Новости за 20.05.2025

On May 19, 2025, the World Health Assembly approved a new international agreement aimed at strengthening the global response to future pandemics. A total of 124 WHO member countries voted in favor of the pact, while 11 abstained. Among those who chose not to support the document at this stage were Poland, Israel, Italy, Russia, Slovakia, and Iran, according to Reuters. ...

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev announced in Veliko Tarnovo that Bulgaria aims to start producing drones on a large scale within the next year and a half, covering both military and civilian needs. Speaking at the conference "Consolidation of the European Defense Industry - Opportunities and Challenges," held under his patronage and organized by the Polish Embassy in Sofia, the European Commission's Representation in Bulgaria, and the Veliko Tarnovo Municipality... Читать дальше...

Bulgaria and Japan have officially raised their relationship to the level of a “strategic partnership” during a ceremony at the Japanese Prime Minister’s residence. President Rumen Radev, on an official visit to Tokyo, spoke at a business forum organized by the Bulgarian Embassy and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). He emphasized that every Japanese investment in Bulgaria holds great value, citing Japan’s business model as an example worth following to achieve greater success. ...

On Wednesday, cloud cover will temporarily increase, starting from the western regions and gradually moving eastward. Isolated light rain showers are expected in the west during the morning hours. Around midday and into the afternoon, cumulus clouds will form and bring brief rain showers and thunder in many western areas....

The UN’s humanitarian coordinator, Tom Fletcher, has issued a stark warning about the dire situation in Gaza, where he estimates that 14,000 babies could perish within the next 48 hours unless urgent aid arrives. Despite five aid trucks entering Gaza on Monday, Fletcher described this as a mere "drop in the ocean," grossly insufficient to address the overwhelming needs of the population. Israel’s blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza has persisted for 11 weeks....

When Bulgaria officially adopts the euro, the national side of the coins in circulation will feature emblematic figures and symbols from the country’s history. The reverse of the 2-euro coin will depict the image of Paisius of Hilendar, with the edge of the coin inscribed in capital letters: "GOD PROTECT BULGARIA" ("БОЖЕ ПАЗИ БЪЛГАРИЯ") - a phrase once used on Bulgarian coins between 1882 and 1943. In an interview for the Bulgarian National Radio, Stefan Tsvetkov, Chief Cashier at the Bulgarian National Bank... Читать дальше...

For the first time in Bulgaria’s modern economic history, the total wealth of Bulgarian citizens reached the impressive sum of 1 trillion leva by the end of 2024. This figure, outlined in a study by the Expert Club on Economics and Politics, marks a milestone—five times the size of the country’s gross domestic product. On average, this translates to approximately 350,000 leva per household. ...

Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev has issued a serious warning about an impending crisis potentially larger than the recent transport problems. In a post on Facebook, he emphasized that nearly half a billion leva is at stake, funds that need to be managed transparently and responsibly over the next five years. The mayor highlighted that seven major contracts covering waste collection and cleaning services in 20 of Sofia’s 24 districts are set to expire this year....

Pensions from Russia to recipients in Bulgaria have unexpectedly stopped, catching many off guard, according to OFFNews. These payments, intended for individuals who previously worked in the former USSR or the Russian Federation, have not arrived as expected, sparking concern among recipients. The reason for the disruption remains unclear....

A monument honoring the medical professionals who lost their lives in the fight against COVID-19 has been unveiled at Pirogov University Hospital and Medical Center. The initiative comes as a gesture of deep respect from the hospital’s team toward those who dedicated themselves to patient care before, during, and after the pandemic. The memorial has been placed in the hospital’s courtyard, situated to the left of the chapel entrance....

The Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank, Dimitar Radev, announced that Bulgaria is entirely prepared to join the eurozone, reaffirming the country’s commitment to adopt the euro as of January 1, 2026. His remarks came during the official opening of a new BNB cash center for Northern Bulgaria. The investment in the facility amounts to 10 million leva and is part of a broader program to modernize the national cash operations system in anticipation of the upcoming currency changeover. ...

For the fourth year running, Chicago hosted its annual parade celebrating May 24, the Day of Bulgarian Education and Culture, gathering thousands of Bulgarian-Americans and their families, BGNES and BG VOICE reported. Organized by Elk Grove Village City Hall and the Bulgarian Consulate General in Chicago, the event brought together the community for a vibrant cultural display. The parade kicked off sharply at noon, led by the youngest participants from the “Blue Bear” kindergarten, accompanied by... Читать дальше...

Blackjack is one of the world's grandest and most established gambling games. Unlike other casino games, it dates back over 500 years, although some historians and experts believe it could be even older. The game's true origins are unknown, but many similar games emerged throughout China and across Europe during the first half of the last millennium. ...

MEP Tsvetelina Penkova emphasized that Bulgaria's potential accession to the Eurozone is rooted in economic pragmatism rather than ideology, pointing to tangible benefits for Bulgarian citizens amid ongoing global economic challenges. Speaking on Eurocom TV's "EvroDikofF," she countered the notion that adopting the euro compromises national sovereignty, asserting that Bulgaria is already adhering to policies it has no direct say in due to its currency board arrangement. "Bulgaria is not losing sovereignty... Читать дальше...

The 15 million leva provided by the Council of Ministers to ease the transport crisis in Sofia will only cover the period until December 2025. There is currently no secured funding for 2026, which is why negotiations for next year’s financing must begin immediately, warned Ivan Kirilov from the "Podkrepa" Trade Union in an appearance on the Bulgarian National Television (BNT). The financial support ensures wage increases from May to December this year....

The movement of military personnel and equipment to the Koren training ground has begun in preparation for the Bulgarian Defender-25 military exercises. According to the Ministry of Defense, the transportation will take place via the country’s road and railway infrastructure and will involve units from multiple garrisons. Soldiers and machinery are being relocated from Sofia, Karlovo, Kazanlak, Sliven, Chirpan, Belene, Asenovgrad, and Plovdiv....

Belgian authorities have officially requested that the European Parliament lift the immunity of several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in connection with an ongoing corruption investigation linked to Chinese technology giant Huawei. The request, submitted roughly two months after the first reports surfaced, aims to allow legal action to proceed against those suspected of involvement in a bribery scheme. According to four EU officials who spoke to Politico, five MEPs are reportedly included... Читать дальше...

In an interview with the Bulgarian National Radio, writer and teacher Kostadin Pampov discussed his latest book of aphorisms, titled "What is Necessary, but No More." Pampov, who hails from Pazardzhik and holds a degree in philosophy, teaches in the secondary education system. Reflecting on his work, Pampov expressed satisfaction that his aphorisms provoke thought and inspire readers to improve themselves....

A large demonstration unfolded in front of the Sofia Municipality building on Monday evening, with thousands gathering in support of Mayor Vasil Terziev. The protest came in response to a six-day blockade of the city's public transport system and mounting accusations by political opponents aiming to discredit the mayor. Many residents say they view the strike as a politically orchestrated move, rather than a genuine labor dispute. ...

In April 2025, Bulgaria's inflation rate reached 2.8% year-on-year, marking an increase of 0.3% compared to the same month in 2024, when it was 2....