https://www.bta.bg/en/rss/free Thu, 18 Jun 2026 01:02:22 +0300 en hourly 1 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1149712-bulgarian-national-radio-honours-bulgarian-ambassadors-of-culture-for-2025 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1149712-bulgarian-national-radio-honours-bulgarian-ambassadors-of-culture-for-2025 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 21:54:44 +0300 The Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) honoured the “Bulgarian Cultural Ambassadors” for 2025 in the campaign of the same name. The awards were presented at a ceremony at the National Archaeological Museum on Wednesday evening, with the event held under the auspices of President Iliana Iotova. BNR Director General Milen Mitev pointed out that the initiative was created in 2021 at the suggestion of journalist Nina Tsaneva. According to him, culture is of particular importance for building Bulgaria's image around the world. Among this year's honourees was Nadezhda Dzhakova, Commissioner of the Bulgarian participation in the Venice Biennale. The award was presented to her by Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova. The Chief Conductor of the Bulgarian Armed Forces and Head of the Guards Representative Brass Band, Lieutenant Colonel Radi Radev, was honoured for his contribution to musical culture. He received his award from Katerina Gramatikova, Deputy Minister of Defence.  Among the award winners was also Mimoza Hasani-Pllana from the University of Pristina, who worked to promote the Bulgarian language and culture in Kosovo. The statuette was presented to her by Bulgarian Academy of Sciences full member Nikolay Vitanov, Deputy Minister of Education and Science.  Sculptor Ivan Kanchev, who has represented Bulgaria at prestigious international contemporary art forums, also received an award. The award was presented by Daniel Spasov from Bulgarian National Radio's Board of Directors. The youngest Bulgarian ambassador of culture was Darina Yotova - Dara, due to her success at this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Due to an engagement in Greece, she participated with a video message. On her behalf, the statuette was received by Boris Nikolov from Virginia Records. It was presented by the Director of the LIK Directorate at the Bulgarian News Agency, Antoaneta Markova. She described the initiative as "the most democratic choice of Bulgarian ambassadors," as the nominations come from the listeners of the Bulgarian National Radio. Professor Anton Andonov, a choreographer and teacher who promotes Bulgarian folklore among Bulgarian communities abroad, also received an award. Due to commitments abroad, he was not present in the hall, so Council for Electronic Media Chair Gabriela Naplatanova gave the award to Lyutvie Gencheva from the international folklore formation "Mladost na Megdana". For the first time, the jury also presented a special award. It was awarded to musician and teacher Tsvetina Gramova for her contribution to the preservation and popularization of Bulgarian folklore. The winners of the awards were selected by a seven-member jury from various institutions. The jury of this year's "Bulgarian Ambassadors of Culture" campaign includes Deputy Minister of Culture Marina Vasileva, Secretary for Culture, Education and Relations with Bulgarians Abroad to the President of the Republic Milena Dimitrova, Director of the State Cultural Institute under the Minister of Foreign Affairs Yavor Koynakov, Executive Director of the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad Raina Mandzhukova, Director General of the Bulgarian News Agency Kiril Valchev, host of the BNT program "Kultura.bg" Dimitar Stoyanovich and Daniel Spasov, member of the Management Board of the Bulgarian National Radio. The awardees received statuettes made by sculptor Rainis Gelov. Culture Atanas Malakchiev Vanya Suharova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1149700-european-parliament-report-urges-north-macedonia-to-adopt-constitutional-amendme https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1149700-european-parliament-report-urges-north-macedonia-to-adopt-constitutional-amendme Wed, 17 Jun 2026 21:37:59 +0300 The European Parliament on Wednesday rejected a proposal to delete language backing the Bulgaria-North Macedonia joint historical commission from its 2025 progress report on North Macedonia. The report was drafted by European Parliament rapporteur Thomas Waitz. The decision keeps Paragraph 73, which concerns the work of the Joint Multidisciplinary Expert Commission on Historical and Educational Issues between Bulgaria and North Macedonia. The deletion proposal was rejected by 338 MEPs, while 126 voted in favour and 188 abstained. The report on North Macedonia was adopted by 411 votes in favour, 120 against and 120 abstentions, stressing the need for constitutional amendments that would allow the opening of the first negotiating cluster. Ahead of the vote, BTA sought comments from Bulgarian MEPs from all political groups and all Bulgarian parties represented in the European Parliament. MEP Nikola Minchev (Renew Europe/Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria) stressed that the rights of citizens who identify as Bulgarians in the Republic of North Macedonia is a matter of European values and the rule of law. Minchev noted that constitutional amendments and good-neighbourly relations are not new requirements for North Macedonia but commitments already embedded in the agreed negotiating framework. He added that the hostile rhetoric expressed by public figures and signs of tension and aggression should not be overlooked. MEP Rada Laykova (Europe of Sovereign Nations/Vazrazhdane) argued that many European citizens remain insufficiently informed about the historical and political realities of the Balkans and urged greater attention to the issue. She added that tens of thousands of people identifying as Bulgarians in North Macedonia continue to face restrictions on their rights. Laykova criticized what she described as "the country’s interpretation of historical developments" and stressed that progress toward EU membership must be tied to adherence to democratic standards and the protection of fundamental rights. MEP Ivaylo Valchev (European Conservatives and Reformists/There Is Such a People) told BTA that Skopje is emphasizing issues that serve its domestic political agenda in order to divert public attention from more pressing challenges and focus irrational hostility against its eastern neighbour. Valchev encouraged anyone interested in the subject to read the full report on North Macedonia, stressing that anyone who does so "will understand why there is such a strong insistence in Skopje on discussing identity and language, as well as the issues surrounding them, rather than, for example, corruption and the rule of law." MEP Petar Volgin (Europe of Sovereign Nations/Vazrazhdane) said that North Macedonia is currently not doing anything to improve relations with Bulgaria. He described the region's push for rapid EU accession as "premature" and stressed the need for these countries to meet the relevant criteria before claiming membership. "When such a decision is taken, it must be based on very clear criteria. Criteria that Bulgaria had to meet for many years in order to become a full EU member. The same criteria must be met by all other countries that want to join the EU, whether our Balkan neighbours or Ukraine," Volgin said.  MEP Kristian Vigenin (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats/Bulgarian Socialist Party) said that "the Republic of North Macedonia can begin EU accession negotiations as soon as it adopts the agreed constitutional revisions" adding that the country cannot join the EU without Bulgaria's support. Vigenin pointed out that the Western Balkan countries are progressing at different speeds towards EU accession. "The Republic of North Macedonia is the worst laggard, as it refuses to agree to the step that will clear its way to the negotiations. There is no such thing as 'a Bulgarian veto'. As soon as the constitutional amendments are adopted, the negotiations can start," the MEP said. MEP Andrey Kovatchev (European People's Party/GERB) told BTA that using Bulgaria to explain North Macedonia’s lack of progress on its EU path is very damaging. "The Republic of North Macedonia is not fulfilling the commitments it undertook in 2022 or the Council conclusions, including the requirement to include Bulgarians in all parts of the Constitution before negotiations can begin. That is not to mention implementation of the negotiating framework, where point 5 says that they [North Macedonia] must implement the treaties with Bulgaria and Greece and the protocols to the treaty with Bulgaria,” he added. MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew Europe/Movement for Rights and Freedoms) said that Bulgarian national interest and EU criteria coincide on North Macedonia.  He underlined that reaching a balance between support for North Macedonia’s European perspective and the protection of Bulgarian national interests is "entirely possible and is in fact built into the European decisions of recent years". Bulgaria does not dispute North Macedonia’s European future. On the contrary, we have consistently supported its European integration. At the same time, the European process cannot be separated from the principle that commitments undertaken must be fulfilled. In this case, this concerns both the 2017 Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation and the commitments included in the European negotiating framework, including the inclusion of Bulgarians in North Macedonia’s Constitution as a state-founding people,” he added.  All 17 Bulgarian MEPs  issued a joint declaration strongly condemning the June 15 arson attack on two diplomatic vehicles outside the Bulgarian Embassy in Skopje, describing it as an act of aggression that endangered the security of the diplomatic mission. The MEPs said the attack was part of a broader problem related to hostility and hate speech against Bulgarians and Bulgarian institutions in North Macedonia. They called on the authorities in North Macedonia to take immediate action to identify the perpetrators and any possible instigators, stressing that the case should not be treated as an isolated criminal incident.  Balkans Momchil Rusev BTA special correspondent Veneta Litkova BTA special correspondent Kristian Stratev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/archives/1149695-observances-june-18 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/archives/1149695-observances-june-18 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 21:06:20 +0300 The world: - National Day of Seychelles: Constitution Day (1993); On this day in Bulgarian history: 1947: Diplomatic relations with Hungary are restored after being severed on September 26, 1944. Bilateral diplomatic relations are first established on August 9, 1920. Promoted to embassy level on February 13, 1954. 1981: New cabinet is formed with Grisha Filipov as prime minister (in office until June 19, 1986). 1999: Higher Education Act is amended and supplemented to establish universal tuition fee in state-owned universities. 2004: US Federal Bureau of Investigation opens office in Sofia. 2006: Marble head of the Greek god Dionysus, dating from 1st-2nd century AD, is discovered by archaeologist Dimiter Yankov at Stara Zagora (Southeastern Bulgaria). 2007: Terminal 5 is inaugurated at Varna Airport (on the Black Sea). BTA's Archives Tatiana Marinova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1149674-serbian-company-nis-has-350-000-tonnes-of-crude-oil-secured-until-july-1-energy https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1149674-serbian-company-nis-has-350-000-tonnes-of-crude-oil-secured-until-july-1-energy Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:30:06 +0300 Serbian oil company NIS currently has record quantities of crude oil, with around 350,000 tonnes secured until July 1, the country's Mining and Energy Minister Dubravka Dedovic Handanovic said on Wednesday at a meeting with Serbian members of the NIS Board of Directors. "The company remains exposed to regulatory, financial and operational risks, and we must continue working towards its removal from the sanctions list of the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) as soon as possible," the Minister said. She recalled that the State continues to implement measures to ensure full market supply.  Earlier on Wednesday, Tanjug reported that OFAC extended the licences allowing NIS to operate and Hungarian oil and gas company MOL to continue negotiations, until July 1, 2026. The previous licences for both companies expired on June 16. NIS said that under the extended licence it can continue its operations and participate in agreements involving the company or its subsidiaries, including the operation of its refinery, crude oil imports, transactions necessary for supply security and technical implementation, as well as financial operations. At the same time, MOL can continue negotiations with Russia’s Gazprom Neft on the purchase of its 56.15% stake in NIS. On Tuesday, Handanovic signed an agreement with MOL on the management of NIS.  NIS is Serbia’s only oil company and operates the Pancevo refinery, a key facility for the country’s fuel supply. The United States placed NIS under sanctions on January 10, 2025, over its Russian majority ownership. The restrictions took effect on October 9, 2025, after eight postponements, with Washington demanding the full withdrawal of Russian capital from the company. Balkans Tatiana Marinova BTA Correspondent Teodora Encheva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1149683-bulgarian-mps-foreign-minister-condemn-arson-attack-on-embassy-cars-in-skopje https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1149683-bulgarian-mps-foreign-minister-condemn-arson-attack-on-embassy-cars-in-skopje Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:07:00 +0300 Parliamentary groups and Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova on Wednesday condemned the June 15 arson attack on two diplomatic vehicles of the Bulgarian Embassy in Skopje, calling on the authorities in North Macedonia to investigate the incident and prevent similar acts. Progressive Bulgaria described the attack as “a most serious violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations” and “an unacceptable hate crime”. Continue the Change Floor Leader Nikolay Denkov called it “under any circumstances, a provocation” and said Bulgaria should respond with “firmness, composure, and confidence”. Vazrazhdane MP Angel Georgiev said his party would propose that Parliament ask Prime Minister Rumen Radev to seek the suspension of EU financing for North Macedonia, describing this as “the only working solution” to push the country toward reforms. GERB-UDF MP Georg Georgiev said the attack was not only against Bulgaria but also “against a member state of the European Union and, in that sense, against the Union as a whole”. Petrova said Bulgaria had presented its position “in all possible formats”, including at the General Affairs Council in Brussels and through Bulgarian representatives in the Council of Europe. She said she had told her counterpart from North Macedonia that Bulgaria expected to learn not only who the perpetrator was, but also “what the motives were and what measures will be taken” to prevent similar acts. Bulgaria Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1149638-bta-press-club-in-athens-hosts-discussion-with-greek-writer-elias-fragakis https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1149638-bta-press-club-in-athens-hosts-discussion-with-greek-writer-elias-fragakis Wed, 17 Jun 2026 19:47:31 +0300 A discussion meeting with Greek writer and translator Elias Fragakis took place at BTA's National Press Club in Athens. The meeting focused on the book Bulgaria: The Land of Mirrors, which compiles memories and personal impressions of 34 Greeks whose lives were connected to Bulgaria at different times under various circumstances. The stories are written by people who have lived, studied, worked, or stayed in the country as students, teachers, artists, cultural figures, etc., and trace a unique mosaic of experiences. Various topics were raised during the conversation, including the cultural ties between Bulgaria and Greece, the role of literature and translation in fostering mutual understanding between the two nations, and the author's personal impressions and creative experience. "We wanted to pay tribute to the Greek students who studied in Bulgaria, and to all Greeks who have passed through the country. This is an opportunity to rediscover ourselves and to talk about our second homeland - Bulgaria," Fragakis said.  Students majoring in Bulgarian studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, along with Gencho Banev, their lecturer in Bulgarian language, literature, and culture, also attended the event. The possibility of translating the book into Bulgarian was also discussed. The book Bulgaria: The Land of Mirrors was officially presented in Athens at the Thessaloniki Book Fair in early May, where Bulgaria was the guest of honour. Balkans Kristina Ivanova BTA correspondent Ivan Lazarov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1149651-turkish-foreign-ministry-rejects-european-parliament-report-on-turkiye https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1149651-turkish-foreign-ministry-rejects-european-parliament-report-on-turkiye Wed, 17 Jun 2026 19:22:18 +0300 The Turkish Foreign Ministry on Wednesday rejected the European Parliament’s 2025 report on Turkiye as baseless and misleading. The ministry posted a statement on its official website rejecting the report on the country’s progress and dismissing allegations against the justice minister that Ankara said were included in the document. The Turkish Foreign Ministry said the 2025 report on Turkiye, adopted at a European Parliament plenary session on Wednesday, contained assessments based on unfounded claims and disinformation from anti-Turkiye circles and was at odds with the facts. Turkiye said the report reflected the ideological biases of some Members of the European Parliament and undermined a constructive agenda at a time when the strategic importance of Turkiye-EU relations is growing. The ministry said the approach, which it said provides space for terrorist organizations and anti-Turkish circles, once again showed how far the European Parliament was from offering a strategic vision for the future of Turkiye-EU relations. Turkiye also rejected conclusions related to domestic investigations, stressing that the Turkish judiciary is independent. The Turkish Foreign Ministry said it categorically rejected the distortion of investigations carried out by the independent Turkish judiciary and the baseless accusations leveled against the Turkish justice minister. The statement said Turkiye expects an approach based on shared interests that will help develop relations between Ankara and Brussels. Balkans BTA correspondent Ayshe Sali Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1149609-foreign-minister-bulgaria-does-not-support-imposition-of-symbolic-sanctions-on- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1149609-foreign-minister-bulgaria-does-not-support-imposition-of-symbolic-sanctions-on- Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:42:00 +0300 Bulgaria does not support the imposition of sanctions to Russian Patriarch Kirill, Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova told journalists before the meeting of the Foreign Policy Committee on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, European Commission Deputy Chief Spokesperson Arianna Podesta said that the European Commission hopes the newly proposed sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine will be adopted as soon as possible. Petrova said Bulgaria supports sanctions against Russia, as long as they have a real economic impact on the country waging the war and do not inflict greater damage on EU Member States. The sanctions should be economic rather than symbolic in nature, she added. "There are a number of elements that we do not support, mainly related to energy policies, so as to ensure the energy stability of the country. The others are sanctions related to the Russian Patriarch Kirill, which fall into the category of symbolic sanctions that have the potential to be counterproductive," the Minister pointed out. "I do not think that limiting the financial assets of the Russian Patriarch in certain banks will prevent his activities," the Foreign Minister added. Bulgaria Lilia Yordanova Atanas Malakchiev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1149573-defence-minister-to-attend-nato-member-states-defence-ministers-meeting https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1149573-defence-minister-to-attend-nato-member-states-defence-ministers-meeting Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:24:00 +0300 Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov will attend NATO Member States' defence ministers meeting, which will take place on June 18 in Brussels, Belgium, the Defence Ministry's press service said here Wednesday. During the forum, participants will discuss the implementation of key decisions related to NATO's defence and deterrence capabilities, including preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkiye. The ministers will also discuss key issues on the Alliance's current agenda, including the fulfillment of commitments to increase defence spending and capacity of the defence industry, the statement said. World Kristina Ivanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1149570-serbian-progressive-party-backers-promote-rally-through-video-of-dancing-humanoi https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1149570-serbian-progressive-party-backers-promote-rally-through-video-of-dancing-humanoi Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:21:00 +0300 Supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) are urging citizens to attend a rally in Belgrade through a video showing humanoid robots performing the traditional Serbian kolo dance, according to a Facebook post on Wednesday. In the video, a humanoid robot says: “See you on June 27 in Belgrade,” while a caption gives the meeting point as the area in front of the Serbian Parliament. An SNS rally is scheduled for that date, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has called for mass participation, Serbian media said. Vucic told TANJUG news agency on Tuesday that ballot boxes would be placed at the June 27 rally so that citizens could vote on the main issues they want addressed and changed in Serbia. The previous SNS rally was held at Belgrade Arena on March 21, ahead of early local elections in Serbia. Vucic thanked party members and supporters, saying that they had saved Serbia from attacks “from outside and within”. Social tensions in Serbia remain high after the November 1, 2024 collapse of a canopy at the recently renovated railway station in the northern city of Novi Sad, which killed 16 people and seriously injured one. Students then blocked more than 60 university faculties and led anti-government protests that grew into mass demonstrations. Citizens twice declared a general strike in an attempt to trigger early parliamentary elections. Balkans Atanas Malakchiev BTA Correspondent Teodora Encheva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1149532-cabinet-proposes-to-parliament-denunciation-of-energy-charter-treaty-energy-eff https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1149532-cabinet-proposes-to-parliament-denunciation-of-energy-charter-treaty-energy-eff Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:20:29 +0300 The Council of Ministers decided on Wednesday to propose that the National Assembly denounce the Energy Charter Treaty and the Protocol on Energy Efficiency and Related Environmental Aspects, signed in Lisbon on December 17, 1994, the Government Press Service said on Wednesday. This places Bulgaria alongside France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Denmark, Portugal and other EU Member States that have so far taken steps to denounce the treaty. The Energy Charter Treaty no longer corresponds to the EU’s energy and climate goals or to modern standards for investment protection. For this reason, in mid-2023 the EU and Euratom began steps to withdraw from the treaty. In line with these EU-level decisions, Bulgaria has also decided to start the procedure for its own withdrawal from the treaty. After the national withdrawal procedures are completed, written notification will be sent to the depositary. Under Article 47(1) of the Energy Charter Treaty, any party may denounce the treaty if five years have elapsed from the date on which it entered into force for that party. For Bulgaria, that date was April 16, 1998. Bulgaria Tatiana Marinova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1149591-bulgarian-meps-call-for-competitive-prices-grid-investment-in-electrification-d https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1149591-bulgarian-meps-call-for-competitive-prices-grid-investment-in-electrification-d Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:16:29 +0300 Bulgarian MEPs Radan Kanev (EPP/DSB) and Tsvetelina Penkova (S&D/BSP) called for competitive electricity prices and investment in Europe’s power grids during a European Parliament debate on the European Commission’s Electrification Action Plan on Wednesday. The debate concerned the Commission’s plan to accelerate the shift from fossil fuels to electricity in industry, buildings and transport. Kanev warned against turning energy policy into an ideological issue and called for practical solutions. He said successful electrification depends on a high-quality energy mix combining renewable energy with baseload generation, often including strong nuclear power, and low electricity prices. He said the EU should prioritize competitiveness instead of adding more regulation. Penkova said modernizing electricity grids is essential for the EU’s electrification goals. Europe cannot electrify its future with grids built for the past, she said. She said Southeastern Europe has significant potential for clean energy production, industrial development and cross-border trade, but outdated infrastructure and tariff systems continue to hold back progress. Penkova called for investment in power grids, energy storage and consumer protection measures. Electrification should help deliver affordable energy and strengthen European industry, she said. Economy Veneta Litkova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1149493-european-parliament-report-urges-north-macedonia-to-adopt-constitutional-changes https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1149493-european-parliament-report-urges-north-macedonia-to-adopt-constitutional-changes Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:08:51 +0300 The European Parliament adopted a report Wednesday on North Macedonia’s progress towards EU accession by 411 votes in favour, 120 against and 120 abstentions, stressing the need for constitutional amendments that would allow the opening of the first negotiating cluster. The report reaffirms the European Parliament’s full support for North Macedonia’s EU membership bid. It says progress in the accession negotiations continues to depend on sustained and thorough reforms, and that renewed political commitment and cross-party cooperation are urgently needed, not least for the adoption of the constitutional amendments. MEPs expressed regret at the lack of progress since the 2025 report, particularly on the rule of law, judicial reform and the fight against corruption. The inclusion of Bulgarians in North Macedonia’s Constitution is a condition for opening the first negotiating cluster, as set out in the negotiating framework endorsed by EU Member States and accepted in 2022 by the government of then Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski. The report also retained Paragraph 73, which concerns the work of the Joint Multidisciplinary Expert Commission on Historical and Educational Issues between Bulgaria and North Macedonia. The retained text urges the commission to produce clear and tangible results based on objective, authentic and evidence-based historical sources and documents, in line with the second protocol of the Treaty of Good Neighbourliness with Bulgaria. The wording on the common history of the two peoples also remains in the report. World Kristina Ivanova Tsvetozar Tsakov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1149461-bulgarian-meps-condemn-arson-attack-on-embassy-vehicles-in-skopje https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1149461-bulgarian-meps-condemn-arson-attack-on-embassy-vehicles-in-skopje Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:55:00 +0300 All 17 Bulgarian MEPs on Wednesday issued a joint declaration strongly condemning the June 15 arson attack attack on two diplomatic vehicles outside the Bulgarian Embassy in Skopje, describing it as an act of aggression that endangered the security of the diplomatic mission. The declaration was signed by Andrey Kovatchev, Andrey Novakov, Elena Yoncheva, Emil Radev, Eva Maydell, Hristo Petrov, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Ilia Lazarov, Ivaylo Valchev, Kristian Vigenin, Nikola Minchev, Petar Volgin, Rada Laykova, Radan Kanev, Stanislav Stoyanov, Taner Kabilov and Tsvetelina Penkova. The MEPs said the attack was part of a broader problem related to hostility and hate speech against Bulgarians and Bulgarian institutions in North Macedonia. They called on the authorities in North Macedonia to take immediate action to identify the perpetrators and any possible instigators, stressing that the case should not be treated as an isolated criminal incident.  The declaration says the attack was a deliberate act of aggression, motivated by hatred, which endangered the lives and security of the staff of an embassy of a European Union Member State and their families. According to the MEPs, it was not merely a criminal act but an unacceptable assault on a diplomatic mission protected under international law and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. They said the case raised questions about the ability of the authorities in North Macedonia to guarantee the security of foreign diplomatic missions in line with their international obligations. The MEPs said such actions did not arise out of nowhere but were a foreseeable consequence of prolonged incitement, tolerated hatred and a lack of accountability for discrimination against Bulgarians in the country. They described the attack as another manifestation of what they called a deeply worrying pattern of hostility, fuelled by persistent anti-Bulgarian rhetoric and the systematic normalization of hate speech against Bulgarians and Bulgaria in the media and public discourse, including by representatives of the authorities in North Macedonia. The declaration says the lack of an adequate institutional response to previous similar high-profile cases has created a sense of impunity among perpetrators. The MEPs cited the cases of Iva Mihaylova, who said she had been prevented from travelling to Bulgaria for urgently needed medical treatment despite repeated requests and medical recommendations; Hristian Pendikov, who was nearly beaten to death for openly expressing his Bulgarian identity; and Dragi Karov and Ljupcho Georgievski, who received suspended sentences in connection with publicly expressed views related to their Bulgarian identity. The MEPs said the cases had drawn significant public attention and raised broader concerns about equal treatment, freedom of expression and the protection of fundamental rights. Taken together with attacks against Bulgarian cultural organizations and diplomatic property, these cases contribute to a growing perception that hostility towards Bulgarians is not being met with the consistency and determination required of a democratic society based on the rule of law, the declaration says. The MEPs also noted that none of these cases had been reflected in reports on North Macedonia during the current parliamentary term. They also recalled the arson attack on the Bulgarian Cultural Club in Bitola, saying that the perpetrator had not received proportionate punishment and was later publicly celebrated and included in the election campaign of the current ruling party. The MEPs added that the perpetrators of the shooting at the Bulgarian Cultural Club in Ohrid had not been identified and brought to justice. In March 2023, the Bulgarian Cultural Centre, which forms part of the embassy, was broken into, and in January 2026, the main building of the Bulgarian Embassy in Skopje was attacked with stones, damaging the entrance to the diplomatic mission, the declaration says. The MEPs called on the authorities in North Macedonia to take immediate, transparent and effective action to bring both the perpetrators and any possible instigators to justice. They said the speed and decisiveness of the response would be a clear test of North Macedonia’s commitment to the rule of law, good-neighbourly relations and European values. European integration is not only a political objective but also a responsibility, the MEPs said. A country aspiring to EU membership must unconditionally guarantee the security of diplomatic missions, counter hate speech and demonstrate respect for its neighbours not only in words but also through actions, they added. The MEPs welcomed the detention of a suspect by the authorities in North Macedonia and Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski’s condemnation of the act. At the same time, they called on North Macedonia’s Parliament, President and Prime Minister to unequivocally condemn what they described as an act of hatred. The signatories said North Macedonia’s response would show whether such actions would be met with accountability or whether the climate of impunity encouraging repeated attacks against Bulgarians, Bulgarian institutions and Bulgarian diplomatic missions would be allowed to continue. World Tatiana Marinova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1149542-mep-ilhan-kyuchyuk-says-bulgaria-s-interest-eu-criteria-coincide-on-north-maced https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1149542-mep-ilhan-kyuchyuk-says-bulgaria-s-interest-eu-criteria-coincide-on-north-maced Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:44:00 +0300 Bulgarian national interest and EU criteria coincide on North Macedonia, MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk of Renew Europe/MRF said in written comments to BTA on Wednesday. Kyuchyuk was commenting on current issues related to the European Commission’s progress reports on Western Balkan countries’ EU path, draft resolutions on which the European Parliament is due to vote on Wednesday, and on bilateral relations between Sofia and Skopje. Ahead of Wednesday’s vote on the European Parliament’s draft resolutions on the 2025 annual progress reports for seven EU candidate countries, BTA sought comment from Bulgarian MEPs from all political groups and all Bulgarian parties represented in the European Parliament. Commenting on the European Commission’s reports on the Western Balkans, Kyuchyuk said they sent a clear message: “The door of the European Union remains open, but integration can no longer be seen as an automatic process.” He said candidate countries were expected to deliver tangible results on the rule of law, judicial independence, the fight against corruption and the protection of fundamental rights. “The European Union recognizes that the stability of the Western Balkans is an integral part of its own security. That is why enlargement today is not only a political project but also a geostrategic one. Bulgaria’s role is particularly important. We are not merely a neighbour of the region but a Member State with historical, cultural and economic ties with all Western Balkan countries. Bulgaria must actively support the region’s European perspective, because European integration means more stability, connectivity and security for Southeast Europe as a whole,” Kyuchyuk said. He added that Bulgaria’s support cannot be unconditional and must be based on the principle that commitments are honoured and European values apply equally to all. Asked about Bulgaria’s position and the balance between support for North Macedonia’s European perspective and the protection of Bulgarian national interests, Kyuchyuk said: “Regarding North Macedonia, such a balance is entirely possible and is in fact built into the European decisions of recent years. Bulgaria does not dispute North Macedonia’s European future. On the contrary, we have consistently supported its European integration. At the same time, the European process cannot be separated from the principle that commitments undertaken must be fulfilled. In this case, this concerns both the 2017 Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation and the commitments included in the European negotiating framework, including the inclusion of Bulgarians in North Macedonia’s Constitution as a state-founding people.” “This is not a choice between Europe and Bulgaria. Bulgaria’s national interests and European criteria coincide in this case. Protecting the rights of the Bulgarian community, combating hate speech and fulfilling international commitments are part of European standards themselves,” Kyuchyuk said. Asked about the arson attack on Bulgarian diplomatic vehicles in Skopje, Kyuchyuk said such incidents do not help relations between Sofia and Skopje, adding that they are fuelled by actions and rhetoric that encourage them. “Relations between Bulgaria and North Macedonia are in a complex and sensitive period. On the one hand, there are objective conditions for cooperation in the economy, infrastructure, energy, education and cultural exchange. On the other, political and historical disputes persist and are often used for domestic political purposes. Unfortunately, incidents and provocations such as the arson attack on diplomatic vehicles in recent days do not help the process but make it more difficult.” “Whatever the specific motive, such incidents do not occur in a vacuum. They take place in an environment in which similar acts and rhetoric encouraging them have been observed too often in recent years. That is why the question is not only who set fire to the cars, but whether the institutions and political leaders in the two countries are doing enough to curb the atmosphere of confrontation. North Macedonia’s European future and good-neighbourly relations with Bulgaria are not two separate processes. They are part of the same strategic task: building a region in which historical disputes are resolved through dialogue, not confrontation, and in which European values are proven by actions, not merely declarations,” Kyuchyuk said. World BTA special correspondent Kristian Stratev Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1149517-government-determines-bodies-to-screen-third-country-nationals https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1149517-government-determines-bodies-to-screen-third-country-nationals Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:33:23 +0300 The Cabinet Wednesday designated screening authorities pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2024/1356 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on the introduction of screening of third-country nationals at the external borders of the EU, the Government Information Service reported. Bulgaria thus complies with its obligation as an EU Member States to designate screening authorities, whose employees must possess the appropriate knowledge and have undergone the necessary training. The main objective is to achieve compliance of the national legal framework with the EU legal framework with regard to the Pact on Migration and Asylum and, in particular, to determine the authorities for the screening procedure. Bulgaria designates the following screening authorities at the Interior Ministry: General Directorate of Border Police as a screening authority at external borders and on the territory of the country with regard to foreigners established in the Border Police's areas of operation; and the Directorate of Migration as a screening authority on the territory of the country. The Cabinet's decision does not have an impact on the state budget, for which the relevant financial justification has been prepared and attached, approved by the Finance Minister, the press release reads. Bulgaria Atanas Malakchiev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1149529-prof-alexandra-savova-elected-head-of-national-council-on-prices-and-reimbursem https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1149529-prof-alexandra-savova-elected-head-of-national-council-on-prices-and-reimbursem Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:28:01 +0300 At is regular sitting here on Wednesday, the Cabinet adopted a resolution on changes to the composition of the National Council on Prices and Reimbursement of Medicinal Products. Prof. Alexandra Savova was elected to replace Prof. Ilko Getov as Council head. Assoc. Prof. Iva Pervova takes Prof. Savova's place as Council member. Prof. Savova earned a Master’s degree in pharmacy from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Medical University of Sofia. In 2007, she completed her PhD. She holds various postgraduate qualifications and has been a member of the National Council on Prices and Reimbursement of Medicinal Products since 2013. She is a member of the Bulgarian Scientific Society of Pharmacy (BSSP) and the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Assoc. Prof.Pervova is a recognized specialist in rheumatology with many years of professional and academic experience in the fields of internal medicine, clinical pharmacology, and rheumatology. She holds a medical degree from the Medical University of Sofia, with specializations in clinical pharmacology and rheumatology, a PhD, and a Master’s degree in health management. She currently combines clinical, diagnostic, teaching, and research activities as an associate professor in the Department of Rheumatology at the Medical University of Sofia and the Rheumatology Clinic at St. Anna University Hospital. She also teaches clinical medicine to pharmacists at the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia.  Bulgaria Dimitrina Solakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/archives/1149471-15-years-since-opening-of-museum-of-contemporary-art https://www.bta.bg/en/news/archives/1149471-15-years-since-opening-of-museum-of-contemporary-art Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:27:05 +0300 Fifteen years ago, on June 17, 2011, Sofia Arsenal – Museum of Contemporary Art opened at 2 Cherni Vrah Blvd in Sofia with Paradigm, an exhibition of contemporary Norwegian art. Sofia Arsenal – Museum of Contemporary Art is a branch of the National Gallery. It was the first new museum in Bulgaria to open after 1981. The reconstruction of the building was based on a design by the Kadinov Brothers Architectural Agency and was carried out with funding from the governments of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein through the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism. The museum building is an immovable architectural cultural property of local significance, part of the Sofia Arsenal historical complex. Built in 1916, it was originally used for the production and storage of artillery ammunition. In the 1930s and until the end of the Second World War, it housed the headquarters of the Military School for Reserve Officers. From the early 1970s to 2003, it was granted to the newly established National Gallery of Decorative and Applied Arts. The following are original news items from BTA’s Home News Desk bulletin, translated into English: Reconstruction of Sofia Arsenal Building into Museum of Contemporary Art Begins Sofia, October 29, 2010 /Dimitrina Vetova, BTA/ Minister of Culture Vezhdi Rashidov, Minister for EU Funds Management Tomislav Donchev and Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova on Friday launched the reconstruction of a building in the Sofia Arsenal complex into a museum of contemporary art. The new museum project is financed by the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism with the participation of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The beneficiary is the Ministry of Culture. Rashidov said Friday’s launch marked the first stage of the reconstruction and that, with the assistance of Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova, an open-air museum of contemporary sculpture would also be created in the park behind the museum. He added that, during the second stage, new funding would be sought under European programmes to build another gallery, an art shop, an art café and two or three administrative buildings nearby. Rashidov expressed confidence that the museum complex would be completed within two years. Donchev said the museum project was being financed with nearly BGN 2.5 million, including national co-financing and funding from the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism. Fandakova said that 85% of the funds for the renovation of the museum building came from the European Economic Area Fund and that Norway provided 97% of that fund. The ceremony was also attended by Norwegian Ambassador to Bulgaria Tove Skarstein, who said that her country had provided more than EUR 1 million for the project. *** Museum of Contemporary Art to Open with Norwegian Exhibition Paradigm Sofia, June 15, 2011 /Penka Momchilova, BTA/  The Museum of Contemporary Art in the former Sofia Arsenal will open with Paradigm, an exhibition of contemporary Norwegian art. The ceremony will take place on June 17 at 10 a.m., the Norwegian Embassy said. The embassy recalled that the project is funded by Norway. Minister of Culture Vezhdi Rashidov and Norwegian Ambassador to Bulgaria Tove Skarstein will mark the successful completion of the first stage of the Sofia Arsenal – Museum of Contemporary Art project. The idea for the Paradigm exhibition came from Skarstein. The Prime Minister, ministers, the leadership of the National Assembly and Sofia Municipality, representatives of the diplomatic corps and other officials have been invited to the ceremony. The project has a total value of EUR 1,247,789 and is being carried out with financial support from Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein through the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism. The grant allocated to the project covers 85% of all costs, while the rest is provided by the Ministry of Culture. The Norwegian government provides 95% of the funds under the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism. The first stage includes the major reconstruction of the Sofia Arsenal building at 2 Cherni Vrah Blvd, designed by the Kadinov Brothers Architectural Agency, which was selected through a competition. The exhibition space on the first floor has been fully completed. During the second stage, the second and mansard floors of the building will be completed. A repository meeting modern museum requirements and a separate hall for temporary exhibitions will be built. With the assistance of Sofia Municipality, an outdoor sculpture park of about 5,000 sq m will be created around the museum, following an idea by Rashidov. *** Deputy Prime Minister Simeon Djankov to Attend Opening of Museum of Contemporary Art in Sofia Sofia, June 16, 2011 /BTA/  Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Simeon Djankov, together with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, Minister of Culture Vezhdi Rashidov and Norwegian Ambassador to Bulgaria Tove Skarstein, will attend the opening ceremony of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sofia on June 17, the Ministry of Finance said. *** Bulgarian Works of Contemporary Art Included in European Parliament Collection Sofia, September 1, 2011 /Mara Bareva, BTA/  The exhibition Bulgarian Art in the Collection of the European Parliament opened Thursday at Sofia Arsenal – Museum of Contemporary Art, the European Parliament Information Office in Bulgaria said. The exhibition, which runs until September 6, presents 15 works by 11 contemporary Bulgarian artists, selected by the European Parliament’s Art Committee and purchased for its collection. It includes paintings, photographs and sculptures by Andrey Daniel, Bozhidar Boyadzhiev, Boyko Mitkov-Boyo, Boris Missirkov, Georgi Bogdanov, Vasilena Gankovska, Georgi Trifonov, Ivan Kostolov, Lyuben Genov, Nadezhda Oleg Lyahova, Nina Ruseva and Stanislav Pamukchiev. After the exhibition at Sofia Arsenal, the Bulgarian collection will travel to its permanent home in Brussels. It will be presented in a special exhibition at the European Parliament in mid-October 2011, which is expected to be opened by European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek. The works will then be displayed permanently in the European Parliament buildings in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg. BTA's Archives Atanas Malakchiev Irina Simeonova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1149523-government-clears-next-step-in-project-to-procure-seven-3d-radars https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1149523-government-clears-next-step-in-project-to-procure-seven-3d-radars Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:22:00 +0300 The Council of Ministers on Wednesday cleared the next step in Bulgaria’s project to procure seven new 3D radars. The decision approving the draft order for the acquisition of the 3D radars authorizes negotiations and the signing of the draft order under the framework agreement between Bulgaria’s Ministry of Defence and France’s Ministry of Armed Forces, acting through the General Directorate for Armament (DGA). Once signed, the document will be submitted to the National Assembly for ratification. The project aims to modernize the Bulgarian Army’s airspace surveillance capabilities and improve the effectiveness of control and protection of Bulgaria’s air sovereignty. The new radars will provide real-time surveillance and support the fulfilment of both national defence tasks and Bulgaria’s commitments within NATO. Seven new 3D radars and the necessary auxiliary equipment will be acquired. They will be used to build a modern radar surveillance system that will improve the Armed Forces’ capability to contribute to national and collective security. The acquisition of new 3D radars is among the key priorities for modernizing the Armed Forces, as set out in Bulgaria’s Armed Forces Development Plan to 2026 and the Defence Capability Development Programme to 2032. The project covers the delivery, installation and integration of the equipment, as well as related services and activities under the framework agreement with the French Republic. Bulgaria Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1149464-ruse-university-exceeds-research-targets-expands-international-partnerships https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1149464-ruse-university-exceeds-research-targets-expands-international-partnerships Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:19:52 +0300 Ruse University has strengthened its position as one of Bulgaria’s leading research institutions, Honorary Rector and Chair of the General Assembly Hristo Beloev said here on Wednesday. He was speaking at a news conference presenting the results of the Ruse Research University project. Ruse University Rector Prof. Desislava Atanasova pointed out that the university is one of ten Bulgarian universities participating in the national network of research universities. Funded through Bulgaria’s Recovery and Resilience Plan, the project aims to boost research activity and increase the international visibility of scientific results. Despite starting later than other institutions and receiving funding only in autumn 2024, Ruse University has successfully met nearly all project objectives, Atanasova emphasized, adding that seven interdisciplinary research groups and seven advanced laboratories have been established. According to Beloev, key performance indicators have been exceeded by 200–300%, noting that a total of 169 researchers participated in the project, which enabled them to publish in prestigious international journals and expand their scientific teams. Twenty-four early-career researchers, 12 postdoctoral fellows, and 18 leading experts participated as well, with the university producing more than 1,200 publications indexed in Web of Science and Scopus between 2024 and 2026, far surpassing initial targets. International cooperation also expanded significantly, Beloev pointed out, stating that 22 new partnerships have been signed with universities, research institutes, and industry representatives. He highlighted the collaboration with Kobe University in Japan, and Ruse's hosting of Bulgaria’s first International Aquaphotomics Conference in September. Beloev emphasized that the project generated 27 initiatives seeking external funding and industrial support, and strengthened partnerships with technology and innovation organisations, including Huawei, the AI Cluster in Bulgaria and the Biotechnology and Health Cluster. Progress was also achieved in technology transfer and intellectual property, with six international patent applications prepared and numerous innovations developed for potential industrial implementation. More than EUR 2 million were invested in new research infrastructure, including advanced computing systems, thermal imaging cameras, intelligent analytics systems, renewable energy research equipment, robotic CNC machines, and industrial 3D printers. The facilities support both research and the education of students, doctoral candidates, and young scientists. The Ruse Research University project, worth EUR 6.1 million and funded through the EU’s NextGenerationEU Recovery and Resilience Facility, aims to establish Ruse University as an internationally recognized research centre while supporting innovation in Northern Bulgaria and the Danube region. Bulgaria Filip Pavlov BTA correspondent Andrey Kyuchukov