Новости за 18.01.2024

As January 19 unfolds, Bulgarians can anticipate a weather shift marked by clearing clouds and the emergence of sunny conditions in many regions. A light to moderate westerly-southwesterly wind will accompany the day, bringing with it temperature highs ranging from 12°C to 17°C, with Sofia experiencing around 12°C. However, a northwesterly wind is expected to usher in colder weather, transforming rain into snow during the night into Saturday, particularly in northern areas and at higher elevations in the west, potentially leading to snowstorms.

Banker and economist Levon Hampartsumyan addressed concerns about Bulgaria's adoption of the euro, emphasizing the need to overcome fears and embrace the impending change. According to Hampartsumyan, the shift to the euro as the primary measure of economic success will not only be seamless but also without financial burdens for the public. Contrary to apprehensions, he assures the public that currency conversion from leva to euros will be facilitated by the state at no cost to individuals, eliminating... Читать дальше...

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, marked a historic precedent on 11 January 2024, as the highest judicial body of the United Nations began considering the claims of the Republic of South Africa (RSA) in its lawsuit against Israel alleging the commission of "the crime of genocide" against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. South Africa accused Israel before the ICJ, of violating the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and committing "acts of genocide" in the Gaza Strip. Читать дальше...

Renowned geographer and writer, Georgi Bardarov, sheds light on Bulgaria's critical demographic challenges, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of present actions on society in the next 15 years. In a report presented at Sofia University, Bardarov underscores Bulgaria's unique position as the only nation consistently ranked among the top three with the most severe negative natural population growth for over 30 years. Bulgaria grapples with alarming statistics, holding the unfortunate records... Читать дальше...

Gambling is a complex activity with definite risks, and a gambler’s ability to hold their betting habits under control is crucial for the security of their finances, jobs, and even family relationships. The GamStop initiative was introduced in 2018 as a self-exclusion solution for players who face problems with uncontrollable gambling behaviour. For several years, the scheme has been used in all UK online casinos with licenses from the Gambling Commission....

Amidst heightened tensions in the region, Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted the Red Sea port city of Eilat, prompting Israel to activate air raid sirens and respond with defensive measures. Explosions were reported near Eilat, with the Israeli military confirming the firing of an interceptor missile in response to the attack. The Houthi rebels, who have declared war on Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, have previously targeted Eilat....

Defense Minister Todor Tagarev announced from the parliamentary rostrum today that almost all of the first eight F-16s ordered by the US are already in production: "The news from there is that seven of the eight aircraft that have been contracted are in various stages of assembly and that production capacity has been reached to allow the next eight aircraft to be built and produced without delay." ...

There is a significant increase in the number of illegal border crossings in the EU for 2023, totaling around 380,000, with a rise in arrivals from the Mediterranean Sea. This was announced by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency ("Frontex"). Their calculations indicate the highest level since 2016, and that means a 17% increase from 2022....

Bulgaria's Nurgyul Salimova was recognized by the International Chess Organization (FIDE), along with two other chess players, who faced challenges and achieved exceptional success in 2023. Despite not being among the favorites, the trio managed to make significant progress and accomplishments.“Anastasia Bodnaruk, Nurgyul Salimova and Nijat Abasov left their mark on the chess records of 2023 by overcoming the odds to achieve remarkable successes over the board“, FIDE emphasized on social media. ... Читать дальше...

As the winter season unfolds, Bulgaria's popular winter resorts, Borovets and Pamporovo, are witnessing a surge in foreign visitors, with a notable presence from Britain and various Balkan countries. Both resorts are currently experiencing high occupancy rates, with Bulgarians forming the second-largest group of tourists. Borovets: Blagovesta Tomova, Chair of the Association Union of Hoteliers and Owners in the Borovets Resort, revealed that British tourists lead the foreign influx, while Balkan visitors... Читать дальше...

In a cultural celebration, the Sts Cyril and Methodius National Library in Sofia is set to introduce a Croatian literature corner on January 23, as announced by the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Bulgaria. The literary enclave, generously supplied by the National and University Library in Zagreb and the Croatian Culture Ministry, will showcase Croatian books encompassing the nation's history, culture, traditions, fine arts, and literature. This marks the 26th installment in the National Library's ongoing initiative... Читать дальше...

With its lively culture and fast-paced lifestyle, Dubai is a captivating destination that entices people from all over the world to its luxurious real estate market. There is a wide range of vibrant and diverse real estate alternatives available to residents in this vibrant metropolis....

"We Continue the Change" (WCC-DB) ranking member, Member of Parliament, and former Parliament leader Nikola Minchev has affirmed his consent to lead the party's list of candidates for the European Parliament (EP) elections scheduled for this year. Minchev clarified that his willingness to be considered for the leader of the EP candidates list is a principled agreement, pending approval from the collective body within the party. In response to inquiries about whether he made the decision to run for... Читать дальше...

In an attempt to quell the ongoing protests by public transport workers in Sofia, Mayor Vasil Terziev has extended an offer of a 15% salary increase. However, this falls short of the demonstrators' demands, who are advocating for a more substantial 30% raise. The dialogue unfolded as representatives from the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) and the “Podkrepa” Labor Confederation engaged in discussions with Mayor Terziev at Sofia Municipality. ...

The parliamentary legal committee has recently introduced pivotal amendments to the Law on Bulgarian Citizenship, placing renewed emphasis on language proficiency as a mandatory criterion for acquiring Bulgarian citizenship. Under the proposals brought forth by the Council of Ministers, individuals of Bulgarian origin and those with a parent who has obtained Bulgarian citizenship must now showcase fluency in the Bulgarian language. With unanimous support, the amendments in the first reading usher... Читать дальше...

Excitement builds across Turkiye as the nation eagerly anticipates the historic launch of its first astronaut, Alper Gezeravci, scheduled to take place on Thursday. The private spaceflight Axion Mission 3 is set to lift off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, just after midnight Bulgarian time or at 1:11 a.m....

Transport Minister Georgi Gvozdeikov declared the readiness of Bulgaria's inaugural medical helicopter during a recent interview on Nova TV. Gvozdeikov shared that the helicopter, designed to meet the highest standards for emergency care, is set to be transported from Italy to Bulgaria next week, with assurance from Italian manufacturers that it will arrive by the end of January. This marks the first of six medical helicopters ordered by Bulgaria, a crucial step towards bolstering the nation's emergency... Читать дальше...

Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel has announced significant progress in Bulgaria's bid to join the Schengen Area during her discussions with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. Gabriel emphasized the backing received from the Belgian Presidency of the EU, ensuring that the Schengen issue remains a top priority. Speaking from Davos, Gabriel noted the existing target date of March 31 for Schengen accession but stressed the ongoing negotiations for the removal of restrictions at... Читать дальше...

In a commemorative event observed on January 18, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors the revered Saint Athanasius the Great. Acknowledged as a staunch defender of authentic church teachings, Saint Athanasius holds the title "father of Orthodox theology" for his theological arguments establishing the equality and identity of the Holy Trinity - God, Son, and Holy Spirit. Folklore in Bulgaria portrays St....

In a significant development, the United States has declared Ansarallah, commonly known as the Houthis, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, citing ongoing threats and attacks by the rebel group. This move comes in response to recent Houthi assaults on ships navigating the Red Sea, prompting the US to launch targeted strikes on Houthi positions within Yemen. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the importance of this designation as a tool to hinder terrorist funding to the Houthis... Читать дальше...

Addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, "We Continue the Change" Co-chairman Kiril Petkov emphasized the potential for Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece to achieve the highest GDP growth in Europe through collaborative infrastructure development. Speaking at a discussion titled "Rethink the Ports as Hubs: The strategic importance for Greece, Balkans and Europe," organized by ‘’Greek House Davos,’’ Petkov stressed the importance of integrated infrastructure in fostering economic independence and prosperity. Читать дальше...

In a move to advocate for better working conditions and a 30% pay increase, the Federation of Transport Unions (FTU) initiated a protest action in Sofia on Thursday. The demonstration, organized in collaboration with the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria, resulted in disruptions to several bus and trolleybus services. FTU President Alexander Shopov highlighted the pressing need for improved wages and working conditions in the public transport sector....

Pakistan said on Thursday that it has launched missile strikes into Iran and that "a number of terrorists were killed during the intelligence-based operation," codenamed "Marg Bar Sarmachar". Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in a statement said that it had undertaken a series of "highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts" in the Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran. "A number of terrorists were killed during the intelligence-based... Читать дальше...

The new confirmed cases of coronavirus in Bulgaria for the last 24 hours are 130, according to the data of the Unified Information Portal. 2,190 tests were carried out, which means that the proportion of positive results is 5.9 percent. ...

As Bulgaria navigates through January 18, a predominantly cloudy day awaits with widespread rainfall expected in many regions. A light to moderate southwesterly wind will accompany the weather. Daytime highs will vary between 15-16°C, with cooler temperatures of 5-7°C in Western Bulgaria and around 13°C in Sofia. ...