https://www.bta.bg/en/rss/free Mon, 06 Apr 2026 01:58:13 +0300 en hourly 1 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1100184-indendent-mp-candidate-batkov-meets-with-bilyanska-residents https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1100184-indendent-mp-candidate-batkov-meets-with-bilyanska-residents Sun, 05 Apr 2026 21:47:30 +0300 Todor Batkov, an independent candidate for member of Parliament in the 22nd Multi-member constituency of Smolyan, met with residents of the village of Bilyanska on Sunday, his nomination committee reported. Residents of the small Smolyan village told Batkov that no one pays attention to the remote villages - neither to the roads nor to the water supply - and people are moving elsewhere. A 72-year-old man said that officials only come before elections, beg people to vote for them, and then forget about them.   Due to logging, the village’s infrastructure is in shambles, including the water and sewer systems. The local population was forced to repair the damaged water main using their own funds and labour. “People also raised the issue of indiscriminate logging carried out in self-regenerated pastures, which are public municipal property. Following the example of the residents of the villages of Kremen and Gela, they contacted me to express their concerns regarding the legality of the logging of Douglas fir and beech on an area of about 10 hectares,” said Batkov. He committed to alerting the relevant authorities to the problem. Bulgaria Dimitrina Solakova BTA Correspondent Elena Pavlova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1100178-progressive-bulgaria-leader-on-palm-sunday-bulgarians-have-survived-through-fai https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1100178-progressive-bulgaria-leader-on-palm-sunday-bulgarians-have-survived-through-fai Sun, 05 Apr 2026 21:37:00 +0300 Progressive Bulgaria leader Rumen Radev together with the coalition’s MP candidates Sunday visited the capital’s Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church No. 2 in the Obelya borough on the occasion of the Christian holiday of Palm Sunday. "It is through faith that we have survived, and it is through faith that we will move forward," he told those in attendance. "Holy Week begins; let us humbly endure all trials, for after them comes Easter," Radev remarked. "A century and a half ago, Bulgaria was reborn in April; I believe that will happen again now," he added. Radev lit a candle and prayed for good health on Sunday's holiday. He also received a willow branch for health and prosperity.  Bulgaria Dimitrina Solakova Borislava Bibinovska https://www.bta.bg/en/news/archives/1100174-observances-april-6 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/archives/1100174-observances-april-6 Sun, 05 Apr 2026 21:27:00 +0300 On this date in Bulgarian history: 1909: The Sublime Porte recognizes Bulgaria's independence (declared September 22, 1908). 1927: The Radio Act is adopted, allowing citizens to own radio sets. 1990: Bulgaria restores diplomatic relations with Chile, broken off after Pinochet's coup d'etat in 1973. 2004: Bulgaria is invited to join the Missile Technology Control Regime. 2005: The Union of Bulgarian National Electronic Media is established.   2011: The Bulgarian Credit Rating Agency (BCRA) becomes the first such agency in Bulgaria and the third in the EU to obtain registration. BTA's Archives Dimitrina Solakova https://www.bta.bg/en/bg-world/1100169-nashenki-choir-from-milan-to-perform-three-songs-in-munich-nashenzi-group-to-pr https://www.bta.bg/en/bg-world/1100169-nashenki-choir-from-milan-to-perform-three-songs-in-munich-nashenzi-group-to-pr Sun, 05 Apr 2026 21:21:05 +0300 The Nashenzi folk group and the Nashenki choir from Milan, Italy, will participate in the 11th Expats Join Hands in Worldwide Dance travelling festival in Munich from May 15 to 17. The choir will perform three songs from three different folklore regions - the Rhodopes, the Shopluka, and the Pirin regions. “This is not just a choice of repertoire, but a personal journey through the places that have left a mark on the soul of our wonderful  [choir director and teacher] Vanya Parizova as a musician and a person. Each of these regions carries a different energy, a different pain, and a different strength,” Elena Bratoeva, choreographer of the Nashenki folk group, told BTA. The group is led by Radoslava Nedyalkova. “Our idea is to take the audience through these different emotions - from the depth and sadness of the Rhodopes, through the rhythm and power of Shopluka, to the fire and drama of Pirin,” Bratoeva stated. The choir’s performance in Munich will begin with the Rhodope song Sadil Be Staiko - “a touching and profound song, presented in a three-part choral arrangement by Ilian Yuruchki, which carries that weight and breadth characteristic of the Rhodopes,” explained Bratoeva. After that, Nashenki will move on to Moma Angelinka: “A song that, for me, is more than just music. It is a memory. I sang it back when I was a student in Shiroka Luka, and I have kept the sheet music from those years,” shares Parizova. "The song was composed by Milcho Vasilev; it is dynamic, with numerous modulations and emotional twists - a true challenge and a delight at the same time," commented Bratoeva. The finale is Fato Mori - a song from the Macedonian folk tradition that Nashenki perform with its original lyrics, because they believe that authenticity should not be lost. This year, seven women of different ages will take the stage at the travelling festival:  from the youngest singer - the 9-year-old Alexandra - to 69-year-old Svetlana, who has been part of the group since its founding. “Different lives but united by the same love. We are all here because we feel it,” commented Bratoeva. “I am especially happy that this year our choreographer from the Nashenzi dance grou - Elena - is joining us, and she will also be performing as a singer,” she added. Bratoeva announced that the dance the Nashenzi folk group will perform at this year’s edition of Expats Join Hands in Worldwide Dance in Munich is her own production, featuring a humorous plot, banter, and playful teasing. It combines acting and will recreate a cheerful everyday situation between Grandpa Baycho and five young girls. “Our grandpa is tired, worn out, and exhausted from the hard work in the fields, but when he sees the girls - young, dressed up, and looking beautiful - it is as if something stirs within him. The feeling of his younger years returns, along with the desire to dance and admire,” comments the choreographer. The musical accompaniment is based on music by Kosta Kolev. “The ethnographic region is Thrace, where I am from; this music simply captivates me, and images from my childhood and Bulgaria come to mind,” said Bratoeva. “The choice of this theme came from one of the dancers, joking among ourselves; I liked the idea, and we immediately got to work. This year, as a choreographer, I am extremely happy and proud that some of the girls from our beginner group will be on stage with us; they work hard and give their all,” she added. Bratoeva noted that Nashenki’s message at the festival will be that there is no age limit for falling in love and loving. “We are working hard, especially on the actors’ stage presence, which is very important for recreating the humorous plot of the dance. The movements are exaggerated and comical - for example, the young man’s proud strutting, the young woman’s flirtatious twisting and fleeing, stumbling, jumping, or unexpected pauses that create an element of surprise,” the choreographer explained. In her words, folklore is not something that is simply preserved: “it is a root and lives within us. And even far from Bulgaria, we carry this music and strength in our hearts and pass it on to future generations.” The Nashenzi folk group is an amateur dance troupe composed of Bulgarians living in Milan, Italy, united by their love of folk dance, ranging in age from 13 to 69. Their leader is Radoslava Nedyalkova, choreographer Elena Bratoeva, and choir director Vanya Parizova. “We perform songs, folk dances, and stage dances from various folklore regions, and we participate in festivals and events organized by Bulgarian communities across Europe. We keep the spirit of tradition alive far from our homeland, and we are united by a single mission - to preserve our folklore in its pure form, to recreate it authentically, and to pass it on with dignity so that it may endure!” Bratoeva told BTA. The travelling festival Expats Join Hands in Worldwide Dance is organized by and for amateur folklore ensembles performing outside Bulgaria. The initiative was launched by the Ot Izvora group in Lyon, France, which hosted both the first edition in 2015 and the tenth edition in 2025. More than 100 dance ensembles and over 4,000 guests are expected at the 11th edition in Munich in May. The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) is the official media partner of the event and will present all participants. BG World Dimitrina Solakova Yoana Krusteva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1100167-central-election-commission-not-to-allow-changes-in-district-election-commission https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1100167-central-election-commission-not-to-allow-changes-in-district-election-commission Sun, 05 Apr 2026 21:04:00 +0300 The Central Election Commission (CEC) has taken stricter measures to curb violations in the upcoming elections and will not allow mass replacements of members of district election commissions without legal grounds, CEC Chair Kameliya Neykova told bTV on Sunday. Neykova noted that a “wake-up call” for all institutions was the partial annulment of the 2024 elections, when, following a recount of ballots in over 2,200 polling stations, the results were recalculated. According to her, this time the CEC has adopted more definitive and specific methodological guidelines for the work of district election commissions in order to prevent violations. She emphasized that the human factor is of key importance for the organization and conduct of the elections. Neykova said that upon receiving reports of district election commission members who had committed violations in previous elections, the CEC immediately orders their dismissal. She cited an example from Belitsa (Southwestern Bulgaria), where, following a tip from a journalist, two individuals were identified on CCTV footage tampering with ballots.  The CEC Chair noted that the law does not allow the Commission to dismiss or appoint district election commission members on its own, but in such cases, instructions are given to the parties, coalitions, and constituency election commissions to take action. According to Neykova, the responsibility for proposing members of district election commissions lies with the parties and coalitions represented in Parliament. She also commented on the mass replacements of district election commission members prior to previous elections, when more than 10,000 people were replaced in the week leading up to the vote. According to her, political forces are currently refraining from such actions, and the Constitutional Court’s ruling following the 2024 elections served as a warning. Neykova noted that this year, the remuneration for election administration staff will be higher, expressing hope that this will also lead to better quality of work.  She explained that the protocols for the district election commissions have been modified to be more similar in structure to the ballot, in order to avoid errors when recording the results. According to her, the instructions for operating the video surveillance devices have also been simplified as much as possible. The CEC Chair also presented a mobile app developed by Information Services that assists with entering and verifying data from the protocols. The app is available on Google Play, the App Store, and the CEC website. Neykova urged members of the district election commissions to first enter the data into the app or the electronic protocol so it can be checked for errors, and then to fill out the original paper protocol. Regarding machine voting, she stated that “everything is fine with the machines.” Neykova noted that the procedure for the trusted generation of the machine voting code has been completed and the hash code will be published and displayed in a prominent place in every polling station. She also said that for the upcoming elections, the CEC had again requested from the machine manufacturer, Smartmatic, the specifications for the paper required for the devices, and the Bulgarian National Bank printing house had provided assurances that the paper used meets the requirements. According to CEC data, 9,354 machines will be used for voting in the country, and 129 at polling stations abroad, she explained.  In her words, one of the reasons for the high number of invalid ballots in Bulgaria is the subjective human factor. She noted that post-election audits revealed that valid ballots had been counted as invalid. Neykova urged members of the district election commissions to exercise mutual oversight and clearly delineate their responsibilities at the very start of election day. She expressed the view that penalties for violations in the electoral process should be stricter. In her opinion, the provisions in the Penal Code regarding crimes against citizens’ political rights are insufficient, and the administrative fines are too low. The CEC Chair also commented on the limits on the number of polling stations outside the European Union, noting that there are twice as many applications to vote abroad compared to 2024 and warning that in countries such as Turkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States, there could be crowds at the polling stations. According to her, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the CEC are working to open as many polling stations as possible at diplomatic and consular representations. Neykova said that, if necessary, voting hours could be extended by one hour, as permitted by law. The CEC Chair also addressed the issue of vote buying, emphasizing that “if no one is willing to sell their vote, there is no one to buy it.” In her words, law enforcement must be uncompromising, and every perpetrator must be held accountable. Bulgaria Dimitrina Solakova Nikoleta Vassileva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1100145-anti-corruption-bloc-s-viktor-stoyanov-organizes-blood-donation-campaign-in-ruse https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1100145-anti-corruption-bloc-s-viktor-stoyanov-organizes-blood-donation-campaign-in-ruse Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:49:23 +0300 Viktor Stoyanov, the top-of-the-list candidate of the Anti-Corruption Bloc in Ruse, announced that he is organizing a blood donation campaign, the coalition reported Sunday. He explained that blood donation has been his cause for more than two decades.  "I have donated blood 68 times, and anyone who has been involved in this has encountered a lot of pain, despair, and wounded pride and dignity. But this act is like magic that transforms and heals with a positive impact. Many things can change to encourage people to respond, but in reality, we need to talk about it and donate blood regularly. To draw more public attention to the issue, I urge everyone who is able and in good health to donate blood tomorrow, no matter where they are in the world," said Stoyanov. In his words, this is an act intended to show that while we may be in the midst of an election campaign, this political divide does not change the fact that Bulgarians support one another through thick and thin. Bulgaria Dimitrina Solakova BTA correspondent Martin Penev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1100144-bulgarian-rhythmic-gymnasts-win-total-of-13-medals-at-sofia-cup https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1100144-bulgarian-rhythmic-gymnasts-win-total-of-13-medals-at-sofia-cup Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:43:09 +0300 Bulgaria's representatives won a total of 13 medals (8 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze) at the Sofia Cup international rhythmic gymnastics tournament over the weekend. In the junior category, Bulgaria claimed five titles across all five disciplines thanks to Siyana Alekova, Aleksandra Petrova, and Dea Emilova. Alekova won the gold on hoop, Petrova on ball, and Emilova on clubs and ribbon.  In the women’s competition, the Bulgarian gymnasts won 8 medals: 3 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze. Anastasia Kaleva became champion in the all-around, on hoop, and on clubs; she also won silver on ball and bronze on ribbon. Oleksandra Shalueva added a bronze on the hoop, while Yanitsa Dineva snagged the silver on ribbon and the bronze in the all-around.  The Bulgaria 2 team of Siyana Alekova and Aleksandra Petrova won the gold in the women's all-around on Saturday. Representatives from 28 countries participated in Sofia Cup. Bulgaria was represented by 14 national team members. Sport Dimitrina Solakova Iva Krasteva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1100129-tisp-representatives-discuss-with-sandanski-residents-matters-related-to-region- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1100129-tisp-representatives-discuss-with-sandanski-residents-matters-related-to-region- Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:11:23 +0300 Representatives of the There Is Such a People party discussed issues related to the region’s development at a meeting with citizens in Sandanski, the party reported Sunday. The meeting was attended by Dragomir Petrov, top-of-the-list candidate for Blagoevgrad Region, regional coordinator Alexander Filipov, and Simitli coordinator Mario Gerinski, who are also candidates for members of the National Assembly. Among the main topics were the state of infrastructure, opportunities for tourism development, support for local businesses, and prospects for young people. Citizens actively participated in the conversation, asking specific questions and offering suggestions related to improving living conditions in the municipality, the statement reads. The meeting provided an opportunity for direct contact and an exchange of ideas between the representatives and the local community. The party notes that such meetings remain a key element in building a better relationship between people and institutions, as well as in finding real solutions to local problems. Bulgaria Dimitrina Solakova BTA correspondent Elena Ruskova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1100123-bulgarian-rhythmic-gymnasts-win-six-medals-in-women-s-apparatus-finals-of-sofia- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1100123-bulgarian-rhythmic-gymnasts-win-six-medals-in-women-s-apparatus-finals-of-sofia- Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:01:00 +0300 Bulgarian gymnasts won six medals in the women’s apparatus finals at the Sofia Cup international rhythmic gymnastics tournament on Sunday. They claimed two gold, two silver, and two bronze medals in the apparatus finals.  A day earlier, they also won gold and bronze in the all-around finals. Anastasia Kaleva snagged the gold with her performances with hoop (26.850 score) and with clubs (27.700). She also won the silver on ball (25.650) and the bronze on ribbon (25.750). Oleksandra Shalueva took the bronze medal on the hoop, scoring 25.950. Yanitsa Dineva snagged the silver on ribbon with a score of 26.050. Sport Dimitrina Solakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1100087-gerb-udf-top-of-the-list-candidate-for-varna-provadia-can-be-proud-with-its-his https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1100087-gerb-udf-top-of-the-list-candidate-for-varna-provadia-can-be-proud-with-its-his Sun, 05 Apr 2026 17:45:00 +0300 Vladislav Goranov, top-of-the-list candidate of GERB-UDF in Varna, said on Sunday that Provadia can take pride in its historical heritage, and the town not only preserves its history but also passes it on to future generations. He was speaking at a celebration marking the Day of Provadia, which he attended together with the coalition’s MP candidates Evgeni Dyankov, Miroslav Borshosh, Milena Dimova, Maria Dimitrova, Stanislav Ivanov, Yordanka Prodanova, and Mladen Ivanov, the formation's press office reported. In their greetings to the hosts, they emphasized the pride of Provadia’s residents in their cultural and historical heritage, their strong connection to their roots, and the importance of preserving local traditions. The regional coordinator of GERB-Varna, Ivan Portnih, also attended the celebration and greeted those present. Mayor of Provadia Dimo Dimov welcomed the residents of the municipality, noting the significance of the holiday as a symbol of continuity between generations and as an occasion for bringing people together. Earlier in the day, the MP candidates honoured the Christian traditions of Palm Sunday by visiting the Church of St. Martyr Marina in the Pchelina area near Varna. The coalition’s press office noted that the iconostasis, the exquisite woodcarvings, and the impressive iconography, which today give the church its finished appearance, were completed with the support of GERB – Varna during Ivan Portnih's term in office as mayor of Varna. Bulgaria Dimitrina Solakova BTA correspondent Mila Edreva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1100074-orthodox-bulgarian-community-in-istanbul-marks-palm-sunday https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1100074-orthodox-bulgarian-community-in-istanbul-marks-palm-sunday Sun, 05 Apr 2026 17:34:52 +0300 At the Bulgarian Exarchate in the Sisli district of Istanbul, the community of Orthodox Bulgarians celebrated Palm Sunday, a Christian holiday preceding Easter. Representatives of the community’s Radost women’s association - the successor to the first association of Bulgarian women in Istanbul from the last century - welcomed guests and presented them with fresh flowers and willow branches. A church service was held at the Exarchate Church of St. John of Rila by Archimandrite Haralampi Nichev, who provides spiritual care for the Bulgarian Orthodox community in Istanbul. The service, which lasted over an hour, was well-attended, and the church was filled with people who lit candles for the holiday. "Today’s feast commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. People welcomed him with palm branches as a symbol of reverence and joy. In the Bulgarian tradition, palm branches have been replaced with willow branches, which symbolize spring, new life, and rebirth. After entering the city, Jesus Christ healed many sick people. The branches were blessed for good health.  On this day, everyone whose name is associated with plants and flowers celebrates their name day. The message of this day is that goodwill, peace, and prosperity are symbols of grace and God’s blessing," the priest told the congregation. The service was accompanied by performances by the church choir of the Bulgarian Orthodox community. Following the church service, lunch was held in the large hall of the Exarchate, organized by the church council of the Bulgarian Exarchate. The meal consisted of fish, in accordance with Christian tradition. The head of the church council, Dimitri Yotef, greeted the Bulgarians of Istanbul on the occasion of the holiday, wishing them health and prosperity, as well as the members of the community celebrating their nameday on Palm Sunday. Together, they cut a large cake prepared especially for Sunday’s celebration. Yotef also acknowledged and thanked the members of the Bulgarian community for their contribution to preserving the ancient traditions of Bulgarian identity and the Orthodox Christian faith in Istanbul, which they have passed down from generation to generation for many years. Among the veterans of the Bulgarian community is the conductor of the church choir, Kiryako Lyaze, who shared with BTA the sentiments with which Orthodox Bulgarians in Istanbul celebrate Palm Sunday. “For us, Bulgarians in Istanbul, Palm Sunday is a special holiday because it comes before Christ’s Resurrection. But this holiday marks the end of Lent. According to tradition, we eat fish on this day, and we observe this custom. What do we wish for? Health above all, that there be no sorrow or pain, and that love, happiness, and good fortune accompany our days. Holy Week begins on Monday, during which there will be services in the church in the morning and evening. On Thursday we will be dyeing eggs, and on Saturday night we will celebrate the First Resurrection at St. Stephen’s Church on the shores of the Golden Horn, and on Sunday we will celebrate the Second Resurrection,” he explained. Balkans Dimitrina Solakova BTA exclusive by Nahide Deniz https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1099523-train-derails-in-central-bulgaria-due-to-rockslide-four-injured https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1099523-train-derails-in-central-bulgaria-due-to-rockslide-four-injured Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:31:00 +0300 Four passengers were injured lightly after a train from Ruse (on the Danube) to Plovdiv (South Central Bulgaria) collided with a rockslide on Saturday morning between Tsareva Livada and Tryavna in North Central Bulgaria, the National Railway Infrastructure Company said (NRIC) on Saturday. Train traffic in the section was suspended until Sunday afternoon as repair works were urgently carried out.  The incident occurred at 8:05 a.m. According to NRIC, the rockslide was caused by adverse weather conditions. The collision caused the locomotive and the first carriage of the train to derail. There were 65 passengers in the train. Emergency teams from NRIC were sent immediately to the scene of the incident to assess the situation. Tryavna Municipality confirmed the incident and specified that the train derailed about one kilometre from the village of Staynovtsi. A diesel locomotive was dispatched from Gorna Oryahovitsa to pull the carriages to the Tsareva Livada station. From there, passengers were transported by buses to Dabovo station. Bus transportation was also arranged for passengers from other trains affected by the disrupted railway traffic in the area. On Sunday evening, the Railway Infrastructure National Company reported that traffic has been restored. Earlier in the day, a BTA reporter saw that the locomotive was already off the tracks and workers were reconstructing the railway section, part of the fourth main line of Bulgarian State Railways. The larger part of the rocks, which caused the incident, were removed as well, but part of the rockslide remained on the protective structure along the tracks.  According to Eng. Boycho Skrobanski, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of the National Board for Aircraft, Maritime and Railway Accident Investigation under the Transport Ministry, it is necessary to strengthen oversight and implement systematic and routine measures focused on the condition of the railway infrastructure. The expert told journalists on the site of the incident Saturday that he finds it concerning that two similar incidents have occurred within 24 hours.  He also highlighted the specific risks along the route. According to him, in the two most recent incidents, the trains were in close proximity to hazardous areas - rock formations and bodies of water. In this context, Skrobanski raised the issue of the condition and maintenance of protective structures along the railway infrastructure. On April 3, a passenger train derailed between the Dabovo and Raduntsi stations in Stara Zagora Region (Central Bulgaria) due to rocks on the tracks. The train struck the rocks, causing the locomotive and two of the cars to derail. No passengers were injured in the incident. Bulgaria Petya Petrova BTA correspondent Radoslav Parvanov https://www.bta.bg/en/bg-world/1100070-exhibition-by-christo-and-jeanne-claude-unveiled-in-munster https://www.bta.bg/en/bg-world/1100070-exhibition-by-christo-and-jeanne-claude-unveiled-in-munster Sun, 05 Apr 2026 16:48:17 +0300 An exhibition by Christo and Jeanne-Claude is on display at the Pablo Picasso Art Museum in Munster until June 28, according to the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Official Facebook page. "Christo and Jeanne-Claude: un|realized" brings together over a hundred works from the past 60 years, including drawings, collages, lithographs, large-format photographs, and film footage.  The exhibition is the first in Germany to focus on the artists’ unrealized projects, according to the team. At the same time, it presents a curated selection of early works and wrapped objects, illustrating the beginning of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s artistic journey in Paris during the 1950s and 1960s. The exhibition is a joint initiative of the Pablo Picasso Art Museum and the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation.  Christo Javacheff-Christo (1935-2020) and his wife and collaborator Jeanne-Claude (1962-2009) are most famous for the wrapping of the Reichstag in Berlin 31 years ago, the wrapping of the Pont Neuf in Paris 41 years ago and the installation "The Gates" in New York, shown 21 years back. The June 2025 issue of the Bulgarian News Agency's LIK magazine was dedicated to the duo on the occasion of the 90th birth anniversary of Bulgaria-born Christo.  BG World Dimitrina Solakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1100063-fuel-prices-up-by-between-18-7-and-37-during-first-five-weeks-of-iran-war https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1100063-fuel-prices-up-by-between-18-7-and-37-during-first-five-weeks-of-iran-war Sun, 05 Apr 2026 16:30:00 +0300 The price of diesel at gas stations in Bulgaria has increased by 37% since the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East, while the price of petrol has risen by 18.7%, according to data published on Sunday on the National Revenue Agency’s website. The average price of diesel in the country reached EUR 1.74 as of Saturday, April 4, representing a 37% increase compared to February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran. During the same five-week period, the average retail price of A95 petrol increased by 18.7% to EUR 1.46 per liter, according to NRA data. The NRA publishes daily updates on its website with current average retail fuel prices, as well as monthly statistical data on the changes in diesel and A95 gasoline prices. To calculate the average prices, information is used from fiscal receipts issued at fuel sales, which the NRA receives from traders. On February 28, the average price of A95 petrol in Bulgaria was EUR 1.23 per liter, and diesel fuel was EUR 1.27 per liter. Following the start of the US-Israeli offensive against Iran at the end of February and the subsequent Iranian retaliatory strikes against countries in the region, crude oil prices surged sharply, leading to an increase in fuel prices worldwide. Many countries implemented measures to counter rising energy costs. In Bulgaria, the caretaker government of Prime Minister Andrey Gurov approved a compensation scheme, under which end consumers of A95 petrol and diesel can receive a monthly compensation of EUR 20 if, over three consecutive days, the price per liter of A95 or diesel reaches or exceeds EUR 1.60. The average diesel price reached EUR 1.60 per liter for three consecutive days on March 24, triggering the measure. The compensation is available to all individuals who, in 2025, received an average monthly income of EUR 652.41 or less, which is twice the poverty line for that period, or an average monthly gross income for 2024 of EUR 537.88 or less, also twice the poverty line for 2024. Labor Minister Hasan Ademov said on Sunday that around 50,900 applications have been submitted for the additional EUR 20 compensation for the rise in fuel prices. Additional applications are expected through the Ministry of e-Government, which means the total number of submitted applications will likely exceed 60,000, Ademov added. Economy Petya Petrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1100044-in-plovdiv-vazrazhdane-leader-presents-party-s-national-governance-doctrine https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1100044-in-plovdiv-vazrazhdane-leader-presents-party-s-national-governance-doctrine Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:50:00 +0300 “Our goal is to preserve the unity of the Bulgarian people and to live in an independent state. This is our historical mission,” said Kostadin Kostadinov, leader of Vazrazhdane, in Plovdiv. He held an open meeting with citizens and presented the party’s National Doctrine for governing Bulgaria. “There is nothing in our programme that cannot happen, everything is possible. I do not want you to simply believe me, I want you to give me your trust,” Kostadinov told party supporters. According to him, trust is the most reliable way to ensure that a politician is held accountable by their own voters. “Get angry, be outraged, because we have 14 days to save the country. We are the last line of defence for the Bulgarian state and its independence,” Kostadinov stressed. He also stated that Vazrazhdane’s results in this election could be much better than in previous ones. Kostadinov said Vazrazhdane”will be a guarantor for preserving history and announced that the party is beginning the distribution of a textbook on Bulgarian studies for grades 1–4. He explained that every parent can collect the textbook from the designated points. Bulgaria Petya Petrova BTA correspondent Irina Shopova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1100032-defence-minister-iran-s-note-is-not-direct-military-threat-to-bulgaria https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1100032-defence-minister-iran-s-note-is-not-direct-military-threat-to-bulgaria Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:19:00 +0300 “We do not view Iran’s note as a direct military threat to our country,” said caretaker Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov on Bulgarian National Radio (BNR). He was referring to a document sent by Iran to Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry regarding US tanker aircraft at Vasil Levski Airport. ForeignMinistry has addressed this issue. Iran’s note falls within the context of normal diplomatic practice and communication, Zapryanov noted. “We maintain normal bilateral relations with Iran, and a regular political dialogue is ongoing,” he added. Minister Zapryanov explained that at the start of aircraft deployment on Bulgaria’s territory, at the request of the Iranian side, Bulgaria informed Iran about the nature of this deployment. “There is no change, no new requests from the US regarding the deployment of the aircraft and their use,” he stated. “We are in a situation of forward deployment of aircraft on our territory in relation to the Eastern flank of the Alliance. As the foreign minister has already noted, no combat aircraft are flying over our airspace, there is no refueling of such aircraft, and no overflights of this kind have been requested over our territory,” said Minister Zapryanov. “Some European countries have refused direct overflights of aircraft involved in operations and combat activities in Iran. No such requests have been made to Bulgaria, so we adhere to what we have agreed and do not participate in any way in this war between the US, Israel, and Iran. NATO is also not involved,” the caretaker minister added. He explained that Bulgaria is conducting planned activities and exercises within NATO. “More than a week ago, there were live-fire exercises on our territory, aircraft from allied countries flew in, and then returned to their bases,” the minister added. “Our goal is to reduce the workload at the airports in Sofia. Especially since flight intensity will increase after April 15, as the number of flights rises,” said Atanas Zapryanov, noting that discussions are ongoing in this regard. “We also understand the concerns of the Bulgarian public about the presence of combat aircraft at our national airport, so we are looking for a solution and hope to find a positive one,” the Defence Minister commented. “We are integrated into NATO’s unified air defence system,” he said regarding the protection of the country’s airspace. “The security of Bulgaria’s defence is guaranteed within NATO’s collective defence,” Zapryanov responded to a question on whether it would be better for Bulgaria to have a more autonomous army. “Any militarization of our country would negatively affect spending on economic development and social needs,” he added. According to him, within the framework of coalition defence, Bulgaria fulfills its constitutional duties using minimal national resources. “NATO is the guarantor that allows us to have air and missile defence in these complex conditions of unpredictable risks,” said the Defense Minister. “I agree that NATO is facing a very serious challenge in light of statements by the US leadership about leaving the Alliance, but I believe that member states, including Bulgaria, are free to express their positions on an equal footing within the Alliance,” commented Minister Zapryanov. He also said that he is optimistic that the difficult moments in the US administration’s relations with NATO will be overcome. World Petya Petrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1100013-cc-db-in-varna-we-can-turn-innovation-into-useful-part-of-our-daily-lives https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1100013-cc-db-in-varna-we-can-turn-innovation-into-useful-part-of-our-daily-lives Sun, 05 Apr 2026 14:47:00 +0300 Pavel Popov, the top candidate in Varna of Continue the Change–Democratic Bulgaria, and MP candidates described their meetings with small and medium-sized businesses as particularly stimulating moments in the election campaign, the coalition’s press centre reported. The reason is that the city is developing its entrepreneurial spirit, and the CC-DB programme includes many concrete opportunities aimed at supporting innovation and the business potential of the region. The topic of innovation was discussed at a meeting between CC-DB candidates and Alexander Atanasov, whose company manages energy systems sought by both international fossil fuel companies and individual households. The goal of clients is to reduce their electricity bills, and Atanasov’s company helps them through its innovative solutions. “The liberalization of the energy market, which is currently used as a scare tactic, can be an opportunity if the state encourages our adaptation to a changing world, including through innovation and digitalization,” said Pavel Popov, emphasizing the lack of action in this area. According to him, energy is one of the seven main themes of CC-DB. “Not everything in this field is a matter of geopolitics. Important decisions by parliament are needed to give Bulgarians more control over consumption and to reduce the financial pressure from expensive fuels on households. Technologies are an important tool in this effort,” Popov added. Bulgaria Petya Petrova BTA correspondent Mila Edreva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1099986-bulgaria-wins-four-gold-medals-in-junior-finals-at-sofia-cup-rhythmic-gymnastics https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1099986-bulgaria-wins-four-gold-medals-in-junior-finals-at-sofia-cup-rhythmic-gymnastics Sun, 05 Apr 2026 14:03:35 +0300 Bulgaria won all four gold medals in the junior apparatus finals at Sofia Cup International Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament, with Siyana Alekova, Aleksandra Petrova and Dea Emilova topping the podium. All Bulgarian gymnasts delivered strong performances. Alekova became champion on hoop with a score of 27.000 points (difficulty 11.500; artistry 7.550; execution 7.950), dominating the competition with an excellent routine. Petrova took gold on ball with 26.200 (10.700; 7.800; 7.700). Emilova was unmatched in the clubs and ribbon finals, winning gold with 26.450 (10.600; 7.800; 8.050) and 26.500 (10.800; 7.750; 7.950), respectively. Bulgaria thus finishes the junior competition with a total of five gold medals, after Alekova and Petrova won the team title on the previous day. In the senior competition, Bulgaria has so far secured one gold and one bronze medal, after Anastasia Kaleva became champion and Yanitsa Dineva took bronze in the all-around. The senior apparatus finals are scheduled to begin at 2 pm, with Kaleva set to compete on all four apparatus, Dineva on ball, clubs and ribbon, and Oleksandra Shalueva on hoop. Sport Tatiana Marinova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1099979-agriculture-and-water-infrastructure-on-agenda-of-bsp-united-left-meetings-in-lo https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1099979-agriculture-and-water-infrastructure-on-agenda-of-bsp-united-left-meetings-in-lo Sun, 05 Apr 2026 13:50:00 +0300 MP candidates BSP-United Left discussed with residents of the villages of Logodazh and Bulgartchevo in Blagoevgrad Municipality issues related to agriculture, infrastructure, and access to financing in small settlements, the coalition’s press centre reported. Sofia Galabova, Milan Bogdanski, and Todor Krundzilski participated in the meetings. According to local residents, despite traditions in crop and livestock farming, the sector is in a difficult state, and access to subsidies is limited for small farmers. They also expressed dissatisfaction with the administrative classification of the municipality as “developed,” which prevents applying under rural development programmes. The coalition said that they plan to encourage small and medium-sized producers through a more equitable distribution of subsidies and regional policies for agricultural development. Among the topics discussed was the condition of the Stoykovtsi reservoir in the Logodazh area. According to locals, the facilities connecting the reservoir to the village are damaged, preventing the use of water for irrigation and drinking. The candidates said that such facilities should be included in programmes for restoring water infrastructure with guaranteed targeted funding. The coalition also said that demographic policy and support for small settlements are among their priorities, including through investments in social and educational infrastructure. Bulgaria Petya Petrova BTA correspondent Elena Ruskova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1099964-citub-proposes-measures-to-support-households-and-businesses-amid-economic-turmo https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1099964-citub-proposes-measures-to-support-households-and-businesses-amid-economic-turmo Sun, 05 Apr 2026 13:23:00 +0300 In view of another global economic challenge, the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) is calling for immediate and targeted measures by the state to support the most vulnerable Bulgarian citizens. They are also calling for a meeting of the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation (NCTC) to discuss both the government’s intentions and their own proposals. The union recalls that under Bulgarian legislation, the NCTC is the legitimate body for addressing issues concerning living standards and people’s purchasing power. CITUB is advocating for a package of temporary measures covering the second quarter of 2026. The union said that it will send its proposals to caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov, National Assembly Chair Raya Nazaryan, and the leaders of the parliamentary parties. CITUB believes that the National Assembly should mandate the caretaker government to temporarily tap financial resources from the country’s fiscal reserve to fund a package of various measures against rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of basic goods and services. Some of the measures include targeted subsidies to state and municipal transport companies to compensate for high energy and fuel costs, and introducing free public transport for preferential groups of citizens (pensioners, students, people with disabilities) as a mechanism for social protection against inflation. According to CITUB, a 20% cap on markups should be introduced on food products that are part of the small consumer basket. For low-income households, a subsidy for food products should be provided in an amount equal to twice the value of the small consumer basket, with the aid granted to individuals whose monthly income is up to twice the poverty line. A temporary ban should also be introduced on the disconnection of electricity and heating for vulnerable households during the period of the crisis measures, as well as the possibility of interest-free installment payments for electricity and heating bills for households experiencing temporary difficulties and with income up to twice the poverty line. The union also calls for guaranteeing the current base electricity price for households, set by the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC), at EUR 71.6/MWh beyond July 2026. They also want agricultural producers to be compensated for the purchase of fertilizers, specifically through monthly coverage of 20% of the product’s cost upon submission of documentation to the National Revenue Agency. Another measure proposed by CITUB is to increase the current quota for food vouchers - from EUR 818 million to EUR 1 billion. Economy Petya Petrova