Bulgaria

With the European elections looming three months away, Bulgaria's political landscape is taking shape, with the GERB party leading the pack, according to a recent study by "Alpha Research." The survey reveals that 22.6% of voters would support GERB, while the "We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB) party closely follows with 19.9% of voter support.

In a move underscoring its commitment to upholding European Union regulations, the European Commission has intensified its scrutiny of Bulgaria, pressing the nation on various fronts ranging from counterterrorism measures to environmental protection, BTA reported.

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In an interview with BTA, Bulgarian MEP Eva Maydell, representing the European People's Party/GERB, emphasized Bulgaria's need to prioritize efforts towards achieving full Schengen membership. Maydell's remarks come amid ongoing discussions surrounding Bulgaria's path to integration and the potential implications of semi-European solutions such as the Mini-Schengen Area.

In an elaborate press briefing that lasted for more than two hours, the departing Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov and Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel provided a comprehensive account of their administration's journey through the initial nine months in office.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mariya Gabriel, provided reassurance regarding the condition of Bulgarians aboard the hijacked ships "Galaxy Leader" and "Ruen". According to Gabriel, the Bulgarian crew members are in good condition and are being treated as guests by their captors.

Bulgaria has emerged as a key contributor to Ukraine's defense efforts, providing substantial military aid amidst escalating tensions in the region. Outgoing Minister of Defense Todor Tagarev recently disclosed that over 7,000 tons of material resources, including millions of ammunition and over 140 machines, have been extended to Ukraine in support of its security needs.

The National Statistical Institute (NSI) has released preliminary data revealing that Bulgaria's gross domestic product (GDP) experienced a modest growth of 1.8% in real terms in 2023. This expansion marks a slowdown compared to the 3.9% growth recorded in the previous year, according to aggregated quarterly data.

The findings stem from a "Trend" survey commissioned by "24 Chasa", exploring Bulgarian sentiments and views regarding March 8. According to the sociological agency's research, a significant majority of Bulgarians, accounting for 68%, observe or commemorate March 8.

As the European elections loom, recent polling data suggests that five Bulgarian parties are poised to secure representation in the European Parliament, with a notable increase in support for three of them: "We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB), "Vazrazhdane" (Revival), and the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP).

Every year on March 8th, the world comes together to celebrate International Women's Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the economic, political, and social achievements of women globally.