Latest News from Bulgaria
Bulgaria's Gross External Debt at EUR 39 B in end-January
Bulgaria's gross external debt amounted to EUR 39,040.6 million (91.5% of GDP) in end-January 2015, decreasing by EUR 724.5 million (1.8%) from end-2014 (EUR 39,765.1 million, 94.7% of GDP).
Bulgaria's Vidin Terminates Waste Collection, Disposal Contract with Concessionaire
Bulgaria's northwestern municipality of Vidin has terminated the waste collection and disposal services contract with Titan AS, according to Dobromir Dilov, interim Mayor.
Dilov, as cited by the Focus news agency, explained Friday that the company had basically stopped fulfilling its obligations under the contract over the past month.
Bulgaria's Prime Minister: Montenegro Is Ready to Join NATO
Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov has urged all Balkan countries to join NATO and the EU, adding that this is the only move that would bring the much-needed security in the region.
Speaking Friday after a meeting with the Prime Minister of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic, Borisov expressed hopes that Montenegro would join NATO by end-2015.
Bulgaria Repays EUR 1.5 B Bridge Loan
Bulgaria has repaid in full a EUR 1.5 B bridge loan taken out last December, saving nearly four million euro in spending on interest payments.
Director of Bulgaria's Registry Agency Removed from Office
Ventsislav Spiridonov, Director of Bulgaria's Registry Agency has been removed from office through an ordinance of the Justice Ministry coordinated with Prime Minister Boyko Borisov.
Spiridonov was appointed Director of Bulgaria's Registry Agency in the summer of 2013 during the term in office of Justice Minister Zinaida Zlatanova.
Bulgaria's Bromak Objects to Judges Due to Rule on Scrapping of KTB's Licence
Bromak, the majority shareholder in Bulgaria's collapsed Corporate Commercial Bank, has challenged the five-judge panel of the Supreme Administrative Court which is to rule on an appeal against the withdrawal of the lender's banking licence.
Liberian-Registered Ship Impounded at Varna Port After Unpaid Debt
The vessel with 14 Ukrainian sailors on board, currently anchored at the Varna port, ASIAN DREAM has issued state of emergency.
People on board now have limited food and water supplies, as reported by NOVA news.
The crew announced that they will abandon the vessel if they don't receive at least basic food supplies immediately.
Dacic to attend EU-SEE summit in Split
BELGRADE - Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic will participate on Friday in the closing panel discussion of the Third EU - Southeast Europe Summit in Split, Croatia, the Serbian ministry said in a release.
Metro Extension to Business Park Sofia to Open on 8 May
The Metro extension to Business Park Sofia will open for passengers on 8 May, according to Stoyan Bratoev, director of the Sofia underground railway system.
Montenegro Is Ready to Join NATO, Bulgarian PM Says
Montenegro is ready for NATO membership.
The statement was made by Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borisov following talks with his counterpart Milo Dukanovic Friday.
''I have stated numerous times that peace on the Balkans will come when we all become members of the EU,'' Borisov added.
Bulgaria Business Confidence Increases in March
Bulgaria's business climate index has improved in March led by increased optimism in industry and services, official data showed on Friday.
The total business climate indicator in March was 0.9 percentage points higher compared to the previous month, the National Statistical Institute (NSI) said in a statement.
Greek future as trade hub in limbo amid Syriza split on railways
By Jonathan Stearns and Paul Tugwell
As dusk falls on the plains outside the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki, Georgios Plaitakis opens up the throttle of his diesel-powered passenger train and settles in for the nine-hour journey east to the frontier.
Bulgaria to Skip Euro Weightlifting Contest Over Positive Doping Test
Bulgaria has withdrawn its weightlifting team from next month's European championship after 11 athletes failed a doping test.
"Bulgarian athletes will not participate in any international events" until the case is cleared, the AP quoted the Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation as saying.
Red Hot Chilli Pipers Greet Bulgarian Audience Prior to May Performance
The Scottish band Red Hot Chilli Pipers that is expected to arrive for a first-time performance in Bulgaria at the opening of the 20th annual Salon of Arts at the Sofia National Palace of Culture sent a video greeting to their fans.
Airlines Implement Further Security Measures
Lowcost airlines easyJet, Air Transat and Norwegian Air Shuttle have announced a change in the rules for pilots during flights.
According to the rule amendments, there should always be two crew members in the cockpit. Whenever one of the pilots needs to leave, the main air hostess will substitute them.