site.btaBulgaria Evacuates over 2,600 Citizens from Middle East, Government Prepares for Further Risks

Bulgaria Evacuates over 2,600 Citizens from Middle East, Government Prepares for Further Risks

Bulgaria has evacuated more than 2,600 of its citizens from the conflict zone in the Middle East in a large-scale operation carried out under difficult conditions, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said on Friday. 

Speaking at a ceremony honouring Foreign Ministry officials for their role in the evacuation effort, Gurov said the operation was unprecedented in scale and complexity and involved air and land routes across several borders. According to the Council of Ministers, Bulgaria ranks among the countries with the highest number of organized evacuation flights from the region. The Prime Minister praised the work of the Foreign Ministry’s Situation Centre and the diplomats involved in the effort. 

During a briefing at the Foreign Ministry later on Friday, Gurov said the government is preparing for worst-case scenarios related to the development of the conflict in the Middle East. He added that authorities are monitoring the possible economic effects of the crisis, including potential increases in fuel prices. Measures have been outlined to support the most vulnerable households if prices rise above certain levels, with assistance expected to reach up to 1–1.5 million citizens. 

Caretaker Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky said the Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring international developments and remains in constant contact with Bulgarian citizens abroad through its Situation Centre. In periods of crisis, the centre activates a dedicated crisis unit that gathers information and coordinates communication with citizens and partner institutions. 

The Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister also announced that additional assessments will be made to determine what further resources are needed to strengthen the Situation Centre’s capacity in managing crisis situations and assisting Bulgarian citizens abroad.