Nikolay Denkov

Hungary has sent an official message to Bulgaria that if the country does not remove the fee for the transfer of Russian gas, Budapest will impose a veto on Bulgaria's accession to Schengen. This was explained by Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov in response to a question about the reason for the decision of the Bulgarian authorities to postpone the fee.

The government has greenlit ambitious projects to attract substantial foreign investments totaling EUR 500 million across Pleven, Maritsa-Plovdiv, and Shumen, as announced by Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov. Denkov emphasized the pivotal role of these investments in elevating workers' wages and achieving European living standards.

"Bulgaria will continue its current actions to protect the external borders of the European Union, but will certainly not accept additional conditions", said Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov.

According to him, Schengen by air means more amenities at airports and fewer queues.

Bulgaria's Prime Minister, Nikolai Denkov, lauded Austria's recent shift in stance as a positive step towards Schengen expansion. This move by Vienna signifies a willingness to grant Bulgaria and Romania entry into the border-free travel area, albeit limited to air travel for now.

Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov clarified that ongoing negotiations with Austria have yet to yield a finalized agreement for Bulgaria's accession to Schengen by air. Speaking to bTV, Denkov emphasized the necessity for compliance with general European regulations, dismissing the prospect of Bulgaria adhering to specific rules exclusive to the nation.

People within the art sector staged a protest outside the Council of Ministers, pressing for increased pay and a substantial boost in the cultural budget for the upcoming year. Demanding an audience with Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov and the Minister of Culture, the protesters are vocalizing their discontent, with chants urging the Prime Minister to address their concerns.

Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov delved into a comprehensive overview of the government's accomplishments over the past six months in anticipation of the Cabinet's session. Denkov highlighted pivotal achievements, from tackling inflation to ushering in justice reforms and infrastructure advancements.

Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov revealed a decline in inflation rates to pre-war figures (the war in Ukraine) during a government meeting earlier today. Denkov reported a decrease from 6% in October 2021 to 5.8% this October, signaling an encouraging shift in the economic landscape.

Tensions have flared in Bulgarian politics as the leading party GERB declared a partial boycott of cabinet meetings, signaling growing discontent following the controversial removal of Dr. Valentin Dimitrov, the director of the renowned "Pirogov" Hospital.

Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov acknowledged the increasing complexities in negotiating Bulgaria's Schengen entry following the recent Dutch elections. However, he remains optimistic, stating that progress has been made and will be presented at the European Union's foreign ministers meeting, even though no immediate vote is anticipated.