Data released by Eurostat reveals a notable deceleration in wage growth across the European Union (EU) and the eurozone during the final quarter of 2023. While the average hourly wage in the EU increased by 3.8%, representing a marked slowdown from the previous quarter, Bulgaria saw a notable rise of 11....
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. Resigned Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov expressed dissatisfaction, stating, "This is a cabinet of GERB, it is not a cabinet that has been agreed with WCC-DB; the agreement has not been agreed with us." Denkov's remarks underscore the lack of consensus surrounding Gabriel's proposal. ...
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. ...
In response to continued shelling in the border villages of the Belgorod region, Russian authorities have initiated evacuation measures to ensure the safety of residents, particularly children. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov announced the decision at a meeting of the Presidium of the "United Russia" party, stating that approximately 9,000 children will be evacuated from the affected areas to other regions of the Russian Federation. Gladkov outlined the scope of the evacuation efforts, noting that numerous villages have already been evacuated... Читать дальше...
Jean-Francois Dauphin, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission in Bulgaria, has expressed confidence that Bulgaria's accession to the Eurozone by 2025 is a realistic goal. The IMF's assessment comes as part of its regular evaluation of Bulgaria's economic performance, which forecasts a 2.7 percent growth rate for the country's economy this year. ...
Amid growing concerns over security threats posed by Russian aggression, Bulgaria and a coalition of 13 other European Union countries have urged the European Investment Bank (EIB) to bolster defense financing. The call, joined by powerhouse nations Germany and France, aims to enhance the bloc's defense capabilities in response to escalating tensions, as reported by Bloomberg. In a letter addressed to EIB President Nadia Calvino, European Council President Charles Michel and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo... Читать дальше...
Russia has replaced the commander-in-chief of its naval forces. The decision comes on the heels of a string of losses suffered by the Black Sea Fleet, according to reports from Telekanal "Дождь". Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, formerly at the helm of the Northern Fleet, has been appointed as the acting commander-in-chief of the Russian Navy....
Sofia has been gripped by escalating tensions and uncertainty in recent weeks, with migrant-related issues dominating headlines. From reports of violent encounters to street battles, the capital city has grappled with a myriad of challenges. In the midst of this turmoil, we turned to our readers on Facebook to gauge their sentiments on the issue: Do migrants pose a threat in Bulgaria? Here's what they had to say: ...
As Mariya Gabriel accepted the mandate from President Rumen Radev on Monday, the clock started ticking for her to present a cabinet or return the mandate with or without the names of future ministers. Although the law allows for a week-long deadline, the "We Continue the Change" (WCC-DB) and GERB groups have decided to provide an answer within 24 hours. Unofficial sources from BNT suggest that negotiations have stalled, indicating a growing possibility of Bulgaria heading towards new elections.... Читать дальше...
The European Parliament's Petitions Committee is set to vote on a resolution advocating for the full acceptance of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen Area. The motion comes in response to concerns over long queues of heavy goods vehicles at the EU's internal borders, which have raised issues regarding drivers' health and safety, road congestion, and the smooth functioning of the single market. MEPs stress the detrimental effects of truck clustering on drivers' health, road safety, and the environment due to air, water, and noise pollution.
Moldova has announced plans to expel a staff member from the Russian embassy following allegations of election interference in the breakaway Transnistrian region, according to reports by Reuters. The decision comes after Moldovan authorities accused the Kremlin of violating bilateral agreements by allowing polling stations to operate in the Transnistrian area during the recent Russian presidential election. Russian media outlets reported that the Russian ambassador in Chisinau, Moldova's capital... Читать дальше...
The European Parliament has taken a significant step forward in reshaping driving regulations across the EU by adopting new rules at their first reading. These changes aim to modernize the driving experience and enhance safety standards for motorists throughout Europe. One notable adjustment is the introduction of a probationary period for young drivers during their first two years on the road....
The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church convened on Tuesday to address the vacancy left by the passing of Patriarch Neophyte, who served as the spiritual leader of Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia. According to reports from the Bulgarian National Radio, the Synod's primary agenda was the election of a temporary head to oversee the Church's affairs during this transition period. The chosen interim leader will assume the responsibility of organizing the election process for a new Patriarch... Читать дальше...
Walter Baier, the leading candidate of the European Left for the upcoming European elections, has expressed his dismay over Austria's stance on Bulgaria and Romania's entry into the Schengen zone. Describing the Austrian government's position as "shameful, unfair, and ineffective," Baier's remarks reflect broader discontent within the European Left regarding the issue. In an interview with 23 European news agencies participating in the "European Newsroom" program, Baier emphasized his condemnation... Читать дальше...
The Israeli military conducted a large-scale operation at the Al-Shifa hospital complex in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of dozens of Palestinian fighters and the arrest of over 200 individuals, according to reports from AFP. The operation forced hundreds of civilians to flee the area. Among the casualties was Marwan Issa, the deputy head of Hamas' military wing, marking the highest-ranking Hamas official killed by the Israeli army in Gaza since the conflict began nearly six months ago. Читать дальше...
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. Throughout the mission, IMF experts engaged in discussions with government representatives and officials from the Bulgarian National Bank to assess the country's economic landscape and policy implementation. Among the recommendations made to Bulgaria was the restoration of Value-Added... Читать дальше...
US Vice President Kamala Harris has denounced former President Donald Trump as a "threat" to democracy and fundamental freedoms, vowing to address key issues such as reproductive rights, voting rights, and gun violence. In a recent post on social media platform X, Harris asserted, "Donald Trump is a threat to our democracy and fundamental freedoms. President @JoeBiden and I will restore Roe, protect voting rights, and finally address our gun violence epidemic....
The Belgian Presidency of the EU is spearheading efforts to fully integrate Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area. A draft resolution, expected to be voted on today in the European Parliament's Committee on Petitions, underscores the urgency of addressing the border issues between the two countries and the rest of the Schengen zone. The resolution comes amidst mounting concerns over the handling of heavy goods vehicles at border crossing points within the free movement area....
