Новости за 23.05.2024

Russia is preparing to identify American assets for potential confiscation in retaliation for any seizure of its own assets in the United States, as reported by Reuters. A decree issued by Russian President Vladimir Putin has authorized a special commission to compile a list of assets that could be targeted, encompassing real estate, stocks, movable assets, and property rights. With more than 300 billion USD of Russian assets frozen in Western banks due to declining investment from Western nations... Читать дальше...

The European Commission initiated a new infringement procedure against Bulgaria on Thursday for failing to submit a report on the energy performance of buildings as required by the directive. A notification letter was sent to the Bulgarian government, reminding it to provide the European Commission with a report on the optimal costs related to building energy efficiency. The directive mandates authorities to establish minimum energy performance requirements for buildings to achieve the best combination of investment and savings... Читать дальше...

A month behind schedule, the first 19 German railroad cars for Bulgarian Railways (BDZ) have arrived, according to a report by bTV. These railroad cars are designated to serve the busiest routes, including those from Sofia to Varna, Burgas, and Ruse. They are expected to start transporting passengers by mid-June at the latest. ...

Keir Starmer is emerging as a potential future Prime Minister of Britain, presenting himself as a meticulous and professional lawyer with a focus on details rather than charisma, according to Politico's analysis. If current polling trends persist, showing Labour leading the Conservatives by a significant margin of at least 20 percentage points, Starmer, aged 61, could assume the role of Britain's next Prime Minister following the snap election scheduled for July 4. Behind Starmer's public persona lies a significant personal backstory... Читать дальше...

The hosts of the event were the embassies of Great Britain, of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bulgaria and the GLAS Foundation The organizing committee of Sofia Pride commemorated the international day against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia with an event that brought together diplomats, journalists, artists and representatives of businesses and non-governmental organizations in Bulgaria. The event was held for the third year in a row and is organized by the GLAS Foundation, this time being... Читать дальше...

The UN General Assembly is set to discuss and vote on a draft resolution regarding the Srebrenica massacre. The proposed document aims to declare July 11 as an International Day of Remembrance for the Genocide that occurred there in 1995. This resolution condemns the denial of genocide and the glorification of war criminals....

Eva Maydell, a Member of the European Parliament from the Bulgarian party GERB, has been highlighted by the influential Brussels magazine "Politico" as a potential candidate for Bulgaria's new European Commissioner. However, the national vote in Bulgaria on June 9, which coincides with the European elections, makes predictions challenging, and it remains unclear which department Sofia will aim for in the next European Commission. Maydell is recognized for her expertise in digital issues and artificial... Читать дальше...

Bulgaria anticipates a shift in the rhetoric of North Macedonia and an end to the language of hatred, according to a message from Bulgarian President Rumen Radev to North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. "The Republic of North Macedonia must demonstrate its genuine desire to be part of a united Europe by meeting all membership requirements, just as every EU country has done," Radev stated. Rumen Radev is leading a Bulgarian delegation to the Vatican for the celebration of the Holy... Читать дальше...

According to a recent study conducted by the National Statistical Institute (NSI) on cultural activities, Bulgarians are increasingly frequenting museums. The study, which examined the operations of museums, theaters, libraries, cinemas, radio and television program production, and film production, revealed a notable rise in museum visits. In 2023, museum visits totaled 4,965,000, marking a significant increase of 24....

During his recent visit to Washington, Bulgarian Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov engaged in crucial discussions at the US State Department. Despite the tight schedule of Ambassador James O'Brien, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Malinov managed to meet with him. Their talks centered on advancing key projects such as the construction of new nuclear facilities at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) and the development of the Vertical Gas Corridor, which are of mutual importance to both countries. Читать дальше...

Lieutenant General Vadim Shamarin, Deputy Chief of the Russian Army's General Staff, has been apprehended in Moscow, as reported by "Kommersant." He is now a suspect in a criminal investigation linked to alleged fraudulent activities. Following a search, Shamarin was taken in for interrogation at the Main Military Investigative Department of the Russian Federation's Investigative Committee, with the case being handled by the 235th Garrison Military Court. ...

Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev and a delegation accompanying him were granted an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican. During the meeting, President Radev presented Pope Francis with an original icon of Saints Cyril and Methodius, crafted by artists from the Sofia Icon Painting School in the latter half of the 19th century. Currently, President Radev is attending the Divine Liturgy at the "San Clemente" Basilica in Rome, where the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius first served in the Bulgarian... Читать дальше...

In preparation for May 24, the Day of the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius, as well as the Day of the Bulgarian Alphabet, Education and Culture, and Slavic Literature, the National Security Service is implementing security measures in Sofia's city center. The festivities will commence with a formal procession at 10:30 a.m....

Following the heavy rain and hailstorm in Sofia, Mayor Vasil Terziev reported that the city received 230 distress calls to emergency services and 34 signals at the Metropolitan Municipality's contact center. Terziev outlined the extensive mobilization efforts undertaken by emergency services, fire safety units, population protection teams, and cleaning companies, with 18 teams from the "Emergency Assistance and Prevention" Directorate, alongside the Metropolitan Fire Department, responding to critical situations. Читать дальше...

Vestbee, one of the leading European platforms for startups, VC funds, accelerators, and corporates, has just released the quarterly overview of the Central and Eastern European funding landscape — VC Funding In CEE Report for Q1 2024. It reveals that visible economic uncertainties lead to a palpable sense of anticipation in Central and Eastern Europe, with funding amounts reverting to levels seen in 2019-2020. In Q1 2024, CEE startups secured over €640 million across 157 rounds....

New WHO/Europe report finds alarming disparities in diet, exercise, and weight among adolescents from different socioeconomic backgrounds A new report released by the WHO Regional Office for Europe reveals alarming disparities in the health of young people across the region, with those from less affluent families disproportionately affected. The report, based on data from 44 countries participating in the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, highlights unhealthy eating habits, rising rates of overweight and obesity... Читать дальше...

Former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, has announced her support for Republican candidate Donald Trump in the upcoming November presidential election, according to DPA. Speaking at an event in Washington yesterday, Haley noted that although she doesn't always align with Trump politically, she believes Biden has been a disaster, leading her to vote for Trump. Haley, who withdrew from the Republican nomination race in March and initially did not support Trump’s candidacy, stressed... Читать дальше...

A 30-year-old man was struck by lightning in the "Mladost 1" district of the capital. The emergency call was received at 6:53 p.m....

President Biden has emphasized that the creation of a Palestinian state should occur through negotiations rather than unilateral recognition. This stance follows announcements from Spain, Ireland, and Norway indicating their plans to recognize Palestine later this month. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan reiterated that President Biden has consistently supported a "two-state" solution....

A yellow code for heavy rainfall has been issued today for 13 regions in Bulgaria. These include Vidin, Vratsa, Montana, Pleven, Lovech, Plovdiv, Pazardzhik, Gabrovo, Smolyan, Veliko Tarnovo, Stara Zagora, as well as Sofia-city and Sofia-region. The country will experience predominantly significant cloudiness, with cumulus and cumulus-rainy clouds....