Latest News from Bulgaria

Bulgaria to Renegotiate Long-Term Contracts with AES, ContourGlobal TPPs

Bulgarian Energy Minister Temenuzhka Petkova announced that the long-term contracts between the National Electricity Company (NEK) and the two thermal power plants AES Maritza East 1 and ContourGlobal Maritsa East 3 will be renegotiated.

Petkova stated this during a conference at which she presented account of her first 100 days in office, Focus news agency reports.

Bulgarian Swimsuit Model Arrested in USA's Florida

Bulgarian model Rali Ivanova was arrested Wednesday in the US Pasco County over charges of driving under the influence of alcohol.

The sheriff who arrested her stated that she had lost her way travelling from Tampa to St. Petersburg, both because she was texting and driving, The Tampa Tribune reported.

Germany's Talanx Sells Bulgaria, Ukraine Subsidiaries to Bulgaria's EIG

German holding and insurance company Talanx has sold its subsidiaries in Bulgaria and Ukraine to Euroins, a Bulgarian insurance group.

The aim is to streamline the company's portfolio in Eastern Europe, German news websites report. No price tag is mentioned, though a "single-digit million deal" (in EUR) is suggested by most sources.

Bulgarian Rhythmic Gymnastics Team Takes Home Gold at Moscow Grand Prix

The Bulgarian ensemble in rhythmic gymnastics started the new season in the most convincing way possible.

With a total score of 34.650, the Bulgarian team took the gold in the all-round phase after brilliant performances in the two routines, Gong.bg reported.

Bulgarian Prosecution Drops Toughest Charges against Dogan Attacker

The state prosecution has dropped charges of attempted murder against the man who attacked the DPS party's honorary chair Ahmed Dogan in 2013.

Oktay Enimehdemov was sentenced in February to three-and-a-half years of imprisonment after found guilty of death threat, but was acquitted of attempted murder. The Sofia Appellate Court in October upheld the sentence.

Bulgaria Climbs 2 Places Up in EU Funds Absorption Ranking

Bulgaria has outpaced Italy and the Czech Republic in the rate of EU fund absorption, EU statistics show.

Lithuania, at 93.7%, is the "champion" of absorption.

According to the Regional Policy directorate at the EU Commission, the country is currently ranking 23rd in terms of "percentage of available funds paid out by the Commission", up from the previous 25th place in 2014.

Germany: Greece's Bailout Extension Proposal Is ''Trojan horse''

A meeting of eurozone financial ministers is scheduled for Friday, in order for a solution to be reached for the crisis in Greece.

Informal division has been observed, as Germany largely relies on the support of Finland and Netherlands, and perhaps Portugal and Spain that have already taken the bailout road, but never had the chance to renegotiate.

Bulgaria's Debt Proposal 'Imposed from Outside to Finance War' - Nationalist Leader

Bulgaria is being imposed from abroad the EUR 8 B debt proposal now put forward for a vote in Parliament, nationalist Ataka party's leader Volen Siderov has argued.

Siderov has told the Bulgarian National Television that the prospective foreign borrowing is to be used "for military purposes".

Bulgaria President to Discuss Energy Ties with Romania's Iohannis

Bulgaria's President Rosen Plevneliev is due to meet with Romanian counterpart Klaus Iohannis on a Friday visit to Bucharest.

Plevneliev is the first head of state to do this since Iohannis was sworn in following his unexpected victory against PM Victor Ponta in November.

Judicial Watchdog to Vote on New Sofia City Court Chair Next Week

Bulgaria's Supreme Judicial Council (VSS) is to determine on Thursday next week who will take over as interim head of the Sofia City Court, Yasen Todorov, from the Ethics Committee at the VSS, has said.

Todorov's interview with public broadcaster BNT followed a VSS step to remove the court's chairperson Vladimira Yaneva from office.