Новости за 06.01.2026

Bulgaria is set for a turbulent Wednesday, with weather warnings in effect across several regions. Atmospheric pressure will drop to levels well below the monthly average, setting the stage for unstable conditions. Overnight, fog or low clouds will form in the Danube Plain and along the Struma Valley, while southwestern Bulgaria will experience significant cloud cover and localized rain....

The first practical phase of the digital euro is expected to begin next year through an initial unmanned rollout, marking a key step toward the creation of a European digital currency designed to complement cash. According to François Villeroy de Galhau, Governor of the Banque de France and member of the European Central Bank’s Governing Council, the project is essential for safeguarding Europe’s economic autonomy in an increasingly digital financial environment. Villeroy de Galhau recalled that the euro... Читать дальше...

Seven European states have publicly backed Greenland following renewed statements by US President Donald Trump that the Arctic territory is vital to American national security. The position was set out in a joint declaration by the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, the United Kingdom and Denmark, according to reports by DPA and Reuters. They stressed that Greenland belongs to its population and that decisions concerning its future and its relationship with Denmark can only be taken by Greenland itself and Copenhagen. Читать дальше...

The Commission for the Protection of Competition (CPC) has launched a detailed review of the market for basic food products in Bulgaria’s small grocery stores, known as traditional trade, as part of its sectoral analysis of competition in the food sector. The investigation will primarily examine the relationships between retailers and their suppliers, including manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers, as well as the business models and pricing strategies of these small shops. The goal is to... Читать дальше...

Outgoing Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov has signaled that Bulgaria’s political instability and the ongoing extended budget will force a halt in the modernization of the armed forces until a new budget is approved and recruitment of new personnel is paused. Speaking to journalists, Zapryanov noted that while 2025 saw a positive trend, including 24 recruitment competitions and the enlistment of 1,300 personnel with expectations to reach 1,500, the current uncertainty prevents the continuation of planned projects. Читать дальше...

In the Bulgarian village of Nevestino, the transition to euros has hit a practical obstacle as the town’s sole ATM, located at the entrance to the Municipality, has already run out of cash. The euros that were loaded into the machine on December 31 have all been withdrawn, leaving locals to rely primarily on levs for their daily shopping. Shops, however, are fully equipped to accept both euros and levs, and residents can also use debit cards or Easypay services for transactions. ...

The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) has stepped in to address reports of commercial banks imposing unauthorized fees and restrictions on the exchange of leva to euros. Some banks were reportedly refusing service to non-clients, demanding a 15-leva fee for such exchanges, setting lower limits than the legally allowed 30,000 leva per transaction, and requiring unnecessary declarations that created delays. Chairman of the coordination center for euro introduction, Vladimir Ivanov, confirmed that the BNB... Читать дальше...

Bulgarian authorities have arrested a member of the notorious Pink Panthers criminal network in connection with a high-profile jewelry heist in Halkidiki, Greece, in which nearly €580,000 (around BGN 1,135,000) worth of jewelry and luxury watches was stolen. The arrest follows months of investigation by the Sub-Directorate for Combating Organized Crime in Northern Greece, which identified two Serbian nationals, aged 48 and 46, as the main perpetrators. European arrest warrants were issued for both suspects... Читать дальше...

Former Deputy Prime Minister and economist Nikolay Vassilev has described Bulgaria’s entry into the eurozone as a historic achievement, saying "the country has not been this prosperous since the era of Khan Asparuh". In an interview with bTV, he emphasized that Bulgaria is now firmly among the ranks of first-class European nations, with strong prospects for economic growth and social development. Vassilev highlighted that the combination of Schengen membership and the eurozone will strengthen Bulgaria’s position internationally... Читать дальше...

Grigor Dimitrov opened his 2026 season with a strong statement at the Brisbane tennis tournament, defeating Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-2 in just over an hour. The Bulgarian tennis star maintained control throughout the match, securing three breaks of serve while saving the only break point he faced in the fourth game of the second set, when leading 3-0. Dimitrov, a two-time champion in Brisbane, finished with 24 winners and 14 unforced errors, showing both precision and consistency in his performance. Читать дальше...

Bulgaria's President, Rumen Radev, announced that he intends to hand over the first exploratory mandate to the largest parliamentary group as soon as possible, though he did not specify an exact date. Speaking to journalists after the Epiphany water blessing in Sofia, Radev emphasized that while the 51st National Assembly has little time left, the parties have committed to making legislative changes aimed at increasing confidence in the electoral process, including the implementation of 100 percent... Читать дальше...

The initial days of Bulgaria’s euro adoption are proceeding without major issues, according to Nikolay Valkanov, Executive Director of the Association for Modern Trade, speaking on BNT. He noted that a more dynamic pace of activity is expected as the week progresses. Valkanov advised citizens that clearing balances in leva should take around two to three weeks, recommending that card payments be favored during this period for convenience. ...

Bulgaria’s political scene reacted strongly to the arrest and extradition of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to the United States, with opinions sharply divided along party lines. GERB MP Delyan Dobrev condemned Maduro for transforming Venezuela from a wealthy nation into one facing extreme poverty and economic collapse, citing hyperinflation, mass emigration of nearly one-third of the population, and international isolation. On Facebook, Dobrev applauded Trump for the operation, highlighting... Читать дальше...

US and Israeli authorities are reportedly exploring potential responses to ongoing unrest in Iran, according to multiple Israeli media outlets, including The Jerusalem Post. The deliberations come amid widespread demonstrations across Iranian cities and follow recent US military actions in Venezuela, which appear to have influenced strategic thinking in the region. Iran has experienced recurring waves of protests fueled by economic hardship, political repression, and dissatisfaction with the clerical... Читать дальше...

Romania’s next major national objective should be eurozone membership, according to Professor Vasile Puscas, Romania’s former chief EU negotiator, in an interview with Agerpres. He highlighted Bulgaria’s recent success, noting that as of January 1, 2026, Bulgaria became the 21st member of the eurozone. “I personally congratulate our southern neighbor....

The introduction of the euro in Bulgaria has triggered reports of price glitches and unexpected charges at coffee vending machines across Sofia and other cities. Users have noticed that drinks advertised at 60 stotinki are being billed at 60 euro cents, effectively costing almost 1.20 leva. ...

Nestle has initiated a precautionary recall of selected batches of infant formula across several European markets, among them Bulgaria, France, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy and Sweden. The Swiss food group said the move was taken after a quality irregularity was identified in a raw material supplied by one of its key partners. According to information published on the company’s official website, the decision is preventive in nature....

The first shipment of liquefied natural gas from the United States intended for Bulgaria in 2026 has already reached the LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis, according to information from BGNES. The delivery was handled by METLEN, a company that plays a leading role in LNG imports across Southeast Europe. METLEN noted that it has been supplying the Greek gas market continuously since 2010....

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro entered a plea of not guilty on Monday during his first appearance before a US federal court in New York, only days after he and his wife were seized in Caracas during a surprise US military operation. Speaking through an interpreter, Maduro rejected all accusations, telling Judge Alvin Hellerstein that he was innocent and insisting he remained the legitimate president of Venezuela. Maduro appeared in court alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, who also pleaded not guilty to similar charges... Читать дальше...

Men from the town of Kalofer once again entered the icy waters of the Tundzha River on Epiphany/Yordanovden, continuing one of Bulgaria’s most distinctive and widely recognized traditions. Accompanied by drums and bagpipes, the men locked arms and performed the traditional male horo directly in the river. The ritual, which takes place every year on January 6, draws visitors from across the country to the sub-Balkan town and has become one of the most iconic Epiphany celebrations in Bulgaria. ...

Bulgaria has officially joined the eurozone, and authorities are now focusing on making the currency transition as transparent as possible. Vladimir Ivanov, head of the newly established Euro Coordination Center and chairman of the DCBT, outlined the center’s mission in an interview with bTV. Created by the Council of Ministers on December 30, the center is tasked with coordinating a smooth adoption of the euro, ensuring timely information on prices, monitoring compliance, and countering misinformation. Читать дальше...

Yordanovden, celebrated on January 6, is one of the most significant religious and cultural holidays in Bulgaria. Known internationally as Epiphany or Theophany, the day commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. In Bulgaria, however, Yordanovden goes beyond its religious meaning and has evolved into a powerful blend of faith, tradition, folklore and community spirit, observed across the country regardless of age or region. ...