Новости за 29.01.2026

Italy will fund the construction of temporary infrastructure for a NATO battlegroup base in Bulgaria, after Bulgaria’s parliamentary defence committee approved the agreement. The project concerns the Kabile military area, designated to host a multinational NATO force. The planned construction will be executed in two stages: the first will provide facilities for temporary deployment, while the second will prepare for the permanent stationing of the battlegroup....

Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated in Skopje that there will be no constitutional changes as long as he remains in office, BGNES reported. Local media described the statement as a “very extreme position” that could put the country’s EU integration process at risk. Mickoski emphasized that two key conditions must be met first: guaranteed rights for Macedonians in Bulgaria and firm assurances that the country will no longer face arbitrary blocking of its EU accession. ...

The General Directorate “National Police” will carry out intensified road checks across the country in the coming days, the Interior Ministry announced. The specialised operation by the Traffic Police at the General Directorate “National Police” is part of the Ministry of Interior’s key priority to reduce road accidents and traffic-related injuries. The operation is being conducted jointly with officers from the regional police directorates. ...

From 1 February 2026, the euro will become the only legal means of payment in the Republic of Bulgaria, the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has reminded. As of that date, the Bulgarian lev will be withdrawn from circulation and will no longer be accepted for payments for goods, services or financial obligations. Consumers will be required to pay exclusively in euros, while traders must accept payments and return change only in the new currency. ...

Deputy Ombudsman Maria Filipova has said she is ready to assume the position of interim prime minister, it became clear following consultations with President Iliana Yotova. Bulgaria’s Ombudsman Says No to Interim Prime Minister Role -- ...

After more than five and a half hours of heated debate, Bulgaria’s parliament approved at first reading a proposal by the nationalist party Vazrazhdane to limit the number of polling stations in non-EU countries to 20. The National Assembly debated two draft amendments to the Election Code—one submitted by Vazrazhdane and another by We Continue the Change–Democratic Bulgaria (PP–DB). Under Vazrazhdane’s proposal, a maximum of 20 polling stations outside diplomatic and consular missions would be allowed in countries outside the European Union.

On the third day of consultations for the appointment of a Bulgarian interim prime minister, President Iliana Yotova continued meetings with potential candidates. So far, the post has been declined by Parliament Speaker Raya Nazaryan, Bulgarian National Bank Governor Dimitar Radev, and deputy governors Petar Chobanov and Radoslav Milenkov. The only affirmative response came from third deputy governor of the BNB, Andrey Gyurov. ...

The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group boosted its financing in Bulgaria by 72% in 2025, reaching €646 million, supporting businesses, jobs, and innovation across the country. This increase from €375 million in 2024 accelerates Bulgaria’s economic, environmental, and social convergence with the European Union. The funding is expected to mobilise around €2....

Germany is preparing a major change to its traffic regulations that could ban the use of mobile apps that alert drivers to speed cameras. Several federal states are pushing for a complete prohibition—not only on using such software but also on having it installed in vehicles, according to Spiegel. Currently, drivers are allowed to check for camera locations before a trip but not while driving....

Bulgaria has closed its border crossings with Serbia and North Macedonia to heavy trucks due to blockades at cargo terminals, the Main Directorate “Border Police” at the Ministry of Interior reported. In Serbia, trucks are not allowed to cross at any Bulgarian border point, while cars and buses continue to move in both directions. Serbian authorities said truck drivers have blocked freight terminals leading to Schengen countries. ...

Bulgarian champions Ludogorets are aiming for a historic first home victory against a French side when they host Nice in their final group-stage match of the Europa League on Thursday at 22:00. The Razgrad team began their official 2026 campaign with a narrow 0:1 loss away to Rangers, ending an eight-game unbeaten streak under coach Per-Mathias Høgmo. To keep their hopes of advancing alive, Ludogorets must secure a win....

According to data from the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) for the fourth quarter of 2025, the net monthly income required for a single working adult to cover basic living costs is 1,562 leva (799 euros). For a three-member family—two adults and one child under 14—the necessary monthly income rises to 2,812 leva (1,438 euros). CITUB President Plamen Dimitrov noted that the required living income has increased by 1% quarter-on-quarter and 6% year-on-year....

Russia’s oil giant Lukoil, which is under U.S. sanctions, has announced that it has reached an agreement with the American private equity firm Carlyle to sell its foreign assets, AFP reported. ...

The transition from the Bulgarian lev to the euro is advancing rapidly, with Deputy Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) Iliya Lingorski reporting that over 67% of leva have already been withdrawn from circulation. Lingorski expects that by the end of this week, more than 90% of the national currency will be replaced by the euro. Currently, around €5....

According to a new Coface survey, corporate bankruptcies worldwide are expected to increase by 2.8% in 2026, despite a gradual easing of financing costs. The report warns that the apparent stabilization remains fragile, with high debt levels and vulnerable sectors such as construction, chemicals, and textiles still under pressure. ...

The Regional Flu Response Task Force in Burgas is meeting today to determine whether the flu epidemic measures in the region should be extended. The current restrictions are set to remain in effect until January 30. According to the latest data, Burgas Region has the highest number of flu cases in the country, with 319 infected people per 10,000 residents....

Today the weather will be mostly cloudy, with fog in some lowland areas. After a temporary weakening and brief break in precipitation, rainfall will intensify again from the south before noon and by evening will cover almost the entire country. Significant rainfall amounts are expected in Southern Bulgaria, with thunderstorms possible in the southeastern regions....

Bulgaria faces structural economic challenges, Moody’s says, citing an aging population and weak infrastructure. Despite its relatively small size, the Bulgarian economy benefits from comparatively high income levels, according to the international ratings agency. Moody’s emphasized that its latest periodic review does not constitute a credit rating action nor signals an imminent change. ...

Across the eurozone, the coins carried in wallets tell stories of national heritage and identity, complementing the uniform design of euro banknotes. While the common side of each coin was designed by Luc Luycx of the Royal Belgian Mint, the national side is unique to each member state, showcasing symbols selected by the issuing country. In total, more than 150 billion euro coins circulate across the bloc, all legal tender in the countries using the single currency. ...