Новости за 04.01.2024

The General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces has recommended the re-establishment of a four-month mandatory military service, as reported by the Serbian channel N1. The Serbian Ministry of Defense underscores that this move aims to fortify the nation's defense capabilities by invigorating the reserve force through active training and reinforcement. The proposal, driven by a comprehensive assessment of the country's security landscape and contemporary challenges faced by Serbia as a militarily neutral state... Читать дальше...

The Thermal Power Plant "Bobov Dol" announced a temporary cessation of its operations, primarily attributed to the prevailing low electricity prices on the power exchange, as stated by the Executive Director, Eng. Lyubomir Spasov on January 4. The facility is undergoing maintenance, with one unit scheduled to resume operations by the following morning, and the second unit to recommence work shortly thereafter. ...

Chief Commissioner Anton Zlatanov from Bulgaria's Border Police addressed recent developments regarding Bulgaria's Schengen entry and the evolving migrant situation in Europe. "We haven't received a 'no' for land borders; we see it as partial acceptance in Schengen—a significant step forward," stated Zlatanov during an interview with BNT. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to hasten land border entry into Schengen, highlighting Austria's decision as a political move. ...

A recent study published in the online edition of Neurology, the American Academy of Neurology's medical journal, suggests that disrupted sleep patterns in one's 30s and 40s could potentially lead to memory and cognitive issues a decade later. The research, conducted by experts from the University of California, San Francisco, focused on examining the link between sleep disruptions and cognitive health among 526 individuals over an 11-year period. Participants, with an average age of 40, wore wrist... Читать дальше...

A midday emergency landing at Sofia Airport has been reported today, reportedly due to the tragic death of a British citizen aboard the aircraft. The incident occurred on a Pegasus Airlines flight from Izmir, Turkey, destined for London Stansted Airport. Initial information, yet to be officially confirmed, from the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) suggested the presence of a deceased British national on the flight....

A staggering amount of over 100,000 tonnes of textiles is discarded annually in Bulgaria, a study reveals, spotlighting the nation's looming textile waste crisis. Startling statistics indicate that merely 2% of this colossal amount undergoes recycling, while an estimated 50% to 70% remains suitable for continued use, according to the Association for Textile Recycling. Presently, Bulgaria's textile collection system operates solely on a voluntary basis, with various associations collaborating with... Читать дальше...

A surge in COVID-19 infections has prompted Greece to reinstate the requirement for masks indoors, signaling concerns about the escalating number of cases. Although the measure is currently advised rather than mandatory, health authorities are urging adherence to mitigate the spread of the virus. Officials acknowledge mounting worries not just about the rising infection rates but also the relatively low vaccination coverage in the country....

The Council of the European Union's decision to welcome Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen zone by air and water starting March 31, 2024, has been formally published in the Official Journal of the EU. This momentous announcement marks a significant milestone for both nations, signifying their long-awaited accession into the Schengen community. The agreement, made public on December 30, signifies a crucial leap forward for Bulgaria, ensuring its comprehensive participation in the Schengen Information System... Читать дальше...

Lena Borislavova, a prominent figure within the "We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB) coalition, shared significant perspectives and plans regarding Bulgaria’s political landscape in a recent interview with the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR). Among the critical points discussed were the imminent shifts in the country's cabinet, Bulgaria's Schengen accession, and a groundbreaking approach to selecting regulatory authorities. Cabinet Transition and Appointments ...

A prominent parliamentary delegation, led by Rosen Zhelyazkov, Chair of Bulgaria's National Assembly, is set to embark on a significant diplomatic visit to India and Vietnam. The visit, scheduled for Thursday, marks a pivotal engagement aimed at fostering bilateral ties and mutual cooperation. The itinerary for the one-day visit to India outlines essential meetings between Zhelyazkov and key dignitaries such as Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar and Lower House Speaker Om Birla....

A shocking act of animal cruelty has rattled residents in Burgas, Bulgaria, as a man reportedly kicked a defenseless stray kitten to its death on a bustling street. The distressing incident unfolded in broad daylight along "Gurko" street, a heavily frequented thoroughfare leading to the Sea Garden in the seaside town. Lilia Bagbaeva, a concerned eyewitness, encountered the tragic aftermath while walking with her children, stumbling upon the lifeless kitten concealed under napkins to shield passersby... Читать дальше...

After the death of Hamas deputy chief Salah al-Arouri in an alleged Israeli strike, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah warned Israel against waging war on Lebanon and said that the killing "will not go unanswered and unpunished," The Times of Israel reported. "If the enemy thinks of waging a war on Lebanon, we will fight without restraint, without rules, without limits and without restrictions," Nasrallah said in his address, which had been pre-planned to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the... Читать дальше...

Recent developments in the Jeffrey Epstein case have brought to light potentially incriminating information involving two former US presidents. In a significant move, a New York court declassified a substantial 943-page document related to allegations of sexual assaults against the billionaire financier. Among the disclosed information are the names of individuals either linked to or possibly witnesses in the case. ...

146 years ago, on January 4, Field Marshal Iosif Vladimirovich Romeyko-Gurko led Russian liberation troops in a triumphant entry into Sofia, marking a pivotal moment in the city's history. The historic occasion, initiated by the residents of Sofia, continues to be celebrated annually, harkening back to the day when Russian regiments liberated the city, overthrowing Turkish dominance. This event, occurring on December 23 in the old-style calendar, holds immense significance for Sofia's residents... Читать дальше...

Britain, the United States and 10 other countries have warned Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen to stop their "highly destabilizing attacks in the Red Sea or face the consequences" after tensions in the region spiked, "The Times" reported. The joint statement, which had been planned for days, was intended to be a "final warning" to the Houthis as the UK and US prepare military action behind the scenes, the Times newspaper said. The unprecedented warning comes after weeks of attacks on commercial ships transiting the Red Sea... Читать дальше...

The new confirmed cases of coronavirus in Bulgaria for the last 24 hours are 282, according to the data of the Unified Information Portal. 2,711 tests were carried out, which means that the proportion of positive results is 10.4 percent. ...

Bulgaria's dedicated research vessel, the Saints Cyril and Methodius, is slated to dock at the Livingstone Island's South Bay, marking a pivotal milestone in the country's Antarctic exploration. Carrying Bulgarian Polar researchers, this expedition began its journey from Varna on November 8 and is anticipated to conclude its mission by April 2024. The ship's recent heroic act unfolded on New Year's night when its crew came to the aid of a motor yacht, accommodating 13 distressed individuals, navigating through the challenging Drake Passage. Читать дальше...

Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov is currently conducting a significant working visit to Greece, aiming to bolster strategic ties between the two nations. Denkov's agenda includes crucial discussions and a working lunch with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The focus of their talks revolves around expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in vital sectors like transportation and energy connectivity along the North-South axis. ...

Croatia has ushered in a new fiscal landscape, as nine tax laws come into effect on January 1, boosting the minimum wage to 830 euros, as reported by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. Highlighting the significant financial strides made during his tenure, Plenkovic noted a noteworthy 100% increase in the minimum wage since 2016, emphasizing Croatia's economic growth and improved standards of living. Plenkovic accentuated the government's achievements in enhancing social benefits, including... Читать дальше...

In a decisive move to combat environmental degradation, the Bulgarian government has ushered in new amendments, significantly heightening penalties for environmental damage and pollution that surpass permissible standards. The revised regulations, adopted on January 3, 2024, target sole traders and legal entities, amplifying the consequences for violations. The revisions, aligned with the European Directive on industrial emissions, introduce a substantial escalation in penalties....

Get ready for a mix of weather patterns today, January 4, across Bulgaria. The day will start with mostly sunny skies but expect fog in lowlands and valleys during the morning. Later in the day, rain showers are anticipated, likely continuing into the evening....