Новости за 17.03.2025

On March 18, 2025, Bulgaria will experience a notable weather shift, with a cold snap brought on by strengthening winds overnight. Rainfall is expected across the country, which will turn into snow in northern regions. While the wind will ease during the day, it will remain moderate....

The Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science is launching an initiative to train teachers to lead discussions with students on critical social issues following the tragic incident in Kocani, North Macedonia. Minister Krasimir Valchev emphasized the importance of enhancing the school’s educational role, particularly concerning topics such as drug use and the safety of children when out in the evening. Teachers will be encouraged to engage in thematic discussions with both students and parents....

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard reaffirmed President Donald Trump's strong commitment to tackling the threat posed by Islamist terrorism, which she described as a persistent danger to the American people. In an interview with ANI, Gabbard pointed out that this issue also affects nations like India, Bangladesh, Syria, Israel, and various Middle Eastern countries. She noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is equally concerned about the threat, and both leaders are working together to address and counter this danger. Читать дальше...

Restaurant and hotel industry representatives in Bulgaria are escalating their protests against the planned increase in VAT for the sector, warning of rising prices, business closures, and a return to the gray economy. They argue that while European countries are reducing VAT rates to support the hospitality industry, Bulgaria is moving in the opposite direction, putting tourism at risk. To express their opposition, restaurants and bars have started turning off their lights for nine minutes each... Читать дальше...

The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works has proposed an increase in vignette and toll fees, set to take effect from April 1. The changes, outlined in an amendment to the tariff currently open for public discussion, are expected to generate over 1 billion leva in revenue for the state budget. The deadline for submitting opinions on the proposal is two weeks, allowing enough time for the new rates to be implemented as planned. ...

The Bulgarian government is introducing new regulations aimed at controlling the prices of 22 essential goods by setting a ceiling on markups and implementing stricter rules for promotions in stores. These measures are part of a draft law on the agri-food chain, which was presented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. The proposed regulations also include penalties for non-compliance. ...

Costa Rican authorities have intercepted 50 kg of cocaine, which was destined for a port in Bulgaria, as announced by the country's Ministry of Security. The drugs were discovered in a container carrying scrap metal at the Caribbean port of Moin. Hidden inside two metal cylinders, the cocaine was uncovered using a scanner. ...

In February, Bulgaria's annual inflation rate rose to 4%, up from 3.8% in January, marking the highest level since December 2023. On a monthly basis, the inflation index increased by 0....

On Tuesday, March 18, Bulgaria will observe a day of national mourning in response to the tragic fire in a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, which resulted in the deaths of 59 people and left over 150 others injured. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov confirmed the decision, emphasizing Bulgaria's solidarity with its neighbor in this heartbreaking moment. Zhelyazkov extended his condolences to the families of the victims and stated that 14 injured individuals had been transported to medical facilities in Bulgaria... Читать дальше...

Industrial production in Bulgaria continued to experience a downturn at the start of the year, according to preliminary and seasonally adjusted data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI). After a brief period of improvement in late 2024, including increases in September and November, the trend shifted back to negative growth in December. In January, industrial production fell by 2% compared to the previous month, and saw a 3....

Bulgaria's men’s national handball team claimed silver at the World Handball Cup held in Varna, marking their best result in the tournament’s five editions. Previously, the team had secured two third-place finishes. However, a key turning point in the final was a red card handed to captain and assistant coach Svetlin Dimitrov in the 19th minute, which disrupted Bulgaria's momentum....

Bulgarian student Kaloyan Geshev has set a new world record in speed mathematics. The young prodigy completed 10 complex calculations in just 1 minute and 14 seconds, as reported by Nova. Geshev performed the feat at New Bulgarian University (NBU) in front of witnesses, solving ten five-digit numbers by representing them as the sum of no more than four squares....

Medical staff at state psychiatric hospitals across Bulgaria have initiated protests, demanding a 50% salary increase and warning of a collective resignation if their demands are not met. The protests began in several hospitals, including the State Psychiatric Hospital in Sevlievo, where staff members are particularly vocal about their concerns. The staff at this facility highlighted that orderlies are paid the minimum wage, nurses receive 1,600 leva, doctors without a specialty earn 2,000 leva (1,000 euros)... Читать дальше...

Bulgaria’s prospects of joining the eurozone in January 2026 remain within reach, according to the latest analysis from ING’s research unit, ING Think. However, experts caution that some uncertainties are emerging that could affect the timeline. The analysis, titled "Bulgaria: Euro adoption is within reach, but not yet a fact," points out that while the forecast for Bulgaria's eurozone accession remains positive, inflation is becoming a growing concern....

Fourteen victims of the devastating fire at a disco in Kocani, North Macedonia, have been transported to Bulgaria for medical treatment. Eight of them have been admitted to Sofia’s Pirogov Hospital, where doctors have made an urgent appeal for blood donations to aid their recovery. The patients at Pirogov include three children—two girls and one boy—aged 15 and 16....

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces continue their military operations against Houthi fighters in Yemen, with video footage released on X showing military aircraft taking off....

A seven-day period of mourning has been declared in North Macedonia in memory of the victims of the tragic fire that broke out at the Pulse disco in Kocani. The devastating incident, which occurred during a concert by the popular band DNK, claimed the lives of 59 people and left 155 others injured. Some of the injured have been transported for treatment to neighboring countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, and Serbia....

In a ruling on February 13, 2025, the EU Court of Justice (CJEU) addressed the issue of transparency in consumer loans, emphasizing that banks must provide clear, complete, and accurate information before finalizing loan agreements. The decision mandates that consumers must be fully aware of not only the interest rates but also all associated costs of servicing their loans. If banks fail to meet these requirements, they risk losing the right to charge interest, fees, or commissions on loans....