https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/rss Tue, 19 May 2026 19:34:30 +0300 en hourly 1 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129527-lilia-stoyanovich-appointed-deputy-minister-of-labor-and-social-policy https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129527-lilia-stoyanovich-appointed-deputy-minister-of-labor-and-social-policy Tue, 19 May 2026 19:32:45 +0300 Lilia Stoyanovich has been appointed Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policy by an order of Prime Minister Rumen Radev, the Government Information Service said on Tuesday. On Monday, the Government Information Service reported that Radev had appointed four new deputy ministers, including Danail Rusev as Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policy. Bulgaria Teodora Tsaneva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129517-plamen-pavlov-dismissed-as-national-customs-agency-deputy-director https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129517-plamen-pavlov-dismissed-as-national-customs-agency-deputy-director Tue, 19 May 2026 19:24:00 +0300 Effective May 20, 2026, Plamen Pavlov has been relieved of his duties as Deputy Director of the National Customs Agency by an order of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Galab Donev, the Agency said in a press release on Tuesday. On Monday, the Finance Ministry announced that Donev had appointed Nikolay Shushkov Director of the National Customs Agency, replacing Georgi Dimov, who was relieved of his responsibilities.   Bulgaria Spas Stambolski https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129472-european-project-provides-forest-fire-protection-equipment-to-bulgaria-turkiye-b https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129472-european-project-provides-forest-fire-protection-equipment-to-bulgaria-turkiye-b Tue, 19 May 2026 19:16:11 +0300 Desislava Georgieva, Director of the Management of Territorial Cooperation Directorate at the Bulgarian Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works (MRDPW), on Tuesday presented a contract for the implementation of the FLAMESHIELD Project to Chief Commissioner Alexander Dzhartov, Director of the General Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection (GDFSCP) at the Ministry of Interior, Georgieva's Ministry said in a press release. The FLAMESHIELD project seeks to strengthen cross-border preparedness and disaster response capacity by improving coordination between Bulgaria and Turkiye. It focuses on developing joint operational frameworks, enhancing institutional and community capacity, and ensuring a more effective and timely response to forest fires. The aim is to enhance operational readiness, mobility, safety of staff and volunteers, and the ability for faster, safer and more effective disaster response in the cross-border region. The project will be implemented by the GDFSCP in partnership with national, regional and local authorities of Turkiye and the Bulgarian municipalities of Svilengrad, Topolovgrad and Bolyarovo, whose mayors, Atanas Karchev, Bozhin Bozhinov and Hristo Hristov, were present at Tuesday's event. Georgieva noted that this is the last contract under the current cross-border cooperation programme with Turkiye. It brings the total amount of funds contracted under the program to EUR 29 million or 98% of its budget. The funds are invested in various initiatives, such as building competitiveness, the green transition, addressing illegal migration, developing tourism, etc. "The Directorate General for Fire Safety and Civil Protection is the most active beneficiary under our cross-border programmes. We are currently implementing four key contracts under four programmes worth a total of EUR 18 million. All of them are part of our joint efforts with our neighbours for purposeful response to forest fires and natural disasters that are among the most serious challenges in the Balkans, as they affect ever more areas and inflict increasing damage," said Georgieva. Under the FLAMESHIELD project, state-of-the-art equipment will be procured and fire and natural disaster protection training will be delivered in the area along the border between the two countries on EUR 5.2 million from the Bulgaria-Turkiye Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2021-2027, which is managed by the MRDPW. As a result, 588,200 ha of land in Bulgaria and Turkiye will be protected from forest fires, and approximately 290,000 people in the cross-border region will have their safety increased. Joint standard operating procedures and cross-border response plans, fire risk analyses and maps of vulnerable areas will be developed, covering 30 border villages, and 120 volunteers and first aid teams will be trained and local firefighting teams of around 200 people will be formed. The volunteer tracking system will also be modernized for better coordination. Thanks to the project, the services and municipalities will purchase new specialized firefighting equipment. The fire service will be equipped with three heavy tracked vehicles for firefighting clearings and open roads in hard-to-reach forest areas. A total of 325 sets of forest fire protective equipment for volunteers, 30 water tankers (4 tonnes) for 30 villages, two tracked tractors with two trailers for transporting heavy equipment, as well as radio communication systems, will be procured. The three municipalities will each purchase one off-road specialized vehicle with one firefighting module and sets of protective equipment. The Turkish project partners will also purchase forest fire protective equipment for volunteers, water tankers, tracked tractors and radio communication systems, an aerial surveillance drone, specialized equipment for search and rescue intervention, an off-road 4x4 vehicle, a logistics van and IT equipment to support data analysis and disaster management, a GPS and leveling kit for terrain mapping, etc. Human activity is mainly to blame for forest fires in Bulgaria, according to an analysis that the environmental organization WWF published in July 2025. Over 90% of the fires broke out after deliberate human intervention or due to negligence. Only in two to four of the cases a fire was due to natural causes, most often a lightning. Over 7,000 forest fires have been recorded in Bulgaria over the past 15 years, affecting over 1.1 million hectares, the WWF reported. Bulgaria Ekaterina Toteva Atanas Malakchiev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129416-bulgarian-institute-for-legal-initiatives-study-76-of-judges-own-at-least-one- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129416-bulgarian-institute-for-legal-initiatives-study-76-of-judges-own-at-least-one- Tue, 19 May 2026 19:07:10 +0300 A total of 76% of judges own at least one apartment, about 37% of them own at least one house, and 38% of them own agricultural land, according to the findings of a civil monitoring study by the Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives (BILI). The results were presented at a press conference at the BTA National Press Club in Sofia on Tuesday. The project analyzed the declarations submitted by magistrates to the Inspectorate of the Supreme Judicial Council for the 2016-2025 period. The declarations of 4,162 magistrates were reviewed. The largest share of magistrates' apartments is in the capital, while the fewest are in villages and abroad. The average value of an apartment is over EUR 178,000, and its average area is 86 sq. m., said Marina Dimitrova of the Global Metrics sociological agency. The largest share of judges' houses is located primarily in villages and small towns, while the fewest are in Sofia and abroad. In real estate transactions, 63% of the funds are personal, and 41% are secured through loans, Dimitrova added. The property valuations were conducted at current market prices based on the type of settlement, said Global Metrics CEO Radostina Angelova. She noted that the data also reflects the mobility of magistrates and changes in their career paths, which is why purchases and sales occur in cities, while in villages and small towns, inherited properties prevail. An average value for cars of less than BGN 15,000 was reported before 2022, after which magistrates began acquiring more expensive cars, Angelova said. The average price of a car is BGN 113,000. "We looked at the market average value of properties in euro and of cars in leva, as reported in the magistrates' declarations", said BILI Director Bilyana Gyaurova-Wegertseder. She recalled that in 2024, BILI presented data focused on the income and savings of magistrates. "We expect the Inspectorate to act proactively and initiate more audits on its own, rather than waiting for reports, as well as to upload the asset declarations to its website in a machine-readable format", the Director said. Bulgaria Kristina Ivanova Lilia Yordanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129389-business-withholds-support-trade-unions-back-anti-high-price-amendments https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129389-business-withholds-support-trade-unions-back-anti-high-price-amendments Tue, 19 May 2026 19:00:35 +0300 The National Council for Tripartite Cooperation discussed on Tuesday draft amendments to the Protection of Competition Act and the Consumer Protection Act related to high prices of goods and services. Employers’ organizations said they were refraining from supporting the proposals, citing legal ambiguities, risks of administrative interference in market mechanisms, and increased regulatory and reporting burdens on businesses. Trade unions expressed support on principle for the proposals as a tool to curb unfair practices and price imbalances, while calling for more precise wording, clearer definitions, and effective safeguards for competition and consumer protection. The draft legislation was presented to the Council by Progressive Bulgaria MP Yavor Gechev, who co-sponsored the bills . He stressed that the aim was to limit market distortions and unfair trade practices rather than impose direct price controls. He highlighted the introduction of rules concerning collective dominant position, the expansion of prohibited practices in the food sector, and the creation of a traceability register aimed at increasing transparency and improving oversight across the supply chain. Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association (BICA) Management Board Chair Rumen Radev said the organization was refraining from supporting the two bills. According to him, they create legal uncertainty, including through reversed burden of proof, the possibility of administrative intervention in pricing, and vague concepts such as "excessively high prices." He called for clearer and more proportionate regulations. "The business community would support the legislative revisions that meet public expectations regarding the pricing of goods, provided that such changes do not distort the market or reinforce the notion that the merchant is always at fault," Radev noted. Employers' organizations might support the amendments if their comments are taken into account between the first and second readings, it also transpired from his words. Dobri Mitrev of the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA) also said the organization was refraining from support, stressing the need for an in-depth assessment of the impact on businesses and the administrative burden. He called for the removal of the term "fair price," a more precise definition of economically unjustified price increases, and stronger safeguards for the protection of trade secrets. Mitrev said the BIA was ready for dialogue and proposals between the bills' first and second readings. Confederation of Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria (CEIBG) Executive Director Boyan Mitrakiev also said the organization was refraining from support and voiced concerns over legal ambiguities and the risk of turning the Commission for Protection of Competition into a price regulator. He stressed the need for clarity regarding powers and limiting the administrative burden on businesses. Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Vice President Vasil Todorov said the draft laws create significant uncertainty for economic operators. He focused on the lack of an impact assessment, the risk of overlapping administrative requirements and accumulating burdens, as well as ambiguities in the new definitions and the practical applicability of some of the proposed mechanisms. Confederation of Labour Podkrepa President Dimitar Manolov expressed principle support for the two draft laws, but called for serious legal and technical refinement, better coordination with the Tax and Social Insurance Procedure Code and the National Revenue Agency, reduced administrative burden, clearer definitions, and improved public tools for monitoring prices. He stressed the need for better coordination among institutions, clear definitions, and alignment with existing mechanisms for monitoring prices and trade practices. Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) President Plamen Dimitrov also expressed principle support as the draft revisions give regulators additional powers to influence the market, while insisting on more precise wording and clearer control mechanisms. He pointed to market concentration and unfair practices as factors behind price pressure and stressed the need for more active and effective regulatory intervention in defence of competition and consumers. Following the positions expressed by trade unions and businesses, Progressive Bulgaria MP Konstantin Prodanov said that some of the texts in the bills would be revised between the first and second readings, including the proposed threshold of around EUR 5 million, which he said was excessively high. He stressed the need to refine wording related to the concept of economic independence and interdependence between enterprises, as well as for clearer differentiation between the various hypotheses set out in the texts. Bulgaria Veneta Litkova Nikoleta Vasileva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129464-experts-discuss-improving-health-culture-of-bulgarians-at-forum-in-sofia https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129464-experts-discuss-improving-health-culture-of-bulgarians-at-forum-in-sofia Tue, 19 May 2026 18:36:13 +0300 Healthcare experts exchanged views on how to improve the health culture of Bulgarians at a forum in Sofia on Tuesday, organized by the Bulgarian Hospital Association (BHA). The specialists agreed that more systematic measures are needed to know what the state funds are for and what the steps of a given treatment are. At the beginning of the event, BHA President Svilena Dimitrova read a greeting from Health Minister Katya Ivkova. "Increasing health culture is a long-term process that requires partnership between institutions, medical specialists, the educational system, patient organizations and society", said Ivkova. National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) Governor Petko Stefanovski underscored the need to increase citizens' trust in institutions. According to him, it is also important to explain the benefits of health insurance. "There are still problems with alcohol consumption, the use of tobacco products and even salt intake," commented Prof. Georgi Momekov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Scientific Society of Pharmacy.   Dr. Nikolay Brunzalov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Medical Association, said that health culture begins to form in the family. Patients should know how the electronic record works, how they can monitor hospitalizations, and what their rights are, said the Deputy Chair of the Bulgarian Association of Healthcare Professionals, Assoc. Prof. Tsvetelina Spiridonova.   During the forum, a study by the Trend agency on the preventive care of Bulgarians was also presented. Bulgaria Borislava Bibinovska Yoana Novakova Atanas Malakchiev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129364-business-and-labour-unions-support-7-8-increase-to-minimum-pension-effective-ju https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129364-business-and-labour-unions-support-7-8-increase-to-minimum-pension-effective-ju Tue, 19 May 2026 17:53:13 +0300 Representatives of business and labour unions supported the 7.8% increase to the minimum pension effective July 1 of this year through an amendment to the so-called budget extension act during meeting of the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation on Tuesday.  Representatives of employer organizations, including the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA), the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), and the Confederation of Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria (KRIB) supported the proposed amendments to the extension budget, while only the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association (BICA) refrained from supporting the bill. BICA Chair Rumen Radev said the reason for this position is a matter of principle, as the association believes that pension amounts should be determined based on social security contributions rather than administrative means. Labour and Social Policy Minister Nataliya Efremova expressed the Ministry’s support for the amendments, introduced by MP Vladimir Rakov of Progressive Bulgaria and a group of MPs. The aim of the proposal is to ensure that, under an extended budget framework, pensioners receiving the minimum pension, along with all others in the country, will receive a 7.8% increase under the so-called Swiss rule starting July 1. Over 800,000 pensioners receiving the minimum pension in Bulgaria will receive the updated amount of EUR 347.51 when their July pensions are paid, without having to wait for the adoption of the regular budget for 2026. The reason for the proposed amendments is that, according to the Social Insurance Code, all employment pensions are adjusted annually as of July 1 using the Swiss rule, but the amount of the minimum pension for the relevant year is determined by a regular law on the state social security budget, and under the terms of an extension budget, this cannot happen, as the minimum thresholds applicable through 2025 are being applied. Bulgaria Kristina Ivanova Мartin Lekov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129410-trend-survey-twice-as-many-women-as-men-go-to-preventive-check-ups https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129410-trend-survey-twice-as-many-women-as-men-go-to-preventive-check-ups Tue, 19 May 2026 17:39:19 +0300 Twice as many women as men attend mandatory preventive medical examinations for their respective gender, shows a nationally representative survey, carried out by Trend into the health culture of Bulgarians. The results were presented by Dimitar Ganev from Trend during a discussion organized by the Bulgarian Hospital Association. The survey was conducted at the beginning of November 2025 among 1,006 adult Bulgarians. Among the respondents, 44% said they visit a doctor only if they have a complaint, 38% attend all preventive check-ups required for their gender, 13% said they undergo preventive examinations once every few years, and 5% stated that they do not visit a doctor at all. The highest rates of preventive check-ups were recorded among people over the age of 70, two-thirds of them attend all preventive examinations mandatory for their gender, the survey data also showed. The lowest levels were among the youngest respondents, with only 20% attending preventive check-ups. Participants were also asked about the main sources of healthcare financing. According to 65%, healthcare is financed by the National Health Insurance Fund, 62% pointed to health insurance contributions, and 56% cited the state budget. Another 24% of respondents believe healthcare is financed through private payments by citizens, while 6% said they did not know or could not assess the matter. Bulgaria Borislava Bibinovska Petya Petrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1129380-regulator-proposes-23-anti-crisis-measures-for-fuel-market https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1129380-regulator-proposes-23-anti-crisis-measures-for-fuel-market Tue, 19 May 2026 17:11:18 +0300 The Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) has adopted a package of 23 anti-crisis measures for the fuel market following a preliminary investigation launched in March due to the global oil crisis and the worsening situation in the Middle East, the regulator said. According to the Commission, the measures were prepared based on an analysis of the market, the ongoing proceedings against the Lukoil group for possible abuse of a dominant market position, as well as two completed proceedings against the company. The report will be sent to the Council of Ministers, the National Assembly, and involved institutions. The regulator says that the investigation analyzed the markets for fuel production, imports, storage, and wholesale and retail fuel trade, as well as the actions of the caretaker government. According to the main conclusion, the state delayed, rather than prevented, the “price spiral” in fuel prices. The Commission said that an intervention through a special administrator for Lukoil led to a discrepancy between wholesale prices and the prices at the company’s gas stations, creating risks for small traders, producers, and importers. The regulator noted that following the commission’s intervention in April, this practice was discontinued. Among the proposed measures is the creation of a task force under the Council of Ministers, involving institutions and industry representatives, to monitor fuel supplies, prices, storage levels, and the risk of fuel shortages. The proposal also includes the introduction of a weekly official fuel index with public information on international quotations, prices, trade margins, and stock levels in order to increase market transparency. The package also includes stricter oversight across the entire supply chain, from production and imports to retail trade, as well as the preparation of a continuity plan for refinery operations and diversification of crude oil supplies. Additional proposals include targeted support schemes for the automotive transport sector, agriculture, fisheries, and fertilizer production through compensation for part of their fuel and raw material costs. Among the stabilizing measures are financial instruments to ensure liquidity and guarantees for critical supplies, the possibility of extending the postponement of toll fee increases during periods of strong price pressure, and the creation of a temporary fuel stabilization fund financed through additional VAT revenues. The Commission also proposes temporary mechanisms against speculative price increases, changes to the requirements for biofuel components and excise tax rates during prolonged price pressure, as well as a compensation mechanism at the producer or importer level with traceability throughout the entire supply chain. Long-term measures include reforming access to tax warehouses, expanding storage capacity, incentives for new market participants, and steps to reduce dependence on fossil fuels through the electrification of transport and improved energy efficiency for businesses. The regulator noted that the Commission for Protection of Competition continues its work on the ongoing proceedings against the Lukoil group, while simultaneously carrying out continuous monitoring of the fuel market. In March, the Commission requested detailed information from Lukoil Neftochim Burgas and Lukoil Bulgaria, as well as from the other major companies in the wholesale fuel market, in connection with the ongoing proceedings against the Lukoil group for possible abuse of a dominant market position. Economy Zhenya Ilcheva Petya Petrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129277-ruling-pb-claims-to-push-parliamentary-rules-changes-to-ensure-substantive-debat https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129277-ruling-pb-claims-to-push-parliamentary-rules-changes-to-ensure-substantive-debat Tue, 19 May 2026 15:56:00 +0300 Progressive Bulgaria’s (PB) proposed amendments to the National Assembly’s rules of procedure are aimed at ensuring substantive parliamentary debate without abuse of time and parliamentary procedures, Dimitar Zdravkov said on Tuesday. Zdravkov, who chairs the ad hoc committee drafting the rules of procedure for the 52nd National Assembly, commented during a briefing in parliament on the proposed changes. Zdravkov said that part of the proposals aim to make parliamentary debate more substantive, without opportunities for abuse of time and procedures. The opposition parties in Parliament accused PB of restricting their rights.  Toma Bikov of GERB-UDF said he believes the ruling party, regardless of the percentage of the vote it received in the general elections, has a responsibility to ensure that the opposition has space. At the moment, this is the only place where a perspective different from that of those in power can be heard, Bikov added. Continue the Change party accused PB of seeking to restrict opposition rights through proposed the amendments to the National Assembly’s rules of procedure, saying not even GERB leader Boyko Borissov or MRF Chair Delyan Peevski had gone that far.  According to Yes, Bulgaria Co-Chair Bozhidar Bozhanov, the ruling majority is proposing controversial amendments to Parliament's rules of procedure that would restrict the rights of the opposition. In a statement distributed by the party's press office on Monday evening, Bozhanov said the proposed changes would shorten deadlines for reviewing draft legislation before committee and plenary debates and would make it easier to introduce extraordinary agenda items without prior consultation.  Vazrazhdane said the proposed amendments to the Rules of Organization and Procedure of the National Assembly violate the principles of parliamentary democracy. The party argued that the changes would weaken transparency in government, shorten key parliamentary deadlines and reduce the opposition’s ability to scrutinize legislation and appointments.  “We approached this responsibly and made proposals on how Parliament should work, and we believe they will contribute to better performance. It is inexplicable why there is such a negative reaction to attempts to correct texts that were used in parliamentary practice and reduced public trust in institutions to critical levels,” Zdravkov said. He added that it was “truly inexplicable” that politicians and MPs who had previously criticised such practices were now opposing attempts to remove them. He said his parliamentary group believes a new approach is needed and will work for continuous dialogue with the opposition, as stated at the first meeting of the committee. The next meeting, he added, would also continue discussions in a constructive format on both their proposals and those of other political forces.  Zdravkov said that claims of restricting opposition rights are a misreading of the proposals and an attempt to preserve previous harmful practices. He added that temporary committees should not be used as a routine parliamentary tool.  He explained that the proposed “opposition day”, or the first Wednesday of the month, is intended to ensure that legislative proposals from opposition parties, which have not been considered in committees in time, are discussed in Parliament. He also said that the parliamentary majority treats the rules of procedure issue responsibly, but that the more important topics remain those affecting society, including prices and judicial reform, as well as other issues for which voters gave them a mandate. Zdravkov assured that ministers from Prime Minister Rumen Radev’s Cabinet will fully participate in question time in Parliament. Asked whether MPs would be willing to give up salary indexation, Zdravkov said there is no public sector where salaries are continuously adjusted. He said this issue would be discussed, and that the rules of procedure will be reopened after the adoption of the Anti-Corruption Act. The issue of remuneration will be considered in committee, he added. Bulgaria Petra Kurteva Lilia Yordanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129090-deputy-prime-minister-donev-says-purpose-of-social-dialogue-is-to-achieve-soluti https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129090-deputy-prime-minister-donev-says-purpose-of-social-dialogue-is-to-achieve-soluti Tue, 19 May 2026 14:22:10 +0300 “The purpose of social dialogue is to achieve common solutions in the interest of society,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Galab Donev said on Tuesday at the beginning of Tuesday’s meeting of the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation. The meeting is focused on draft amendments submitted by the cabinet to competition and consumer protection legislation. The proposed changes aim to curb the rising prices of goods and services in the country. As the third item on the agenda, participants also agreed to review a draft amendment to the extension budget law, submitted on Monday by Vladimir Rakov from Progressive Bulgaria and a group of MPs. The proposal aims to ensure that, under an extended budget framework, pensioners receiving the minimum pensions can receive a 7.8% increase starting July 1 this year. Galab Donev, who chairs the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation, noted that he has known most representatives of employers’ organizations and trade unions for more than two decades, which, he said, should provide a solid foundation for productive work. Bulgaria Petya Petrova Martin Lekov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129049-gerb-udf-s-toma-bikov-power-holders-have-responsibility-to-provide-space-for-op https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129049-gerb-udf-s-toma-bikov-power-holders-have-responsibility-to-provide-space-for-op Tue, 19 May 2026 14:03:25 +0300 Commenting on amendments to Parliament’s rules of procedure proposed by Progressive Bulgaria, Toma Bikov of GERB-UDF said he believes the ruling party, regardless of the percentage of the vote it received in the general elections, has a responsibility to ensure that the opposition has space. At the moment, this is the only place where a perspective different from that of those in power can be heard, Bikov added. "We observe two main trends in the changes to Parliament's rules of procedure, which we consider negative. The first is the severe restriction of parliamentary oversight, which in a situation of an absolute majority is unnecessary and even dangerous. Second is the shortening of a number of procedures regarding the legislative process, which risk turning Parliament into 'Mr. Radev’s rubber stamp,'" said Bikov. He was referring to Prime Minister Rumen Radev. Bikov expressed the hope that Progressive Bulgaria will give these ideas some thought, because there should not be such a dismissive approach toward the opposition. Consensus must be found, because so far a vast majority of the National Assembly’s rules of procedure have been adopted by consensus, he added. "Our approach has always been to preserve as much space as possible for the opposition, because we were in power for most of those years," the MP of GERB-UDF noted. Bulgaria Dimitrina Solakova Petra Kurteva Liliya Yordanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1128982-continue-the-change-accuses-progressive-bulgaria-of-curbing-opposition-rights https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1128982-continue-the-change-accuses-progressive-bulgaria-of-curbing-opposition-rights Tue, 19 May 2026 12:52:00 +0300 Continue the Change (CC) on Tuesday accused Progressive Bulgaria (PB) of seeking to restrict opposition rights through proposed amendments to the National Assembly’s rules of procedure, saying not even GERB leader Boyko Borissov or MRF Chair Delyan Peevski had gone that far. “On the first day of this National Assembly, Anton Kutev said he would restore parliamentarism as PB understands it. Last night, PB’s proposals showed us what that means. First, the opposition’s access to information from public authorities, ministries, agencies and local government is being curtailed. Second, ministers and other officials would no longer be obliged to answer to the National Assembly. Third, the opposition would lose the ability to put its own items on the agenda,” CC floor leader Nikolay Denkov said. “I am sure someone advised our PB colleagues to table these misguided proposals, and I suggest we sit down together and discuss what is reasonable, because the National Assembly needs both a governing majority and an opposition,” Denkov said. “The National Assembly would be stripped of its second most important function after lawmaking, namely oversight of the government. We cannot accept that. This is an abuse of the rules, just as There Is Such a People did, to block basic rights,” he said. “Barring an MP from accessing documents does not serve any majority. MPs and citizens will not know the agenda Parliament is working on,” CC’s Stoyu Stoev said. Asked about the state of the public finances and the measures planned in the 2026 budget procedure, presented on Monday by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Galab Donev, Denkov said it would be a mistake to comment on general intentions before seeing the specific texts. “We have coordinated action with Democratic Bulgaria (DB) on all major political issues. Whether this is set down in a document is less important than trust. We already have a joint candidate for Sredets borough,” Denkov said. Bulgaria Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1128970-media-review-may-19 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1128970-media-review-may-19 Tue, 19 May 2026 12:49:17 +0300 OVERVIEW The Government’s measures to tighten public spending and the competition between Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas to host Eurovision 2027 after Bulgaria’s win with DARA dominated the media on Tuesday. Several outlets also covered the cost of retirement bonuses in the public sector, the risks of price-control checks in pharmacies, labour shortages, judicial reform, and Prime Minister Rumen Radev’s foreign-policy positioning. POLITICS 24 Chasa writes that exactly 30 days after the elections, Radev has passed his first public test by moving to freeze the automatic rise in MPs’ salaries. The daily recalls that it had urged the winners [of the last parliamentary elections] to abolish the rule under which MPs’ pay automatically increases every three months, describing it as a gesture of public empathy. The daily cites Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Galab Donev, who said that the automatic mechanism should also be reviewed for elected officials, senior civil servants, the judiciary and other highly paid public-sector groups. 24 Chasa notes that the Government is also targeting salaries in the boards of state-owned enterprises and state agencies, where pay is tied to the average wage. According to Donev, taxes will not be raised, the pension “Swiss rule” remains, and pensions will increase by 7.8% from July 1. The maximum contributory income will rise by EUR 189 to EUR 2,300, while approved projects under the recovery plan amount to EUR 4.2 billion by 2028, with another EUR 1.1 billion awaiting payment. “We are introducing strict financial discipline and freezing salary growth across the public sector,” Donev said.  Trud writes that the Government will cut public-sector wage costs by 10% from September 1, without reducing individual salaries. The daily says the measure will be implemented through a review of structures and cuts, starting with vacant posts, while taxes will remain unchanged. The daily also cites Donev, who said the state budget has been run under the principle “we spend now, whoever comes next will deal with it.” He reported a deficit of EUR 1.75 billion at the end of April, another EUR 2.55 billion in pending expenditure, and EUR 1.1 billion in unpaid municipal projects for the current year. “We are putting an end to the state feeding troughs,” Donev said. He added that no public-sector employee should receive a basic salary higher than the president’s. Trud adds that an advance corporate tax payment of EUR 363 million from banks in 2025 has a negative effect on the revenue side of the 2026 budget. Bulgarian National Television (BNT) has an interview with Progressive Bulgaria MP and Chair of the ad hoc parliamentary budget and finance committee, Konstantin Prodanov, on the Cabinet’s first fiscal measures. Prodanov said the measures are only the beginning and that the 2026 and 2027 budgets will bring further steps to bring the deficit within the 3% limit. According to him, this is especially important in Bulgaria’s first year in the eurozone and after the recently announced improvement of the country’s credit rating, linked to the election result, the prospect of a stable four-year term, fiscal responsibility and consolidation. “This will require quite harsh measures in some areas,” he said. He explains that ministries have been instructed to reduce personnel costs by 10% from September 1 without cutting individual salaries. The 5% pay rise in the extended budget will remain, with savings first coming from vacant posts and then from optimization within each ministry. Mediapool.bg publishes an interview with political scientist Teodor Slavev of the Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives on judicial reform, price controls and the first steps of Radev’s Cabinet. Slavev says the first judicial reform steps by Progressive Bulgaria look encouraging, but the key test will be the election of members of the Supreme Judicial Council. “The big question is what kind of people Parliament will elect to the Supreme Judicial Council,” Slavev said. In his words, this will be the first major sign of what the new government intends to do. He warns that procedural rules can help only partly if there is no genuine will to choose the most suitable candidates. Slavev said Radev now has “practically unlimited power” because he has an absolute majority, which means society can rely only on the government’s good intentions. He also notes that Minister of Justice Nikolay Naydenov appears linked more to the status quo than to reform because of his professional background in institutions connected to former prosecutor general Sotir Tsatsarov. Slavev also comments on the Cabinet’s price-control measures, saying there is no problem with strengthening regulators when markets are distorted, but administrative intervention in pricing is usually negative. He calls announced operations against high prices “wild police populism” and asks: “What are we going to do? Arrest price labels? Or some shopkeeper?” EUROVISION 2027 HOST CITY RACE Sofia 24 Chasa compares the four possible Bulgarian host cities for Eurovision 2027. According to the daily, Sofia is the favourite to host Eurovision because it has the country’s largest hotel base, the largest international airport and a suitable indoor venue. The capital has 14,798 rooms and 31,386 beds, while Arena Sofia can hold between 15,000 and 17,900 spectators for concerts. The daily notes that Vasil Levski Airport handled 8.4 million passengers in 2025, with an average of 200 aircraft a day, and can receive large aircraft. Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev said the city proved it can host major events through the Giro d’Italia. “Sofia can host major events,” Terziev said, adding that the Giro organizers described the Bulgarian start as the strongest opening stage outside Italy in 25 years. BNT reports that Sofia is preparing a mass celebration at Knyaz Alexander I Square after Bulgaria’s historic Eurovision 2026 victory. The event is organized by Sofia Municipality and BNT, with an open concert scheduled for 18:00. The celebration includes a red carpet, three stages, DJ sets by THEO, Teddy Georgo and Diass, and DARA’s performance as the finale. Arena Sofia is listed as the main venue for a possible 2027 hosting bid, although the metro station near the hall will not be completed by May 2027. Nova TV has an interview with Minister of Culture Evtim Miloshev on Bulgaria’s preparations to host the Eurovision. Miloshev said he had already discussed the issue with Radev and that the Cabinet will decide by May 24 what coordination structure will manage the process. Miloshev said Eurovision includes the choice of venue, the organization of the song contest, TV production, logistics, financing, security, marketing and advertising. “This is not within the capacity of the public broadcaster alone. This is a national event,” he said. According to him, Sofia is currently the most likely host because of logistics, transport connections and infrastructure, but Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas must also be reviewed. The key requirement is a hall with a capacity of at least 10,000 people, while Sofia has previous experience from hosting Junior Eurovision in 2015 at Arena 8888 Sofia. Miloshev said that the biggest challenge will be coordination between institutions rather than infrastructure. He also said it is too early for a budget estimate, but the government is treating the matter seriously. “For me, the greatest benefit is precisely Bulgaria’s visibility beyond the country’s borders, on the European and world stage,” he said. bTV has an interview with Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev on Sofia’s bid to host Eurovision 2027. Terziev said the scale of the contest requires it to be held in Sofia, citing the capital’s larger venue, accommodation base and airport capacity. He said a meeting had already been held with Culture Minister Miloshev and BNT Director General Milena Milotinova, but the formal decision rests with BNT and the State. “We have an enormous amount of work ahead of us that must be done jointly by institutions, the State, the city, and the media,” Terziev said. Asked about the cost, Terziev said the event would require “tens of millions of euros” and would likely be comparable to Vienna. He added that Sofia Municipality still has to analyze what infrastructure changes may be needed. Varna 24 Chasa writes that Varna wants to host the contest as DARA’s hometown. The city has about 12,000 beds outside the summer season, and Varna Airport handled 1.8 million passengers in 2025, with 10,674 regular flights. However, the main indoor venue, the Palace of Culture and Sports, has about 5,100 seats, which is below Eurovision’s requirement for a hall of at least 10,000 spectators. Plovdiv 24 Chasa notes that Plovdiv presents itself as a natural host because of its experience as European Capital of Culture. Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov said that if the choice is based only on airport and hall capacity, Sofia is the top choice, but if the goal is “a city with spirit, culture and atmosphere,” Plovdiv has much to show. Kolodruma Hall has 6,000 seats and would need upgrades, while Plovdiv Airport handled 200,000 passengers in 2025 and has a target of 1 million by 2030. Burgas 24 Chasa also writes that Burgas argues it does not lag behind Sofia in infrastructure. Arena Burgas has 5,200 permanent seats, can reach 6,000 to 6,500 with movable stands, and can hold up to 15,000 for large concerts with standing areas. Burgas also points to its airport, a recently repaired 3-kilometre runway, more than 50 direct flights to European cities, and hotel capacity in Sunny Beach, Nessebar and Pomorie, all within about 20 minutes by car. BNT reports that Burgas supported its Eurovision 2027 bid with a flashmob by more than 200 children outside Arena Burgas. Young dancers from several schools performed choreography to Bangaranga, DARA’s winning song, turning the space in front of the hall into an open-air stage. City’s Deputy Mayor for Culture Diana Savateva said this was Burgas’s “sympathetic way to say thank you, DARA” and to show that the city is ready to host Eurovision 2027. The broadcaster notes that the Eurovision euphoria has spread to schools, where bells in Burgas and Sofia are already playing Bangaranga. ECONOMY Nova TV reported that the tourism sector sees Eurovision 2027 as an economic opportunity that could turn initial organization costs into major benefits. Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association Deputy Chair Veselin Nalbantov said the event could bring more international interest, more tourists, and growth in tourism, hospitality and services. Nalbantov said the effect would not be only short-term, because Eurovision could strengthen Bulgaria’s position as a tourist destination for years. Tourism representatives thank DARA for the visibility her success brings to the country and already expect stronger interest before the contest itself. The report notes that Sunny Beach could play a major role if Burgas is selected as host. Nalbantov said the resort has a huge accommodation base and could host many guests about 30 to 40 kilometres from Burgas. He added that Bulgaria has more than 2 million beds, while the Sunny Beach area has about 400 hotels and can accommodate up to 700,000 people in peak summer months. Hotel management company manager Desislava Dimitrova said that booking platforms already show hundreds of reservations for May 2027, mostly for May 11-15 and May 20-22, 2027. “The gift that DARA gave to the tourism industry is huge,” Dimitrova said, adding that Bulgaria must use the moment to turn interest into long-term visits. *** Nova TV reports that economists see the Cabinet’s budget measures as a first step, but not enough to solve the structural problems in public finances. The discussion TV’s morning programme included Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association Executive Director Dobrin Ivanov, financial journalist Stefan Antonov and economist Georgi Angelov. The experts said the main problem is the imbalance between rising expenditure and weaker revenue. Angelov noted that some capital expenditure will not be implemented within the year, which will temporarily reduce pressure on the budget, but liabilities from previous periods and new payments for large infrastructure and municipal projects remain. Antonov described the measures as “a step in the right direction,” but warned that if the cuts take effect only in the autumn, their real impact on the current budget will be limited. Ivanov said the real deficit is higher than the official figure if unpaid liabilities, deferred payments and advance-spent funds are included. The three experts agreed that Bulgaria needs a deep functional reform of public administration rather than a mechanical 10% reduction for all structures. Angelov notes that Bulgaria has hundreds of administrative units and more than 260 municipalities, some of which lack capacity to perform their functions effectively. *** Speaking in an interview for Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry, Alexander Poulev, said that the next step will cover the working poor, meaning people with income below two minimum wages. Using the current 2026 minimum wage of EUR 620.20, the threshold would be about EUR 1,240.40 per month, although final parameters have not yet been set. *** Trud writes that the Government is preparing a new compensation scheme for high fuel prices. The mechanism will be triggered by the price levels of petrol, diesel and other energy sources, with the most vulnerable groups first receiving subsidized transport cards. The daily notes that the previous support scheme provided EUR 20 to low-income car owners when fuel prices exceeded EUR 1.60 per litre. For March, the state helped 210,934 people, while only 28,078 of nearly 50,000 applicants met the criteria. Trud adds that 11.8% of employed people aged 18 to 64 were working poor in 2025, or around 330,000 people. LABOUR Telegraph writes in an op-ed entitled “Wind of Change” that Bulgaria will hire 19,000 seasonal workers who can stay in the country for up to 90 days. The daily says the need to import labour has become sharper in recent years, while business organizations increasingly press for easier procedures and a fast track for workers from non-EU countries. The daily notes that many of these jobs are low-paid and that Bulgarian companies often cannot hire Bulgarians for unqualified work. It argues that many Bulgarian workers prefer to receive a minimum wage in Germany rather than in Bulgaria because they get better pay, conditions and treatment. Telegraph says Bulgarian employers should stop trying to solve labour shortages through cheap imported labour and instead reduce profits in order to pay workers more. The daily adds that imports should exist, but Bulgarians should not be deprived of the opportunity to work and develop in their own country. Telegraph adds that Labour needs are highest in construction, agriculture, industry, hotels and restaurants, which account for 70% of companies seeking foreign labour. Bulgarian companies already employ workers from 86 countries, mostly Uzbekistan, India, Turkiye and the Kyrgyz Republic. JUDICIARY 24 Chasa writes that about 110,000 people in Bulgaria work in positions that guarantee up to 20 salaries upon retirement or leaving. This covers 20% of all civil servants, or 3.7% of all working Bulgarians. The daily reports that around 50,000 Interior Ministry employees, about 30,000 military personnel, between 6,000 and 7,000 employees in security services, and about 6,000 people in the prison and court-security systems have access to this privilege. In the judiciary, the right applies to around 2,200 judges, 1,500 prosecutors and 500 investigators. 24 Chasa notes that the average gross salary in the security sector is around EUR 1,430, meaning an average retirement payment of EUR 28,600. In defence, the average gross salary is around EUR 1,380, or EUR 27,600 in compensation, while in the judiciary the average gross salary is around EUR 4,463, producing an average 20-salary payment of EUR 89,260. 24 Chasa reports that around 5,000 working pensioners remain employed in the Interior Ministry, while another 591 employees acquired pension rights last year. They are not released because paying them 20 salaries would cost the budget around EUR 200 million. The Institute for Market Economics estimates that cutting 10,000 public-sector jobs would cost at least EUR 140 million, while cutting more than 100,000 would require more than EUR 1.5 billion. *** BNR has an interview with lawyer Tsvetomir Todorov of the Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives on magistrates’ assets and cars. Todorov said magistrates in Bulgaria are not poor, which he describes as good news, but added that the problem is the lack of control over their work. Todorov said the institute analyzed declarations by 4,162 magistrates for the period 2016-2025. These declarations list more than 20,000 properties and more than 7,000 cars. He added that 38% of magistrates have more than one apartment, while 3.6% have five or more apartments. He said magistrates should be well paid, significantly above the average, as a safeguard against corruption and trading in influence. Junior magistrates receive EUR 2,450, while supreme judges, prosecutors and investigators at the National Investigation Service receive nearly EUR 5,000. On judicial reform, Todorov said whoever elects the Supreme Judicial Council will most likely control who becomes prosecutor general and chair of the Supreme Administrative Court. FOREIGN AFFAIRS BNR publishes an interview with international analyst Tsvetan Krastev on Radev’s meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Bulgaria’s foreign-policy positioning. Krastev said Germany wanted to see where the new government stands, especially after German media had described the incoming Bulgarian PM as pro-Russian. According to Krastev, Bulgaria now appears closer to Austria and Italy, which favour more diplomacy and dialogue with Russia. At the same time, he said Bulgaria differs from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Finland and Sweden, which support higher defence spending and believe the war in Ukraine must first be decided on the battlefield before negotiations can begin. He noted that Bulgaria did not support the initiative for a special tribunal to prosecute Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war against Ukraine. “There is moderation, but there is also a clash with reality,” Krastev said, adding that Radev speaks one way to foreign partners and another way to domestic voters. Bulgaria Tatiana Marinova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1128956-vazrazhdane-party-tables-bill-to-introduce-virtues-and-religion-as-mandatory-sch https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1128956-vazrazhdane-party-tables-bill-to-introduce-virtues-and-religion-as-mandatory-sch Tue, 19 May 2026 12:35:43 +0300 Vazrazhdane has tabled a bill to amend the Pre-school and School Education Act to introduce Virtues and Religion as a mandatory school subject, the party press service reported on Tuesday. The aim of the proposal is to provide systematic and consistent education focused on the development of values and the acquisition of basic knowledge about religions as part of a comprehensive education. The explanatory memorandum to the bill argues that the current education system lacks a comprehensive and sustainable framework for the study of virtues and religions. Individual topics related to religious tradition, values, and morality are addressed in a fragmented manner across various subjects, without the necessary consistency and depth. This hinders the understanding of key historical, cultural, and social processes that are closely linked to the role of religion as a cultural and social factor in the development of Bulgaria and Europe. The bill sponsors said that Eastern Orthodoxy is recognized by the Bulgarian Constitution as a traditional religion and is of essential importance for the formation of Bulgarian historical and cultural identity. In this context, the opportunity to study it within the framework of a subject in school should be viewed as an educational necessity, not as the imposition of a religion. The bill guarantees freedom of choice by providing for alternative curricula for the subject – some with elements of religious instruction and others without. This preserves the secular nature of education and precludes the possibility of indoctrination, according to Vazrazhdane. Vazrazhdane MP Angel Yanchev, one of the bill sponsors, said: "The choice of the name Virtues and Religion reflects the need to combine values-based education with knowledge of religions as a significant cultural and social factor. The name emphasizes the educational and formative nature of the subject and provides the necessary clarity and balance. The phased introduction of the subject will allow for the preparation of curricula, teaching staff, and instructional materials without disrupting the educational system." Bulgaria Nikolay Zabov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1128840-vazrazhdane-says-progressive-bulgaria-seeks-to-curb-parliamentary-oversight https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1128840-vazrazhdane-says-progressive-bulgaria-seeks-to-curb-parliamentary-oversight Tue, 19 May 2026 11:08:00 +0300 Progressive Bulgaria has tabled changes to Parliament’s rules that would curb oversight of ministers and restrict MPs’ debate, Vazrazhdane said in a press release on Tuesday. Vazrazhdane said the proposed amendments to the Rules of Organization and Procedure of the National Assembly violate the principles of parliamentary democracy. The party argued that the changes would weaken transparency in government, shorten key parliamentary deadlines and reduce the opposition’s ability to scrutinize legislation and appointments. One of Vazrazhdane’s main objections concerns parliamentary control. The party said the proposals remove MPs’ ability to request information, documents and data from state and local authorities about the public liabilities of state-owned and municipal companies. They would also scrap the guaranteed 14-day deadline for replies to MPs and remove control over cases in which members of the Council of Ministers fail to answer parliamentary questions, Vazrazhdane said. The party also criticized the proposed shortening of minimum deadlines in Parliament. It said this would entrench what it called GERB and Movemwnt for Rights and Freedoms (MRF)'s flawed practice of examining bills and draft resolutions in committees and in the plenary chamber at very short notice, without enough time for opinions or stakeholder participation. Vazrazhdane said the same approach is being applied to procedures for electing regulatory and supervisory bodies. The final stage in these procedures would be reduced from seven to three days, which, the party argued, would allow the rapid election of preferred candidates without adequate time for reaction by MPs or the public. Another proposed change concerns bills on the same subject tabled by different parliamentary groups. Vazrazhdane said such bills may no longer have to be considered together if the committee majority so decides. Since Progressive Bulgaria has a majority in all committees, this would allow bills tabled by the opposition to be shelved, the party said. Vazrazhdane also objected to the proposed reduction of speaking time in the plenary chamber. The party said speaking time rules that had applied in the last ten national assemblies would be cut by half. Replies would be reduced from two minutes to one, procedural motions from two minutes to one, counter-replies from three minutes to two, and speeches on second reading from five minutes to three, limited to one provision only. The party said this would restrict MPs’ constitutional right to speak and take part in Parliament’s legislative work. It also objected to a proposal banning a reply expressing disagreement with a speaker from the same parliamentary group. The press release also criticized proposed changes to the powers of the National Assembly Chair. Vazrazhdane said the chair would be able to add extraordinary items to Parliament’s agenda without a preliminary Council of Chairs meeting, as GERB did in the 49th National Assembly when it added five or six extraordinary items on Fridays. The party also said the chair’s obligation to hold monthly coordination meetings with committee chairs would be removed, showing disrespect for the opposition. Vazrazhdane said the proposed amendments would also remove the current ban on the National Assembly Chair both speaking and chairing the debate and vote on the same agenda item. The party argued that this rule had so far helped guarantee impartiality in conducting plenary sittings. Bulgaria Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1128849-human-trafficking-lives-in-the-shadow-of-our-economies-romanian-official-says https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1128849-human-trafficking-lives-in-the-shadow-of-our-economies-romanian-official-says Tue, 19 May 2026 10:41:30 +0300 Human trafficking lives in the shadow of our economies, Diana Tusa, chair of the Special Commission for Combating Human Trafficking in the Romanian Parliament, said at the opening of an international conference on strengthening justice systems through a coordinated European response against human trafficking in Sofia on Tuesday. The conference is organized by Bulgaria's National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and the International Justice Mission (IJM), with the participation of partner institutions from Romania and across Europe. The forum runs until May 21 and includes representatives of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Europol, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the European Labour Authority, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, as well as magistrates, prosecutors and experts from Bulgaria, Romania, France and the United Kingdom. Tusa said the conference sends an important message that countries are not fragmented in their response to trafficking and are cooperating across borders. "We are witnessing the evolution of human trafficking across Europe," she said, adding that judicial systems must keep pace with increasingly adaptable criminal networks. According to Tusa, criminals cooperate more effectively than states because they are not constrained by differing legal definitions. Unless this gap is addressed, traffickers will continue to stay ahead of authorities, she warned. Coordination is essential for gathering evidence that leads to convictions, she added, stressing that human trafficking should not be treated as a national issue, but as a shared European responsibility. Bulgaria Yoanna Vodenova Petra Kurteva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1128816-human-trafficking-remains-terrible-scourge-on-our-world-us-charge-d-affaires-sa https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1128816-human-trafficking-remains-terrible-scourge-on-our-world-us-charge-d-affaires-sa Tue, 19 May 2026 10:40:35 +0300 Human trafficking remains a terrible scourge on our world, US Charge d’Affaires H. Martin McDowell said at the opening of an international conference on strengthening justice systems through a coordinated European response against human trafficking at the Hilton Hotel in Sofia on Tuesday. McDowell spoke about his six years of work in Moldova. "Over the course of 12 months, I have seen how human trafficking destroys lives and tears families apart," he said, adding that the question we must ask ourselves is: "If we don’t tackle this problem, who will?" "It would be wonderful to have colleagues from the European Union, the Republic of North Macedonia, and Greece. Their problems are the same as those of the countries represented here today," the diplomat noted. According to him, the networks operating behind the scenes adapt faster. "But we are working hard to stop them," he added.  McDowell thanked those present, as their efforts make the US a safe country, and reaffirmed the US administration’s commitment to combating human trafficking. The US ambassador thanked the government, prosecutors, judges, and colleagues who are "on the front lines". The international conference is organized by the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (NCCTHB) under the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria and the International Justice Mission (IJM), with the participation of partner institutions from Romania and across Europe, and will run from Tuesday through Thursday, May 21. Participants in the conference include representatives of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Europol, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the European Labour Authority (ELA), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), as well as magistrates, prosecutors, and experts from Bulgaria, Romania, France, UK and other countries. Bulgaria Risida Dimitrova Petra Kurteva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1128822-human-trafficking-among-fastest-growing-forms-of-organized-crime-anti-trafficki https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1128822-human-trafficking-among-fastest-growing-forms-of-organized-crime-anti-trafficki Tue, 19 May 2026 10:27:30 +0300 Human trafficking remains one of the gravest violations of human rights and one of the fastest-growing forms of organized crime in Europe, Daniela Saveklieva, secretary of the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, said at the opening of the international conference on strengthening justice systems through a coordinated European response against human trafficking in Sofia on Tuesday. The event was organized by the commission and International Justice Mission (IJM). Saveklieva said criminal networks are becoming increasingly adaptable and are using digital tools and cross-border mechanisms in their activities. According to her, combating human trafficking requires a high level of coordination among institutions, countries and professional communities. She stressed that forums such as the conference provide an opportunity to discuss ways to improve cross-border investigations, make better use of technology and ensure protection and long-term support for victims. "The individual must remain at the centre of all our efforts," she said, adding that effective prosecution and victim protection are closely linked. Mariana Tosheva, operations director of IJM Bulgaria, said human trafficking remains one of the most profitable criminal activities in Europe, surpassed only by drug trafficking. She noted that 76% of criminal groups operate in between two and seven countries. Tosheva also called for reducing fragmentation between law enforcement and judicial authorities in tackling human trafficking and stressed the need for coordinated institutional action and support for victims. Bulgaria Yoanna Vodenova Konstantin Kostov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1128794-sofia-ready-and-eager-to-host-eurovision-song-contest-2027-sofia-mayor-says https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1128794-sofia-ready-and-eager-to-host-eurovision-song-contest-2027-sofia-mayor-says Tue, 19 May 2026 09:50:00 +0300 Sofia is ready to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2027, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev said on bTV’s morning programme. "I have great respect for my colleagues, and I know that they, too, would do a wonderful job with any event, but the scale of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) requires it to be held in Sofia," Terziev added. He emphasized that the city has a significantly larger venue, which is one of the key factors in selecting a host city, ample accommodation, and an airport with greater capacity, which is also important in the selection process.  The mayor said that on Monday there was a meeting with Culture Minister Evtim Miloshev and Bulgarian National Television (BNT) Director General Milena Milotinova. "A number of organizational steps have already been set in motion, but the first step is selecting the city," Terziev explained, expressing his conviction that Sofia is best prepared, though a formal decision from BNT and the state is still pending before actual preparations can begin. "We have an enormous amount of work ahead of us that must be done jointly by institutions, the state, the city, and the media, a major challenge," Terziev added.  Asked for a rough estimate of how much such an event would cost Sofia, Terziev replied: "Tens of millions of euros. It will likely not be more expensive than Vienna, but it will be comparable. It involves building infrastructure and completing the venue." He added that the municipality has to carry out an analysis so that "we can provide a precise answer as to what needs to be changed in the infrastructure, if anything needs to be changed at all." Three stages have been set up on Knyaz Alexander I Square for Dara’s official welcome on Tuesday night organized by Sofia Municipality and BNT as an open-air concert and party, Terziev added. Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard and the square will be closed off, and a thick red carpet will be rolled out, he said. The show starts at 6:00 p.m. and will be broadcast live on BNT, with DJs Theo, Teddy Georgo, and Diass providing the musical atmosphere by presenting a mix of Dara’s hits, music videos, and highlights from her career to date. The event will also mark the 10th anniversary of the start of her professional music career. Dara will perform her winning ESC song Bangaranga live on stage. Culture Risida Dimitrova Nelly Zheleva