Новости за 20.11.2025

Bulgaria’s parliament approved at first reading the 2026 state social security budget, with GERB, DPS-New Beginning, BSP and TISP backing measures that raise social security contributions for all private-sector employees. The vote went ahead despite objections from business groups, economists and opposition parties. Employer organizations boycotted budget talks and warned of protests over what they see as a harmful increase in labor costs. ...

The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) has issued a first-level yellow warning for strong southwest winds on Friday, November 21, affecting six districts in Eastern and Southeastern Bulgaria. The alert covers Dobrich, Varna, Burgas, Yambol, Haskovo, and Kardzhali. During Friday and Saturday, the weather is expected to see temporary breaks in cloud cover and a general decrease in cloudiness....

A traffic incident in Sofia has sparked widespread discussion online after a 19-year-old driver crashed a high-powered car into a pole. The young man, Nidal Mohammad, is the son of a well-known Sofia orthopedist and traumatologist. Witnesses reported that the vehicle involved was a tuned Mercedes C 63 AMG S PERFORMANCE, boasting 700 horsepower....

At the ministerial segment of the UN Climate Change Conference COP30, Bulgaria’s Deputy Minister of Environment and Water Atanas Kostadinov emphasized the need to align ambitious climate goals with concrete, actionable measures, the Ministry of Environment and Water reported. Kostadinov highlighted three central points for the conference participants. First, he stressed the importance of meeting the 1....

The first of the eight new Škoda metro trains that will replace the ageing Russian units is already in Sofia and was presented today at the Obelya depot. The train was unveiled by Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev together with representatives of the Czech manufacturer and the management of Metropolitan EAD. The new model is 80 meters long, has electronic displays for upcoming stops, redesigned seating and dedicated spaces for passengers with disabilities....

From the start of 2026, when Bulgaria introduces the euro, currency exchange boards will follow the format used across the eurozone. Tavex notes that the shift may create some confusion at the beginning of the year, since people are used to the current domestic system. Until now, Bulgarian exchange offices have shown foreign currencies in relation to the lev (BGN)....

Bulgaria is facing strong opposition from the food industry over the planned steep rise in fees collected by the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA), which experts warn could trigger a sharp increase in food and beverage prices and put local businesses at a significant disadvantage compared to regional competitors. Representatives from key sectors expressed their concerns in a joint appearance on Nova TV. Dilyana Popova, executive director of the Association of Meat Processors in Bulgaria, Ivaylo Galabov... Читать дальше...

Wizz Air has announced a new direct flight connecting Sofia with Rimini, Italy, beginning March 31, 2026. The route will operate three times weekly – on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays – during the summer season. Tickets are now available for purchase via wizzair....

Bulgarian authorities have seized artifacts valued at approximately 100 million euros from the black market, marking one of the most significant cultural heritage operations in recent years. Deputy City Prosecutor Angel Kanev announced that 35 individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, including treasure hunters, dealers, and traffickers holding influential positions. Among those detained are both business owners and individuals who have not contributed to social security for over a decade... Читать дальше...

GERB leader Boyko Borissov announced that his party will put forward a proposal for a Christmas supplement of 120 lev, which is about 61.36 euros, for pensioners whose monthly income is below the poverty threshold of 638 lev. He stated that the necessary funds can be secured within the state budget....

Ministers from a broad range of countries gathered in Belem for COP30, using a joint appearance to push for a global plan that would steadily move the world away from coal, oil and gas. Representatives from states such as Germany, Colombia, the United Kingdom and Kenya stood alongside Marshall Islands climate envoy Tina Stege, who appealed for a shared effort - a spirit she compared to the Brazilian notion of Mutirao - to create a roadmap guiding the transition away from fossil fuels. Colombia has... Читать дальше...

Journalist Stefan Antonov has described Bulgaria’s Draft Budget for 2026 as reminiscent of the final years of communism, warning that the country risks repeating the errors of an era defined by unchecked spending and political short-termism. In his view, the budget is less about conservative fiscal management and more about political rivalry for populist approval, exacerbating structural weaknesses in the economy. Antonov emphasized that this is not a pre-election strategy, but a symptom of a deeper... Читать дальше...

Lukoil has issued a firm warning to Bulgarian authorities, signaling that it will pursue legal action if Rumen Spetsov, appointed as the company’s special manager, obstructs the sale of its assets. The Russian energy giant is currently engaged in negotiations to find a buyer for its Bulgarian operations. Parliament recently rushed to amend the law to grant Spetsov broad powers to make decisions regarding the sale of Lukoil’s shares and assets, following approval from the Council of Ministers....

Bulgaria devotes nearly 20% of its GDP to social programs and assistance. Specifically, the country spends 19.77% of its Gross Domestic Product on social benefits, including pensions, healthcare, unemployment aid, social housing, and support for people with disabilities....

The youth wing of opposition party "We Continue the Change" (WCC) set up a large piggy bank display on "Nezavisimost" Square in Sofia on Thursday, placing it directly in front of the National Assembly as lawmakers prepare to move through key budget votes. Parliament is expected to approve the NHIF and State Social Security drafts at first reading during today’s sitting, while the main central budget will be taken up on Friday. The installation, positioned at the heart of the Largo, was intended as... Читать дальше...

Dimitar Georgiev, a Bulgarian financier and international markets analyst, stated that he does not anticipate any further increase in fuel prices in the country. Speaking to Bulgarian National Radio, Georgiev attributed the minor recent price fluctuations to temporary uncertainty surrounding the future operation and ownership of the Lukoil refinery, a situation that has now been resolved at least until April 29. He emphasized that the previous risk of the refinery halting production, which had caused concern, has effectively been removed. Читать дальше...

The "Podkrepa" Confederation of Labour is preparing protests in response to the proposed 2026 state budget, warning that real income growth is set to turn negative. Atanas Katsarchev, chief economist of the union, criticized the draft budget, saying half-hearted policies yield no positive results. Inflation currently stands at 5....