Bulgaria

Bulgaria, alongside Serbia and Latvia, emerges as one of the standout success stories in the latest UN World Happiness Report, showcasing a remarkable leap in national contentment from 2006-2010 to 2021-2024. The report, a comprehensive study of global happiness levels, highlights Bulgaria's ascent from 144th to 81st place, reflecting a substantial improvement in overall well-being.

Tensions flare in Bulgarian politics as Mariya Gabriel, the GERB candidate for Prime Minister, demands an apology for perceived insults and epithets directed towards her. Speaking at a parliamentary briefing, Gabriel expressed her discontent, emphasizing that she had refrained from similar behavior for nine months and expected acknowledgment of her adherence to constitutional norms.

Tensions rise within the political landscape of Bulgaria as "We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB) voices its dissent over the cabinet lineup put forth by Mariya Gabriel.

Today, Mariya Gabriel, the nominee for Prime Minister, fulfilled her mandate by presenting President Rumen Radev with a completed folder at 4:15 p.m. today, outlining the draft composition of the Council of Ministers.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has wrapped up its regular mission in Bulgaria, led by Jean-Francois Dauphin, following consultations with Bulgarian authorities on macroeconomic indicators and financial policies.

Bulgaria has taken a firm stance against the recent Russian presidential elections held in the illegally occupied territories of Ukraine, including Transnistria, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia. In a statement released on social media, the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong condemnation of these elections.

Negotiations between GERB and "We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB) hit a snag as the proposed draft composition of the Council of Ministers by GERB was deemed unacceptable by WCC-DB. Resigned Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov made this announcement upon leaving the presidency, where President Rumen Radev handed the first mandate to form a government to GERB.

Bulgaria is on track to meet the inflation benchmark required for Eurozone membership by September, according to Finance Minister Asen Vassilev. Speaking at a conference focused on the currency union, Vassilev expressed confidence in Bulgaria's ability to fulfill the necessary criteria within the specified timeframe.

A comprehensive survey conducted by NATO has provided valuable insights into Bulgaria's perspectives on defense spending and collective defense obligations within the alliance.

Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe confirmed that Bulgaria could adopt the euro in 2025. This statement came following discussions with Bulgarian officials, including outgoing Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov, outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel, and outgoing Finance Minister Assen Vassilev.