greece. Nevertheless, he said his government was still keen on the project, dubbed “Greek Stream” by supporters, the extension of “Turkish Stream”.
Bulgaria's Finance Ministry Reports Surplus of BGN 1 066.6 M by end-April 2015
Based on the monthly data of first-level spending units, a surplus of BGN 1,066.6 million is reported as of end-April 2015 (1.3 % of the projected GDP), according to Bulgaria's Finance Ministry.
The surplus is formed from the excess of national budget revenues over expenditures of BGN 536.5 million and a surplus of EU funds of BGN 530.1 million.
Bulgaria's PM: Over 10 000 Jobs Were Created in Plants Opened in Past Few Days
Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov boasted that over 10 000 jobs had been created in plants opened over the past few days in the country.
Speaking Friday in Devnya at the opening of a new production line at the local cement plant, Borisov noted that the new jobs had been created in Burgas, Stara Zagora, and Devnya, according to reports of the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency.
DSK Bank, CIBANK to Provide Revolving Loan of BGN 80 M to Bulgaria's FLAG Fund
DSK Bank and CIBANK will provide a revolving loan of BGN 80 M to the FLAG Fund (Fund of Local Government Authorities in Bulgaria).
The money will be used to finish municipal projects financed under operational programs "Environment" and "Regional Development" for the 2007-2013 programming period, according to a media statement of the Regional Development Ministry.
Bulgaria's Fuel Production, Imports Increase Substantially in March
In March 2015, the production of unleaded petrol increased by 127.4% on the month to 166 000 tonnes, according to Bulgaria's National Statistical Institute.
At the same time deliveries of unleaded petrol went up by 22% to 50 000 tonnes on a monthly basis.
Deliveries of unleaded petrol fell by 72.4% on the year.
Bulgarian Movie Viktoria Released in the US
The film Viktoria by director and writer Maya Vitkova has been selected for a US release by the company Big World Pictures, located in Brooklyn, New York, the Hollywood Reporter announced.
The official premiere of the movie was at the Sundance Film Fetsival. In fact, this is mreley the second Bulgarian movie selected for a US release over the course of the past thirty years.
Bulgaria Has Second Highest Number of Smokers in EU
Bulgaria has the second highest number of smokers in Europe and ranks sixth in the world in this respect.
According to the latest Eurobarometer, which was released on Friday, 35 % of Bulgarians smoke, being preceded only by the Greeks, where the share of the smoking population is 38 %.
Tokuda Bank AD Changes Owner
Industrial Holding Doverie AD, a subsidiary of Doverie Obedinen Holding AD, has signed a preliminary contract for the acquisition of 99.53% of the capital of Tokuda Bank AD, according to an official media statement of the company.
Bulgaria's Energy Regulator Proposes 2 % Increase of Electricity Prices from July 1
A report of Bulgaria's Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (KEVR) proposes the price of electricity for end users to increase by 2 % on average from July 1.
The regulator will discuss the proposal on June 4 and the decision is expected to be taken by the end of next month, daily Dnevnik reports.
Rudimental, Ella Eyre to Perform for Sofia Music Fans
The extremely successful Rudimental and Ella Eyre will be coming to Bulgaria for a special performance on September 12. They will be presenting some of their brand new projects alongside their greatest hits and collaborations at Sofia Inter Expo Center.
Macedonia's Crisis Affecting Entire Region, Zaev Tells Bulgaria PM
The political crisis into which Macedonia has plunged over the past years is affecting neighboring states as well, the country's opposition leader has said while on a Friday visit to Sofia.
Bulgaria Justice Ministry Uploads Judicial Reform Proposal
Bulgaria's Ministry of Justice has published its draft proposals to introduce changes to the judiciary.
Amendments put forward by Minister Hristo Ivanov include changes to the structure and organization of the Supreme Judicial Council (VSS), a top watchdog often labeled "the government of the judiciary".
Romanian President Urges Consensus on Euro
President Klaus Iohannis said a "national consensus" was needed in Romania about joining the eurozone, as was "a rigorous calendar of economic, monetary, legislative and institutional measures.
"That's why we should soon start consultations with all political parties to reach a consensus on this issue," he added.
Polish Sejm Delegation Visits Bulgaria's Parliament
A delegation Poland's Sejm (Lower House of Parliament) was welcomed on Friday morning to the National Assembly building in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Led by Deputy Marshal Jerzy Wenderlich, the visitors are in Bulgaria on May 28-29. On Thursday they met with both Parliament Speaker Tsetska Tsecheva and her Deputy Yanaki Stoilov to discuss bilateral relations and general EU affairs.