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Bulgaria
Defence Minister Tagarev: We're Working Hard to Enhance Allied Presence in Bulgaria
"20 years ago the Bulgarian public made the right choice for our country to join NATO. Given today's security situation, this is the most appropriate decision we have made in our recent history," Defence Chief Admiral Emil Eftimov said. Admiral Eftimov said he wishes defence spending to reach 2.5% of GDP. He noted that this would resolve issues of concern after years of neglecting the need for investment in defence. "In order to catch up, the percentage of GDP for defence should be raised in a few years to address critical needs. After that, we may go down to that level again," the Chief of Defence said.
EPPO Searches Bulgarian Skiing Resort in COVID Subsidy Fraud Investigation
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) announced Thursday that it held searches in two hotels in a Bulgarian ski resort in an investigation into Covid-19 subsidy fraud. The resort or hotels where the searches took place are not named. In
Council for Electronic Media Reports 2023 Activities
A report on the activities of the Council for Electronic Media (CEM) for the period January 1 - December 31, 2023 was presented at the Council's meeting on Thursday.
Mariya Gabriel: Parties Should Keep in Mind They Will Need to Work Together after Likely Elections
The campaign for the ever more likely early parliamentary elections should be conducted in a way that allows the parties to treat each other with respect after the elections, outgoing Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel told journalists.
Economy
Organizations Declare Disagreement with Finance Minister’s Proposal for Transformation of State Forest Enterprises into Sole Owner Joint Stock Companies
Procedural Changes Regarding Checks of Cruise and Commercial Ships Arriving by Sea in Force from March 31
From 31 March, with the first full implementation of the Schengen acquis, there will be some procedural changes in the implementation of border checks of passengers arriving by sea on cruise ships, as well as in relation to commercial ships, said Chief Inspector Antonia Tomova from the Border Police in Burgas on Thursday.
Some 53% of Bulgarian Internet Users Shop Online, Survey Shows
Some 83% of Bulgarians are online users, of which 53% (over 2.8 million people) are shopping online, Bulgarian E-Commerce Association Board Chair Janet Naidenova said during a forum on responsible production and trade held on Thursday in Sofia. “In 2018-2019, online users were one-third of that figure. Then in 2020, the COVID pandemic gave a big boost to the digitalization of companies and e-commerce was the only channel for some goods and services,” she added.
Protesters in Sofia Demand Increase in State Funding for Emergency Medical Services
With a motorcade in the centre of Sofia on Thursday, protesters demanded an increase in state funding for emergency aid. The protest began in front of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB). The organisers are from the Zashtita Trade Union. The protesters marched in front of the Council of Ministers, then in front of the presidency, as well as in front of the Health Ministry. Police officers guarded the protest.
Trips Abroad at 499,000 in February 2024, Up by 10.7% Y/Y
In February 2024, the number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 499,000 or 10.7% more compared with February 2023, said the National Statistical Institute on Thursday. An increase was registered in the trips with other purpose - by 22.9%,
Culture
Ikar Performing Arts Awards Presented at Official Ceremony in Sofia
The Ikar Performing Arts Awards were presented at an official ceremony at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre in Sofia on Wednesday evening. The most prestigious performing arts awards in Bulgaria were handed out for the 50th time.
Last Group of Researchers from 32nd Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition Returns Home Wednesday
The last group of researchers from the 32nd Bulgarian Antarctic expedition is coming home on Wednesday, said the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute Tuesday. They are expected on a flight from Rome. The group includes National Center for Polar Research
Sofia Philharmonic to Perform Berlioz and Prokofiev Conducted by Bremen Philharmonic's Marko Letonja
The Sofia Philharmonic will perform the Le carnaval romain Overture and the Les nuits d'été song cycle by Hector Berlioz and excerpts from Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet ballet under the baton of Marko Letonja at the Bulgaria Concert Hall on April 4.
Bulgarian Comic Book Authors on Need to Promote, Finance This Art Form
The lack of Bulgarian comic books is an obstacle for a better perception of this art in Bulgaria, said comic book creators Petar Stanimirov, Veselin Chakarov, Ivan Berov and Marin Troshanov on Friday at the Literary Spotlight Festival in Varna.
The Balkans
Samokov Hosts BTA's "Europe in the Balkans" Conference
A conference "Europe in the Balkans: A Common Future" is taking place at the National Press Club of the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) in Samokov on Tuesday. Representatives of the state and local authorities, public figures and the media will discuss the impact of EU-funded projects in the Samokov region in 2014-2020 and new developments for the period 2021-2027.
North Macedonia Marks Fourth Anniversary of NATO Membership
The integration of the Republic of North Macedonia into NATO and the EU is the best response to Russia's imperial ambitions, North Macedonia's Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani said at the celebration of the fourth anniversary of the country's NATO membership.
Vice President Visits Yordan Yovkov Bulgarian Sunday School in Bucharest
Vice President Iliana Iotova visited the Yordan Yovkov Bulgarian Sunday school with the Bulgarian Embassy in Bucharest on the first day of her visit to Romania. She met with ten of the children studying there and their parents and got acquainted with the teachers. Some of the children recited poems and Iliana Iotova told them about the Bulgarian Martenitsa tradition.
UPDATED Kyustendil Hosts BTA's "Europe in the Balkans" Conference
A conference "Europe in the Balkans: A Common Future" is taking place at the National Press Club of the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) in Kyustendil on Thursday.