site.btaMedia Review: July 23

HEADLINES

Thursday’s media coverage is dominated by Parliament’s authorization of the temporary deployment of up to eight US aerial refuelling aircraft and 250 military personnel at Bezmer Air Base. Trud reports on the vote, while Nova TV, bTV and Bulgarian National Television (BNT) examined the political, security and local implications. Coverage focuses on whether the mission increases the risk to Bulgaria, the consistency of the Prime Minister’s foreign policy and residents’ plans to protest.

Another leading topic is Parliament’s adoption at second reading of the 2026 National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) budget. 24 Chasa focuses on the EUR 5.2 billion spending plan, the higher allocations for medicines and hospital care, and opposition criticism that prevention and outpatient services remain underfunded. Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) also covered criticism from Democratic Bulgaria (DB), while Telegraph reports on proposed tighter controls over the supply of unauthorized medicines.

POLITICS

Dnevnik reports that trust and distrust in Radev’s government are converging. A Market Links poll of 1,002 adults conducted July 11-19, 2026, put trust at 42% and distrust at 35%, compared with 50% and 24%, respectively, two months earlier. “The government started with record-high trust, but its actions are beginning to sound unconvincing to the public,” Market Links sociologist Dobromir Zhivkov says. He attributes the shift mainly to domestic policy, the 2026 budget and public perceptions that the government is not tackling entrenched oligarchic influence.

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Trud writes that sociologist Elena Darieva is sceptical that proposed amendments to the Election Code would curb the release of exit-poll data on election day via social media and messaging apps. Fines would increase to EUR 5,000-EUR 10,000 for a first offence and EUR 10,000-EUR 15,000 for repeat violations. “The certainty of the sanction matters, not its size,” Darieva said, noting that the proposal does not specify whether individual social-media users would be liable or how violations could be proven.

The daily adds that Darieva supports reinstating machine-only voting because it reduces invalid ballots but warns of risks in checking only whether the number of machine receipts matches the electronic protocol. She says the content should be checked in a random sample of polling stations and that the Interior Ministry should not certify voting-machine software. She also says fast-tracking major changes without public consultation could further erode confidence ahead of the presidential elections.

DEFENCE AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Trud reports that Parliament approved the government’s proposal to station up to eight US aerial refuelling aircraft at Bezmer Air Base. The decision passed with 136 votes in favour, including 121 from Progressive Bulgaria (PB) and 15 from the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF); 13 MPs voted against and two abstained. Prime Minister Rumen Radev says the decision is entirely in the national interest.

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Nova TV covered a debate over whether the decision amounted to pragmatic policy or a reversal of Radev’s previous position. Sociologist Andrey Raychev said the deployment disproved claims that the Prime Minister intended to steer Bulgaria towards Russia. Political scientist Milen Lyubenov took the opposite view. “Radev fell victim to his own demagoguery,” Lyubenov said, citing PB’s pledge to keep Bulgaria out of armed conflicts. Political scientist Stoycho Stoychev said the aircraft performed a logistical role and that their presence did not make Bulgaria a participant in the war.t

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bTV reported that military expert Ivaylo Ivanov and Arabist Vladimir Chukov described the decision as difficult but manageable. Ivanov said Bulgaria was legally free to reject the US request but would have had to face the foreign-policy consequences. “We are choosing between a bad option and a worse one,” Ivanov said. Chukov said a lack of information had heightened local fears.

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bTV also reported that residents of Bezmer and nearby villages had launched a petition and were preparing a protest, saying they had not been consulted and feared becoming a target after Iran sent Sofia a diplomatic note. Bezmer Mayor Rosen Rusev said the community was not opposed to the military base or international exercises, but to this specific mission. “We do not want these tanker aircraft stationed here,” Bolyarsko Mayor Vanya Peyneva said.

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BNT reported contrasting assessments from PB MP Yavor Gechev and DB MP Martin Dimitrov. “We are not taking the country into war,” Gechev said, adding that Bezmer was a joint-use military airfield and that the risk had been assessed. Dimitrov said Radev’s inconsistent policy had fuelled public anxiety and weakened Bulgaria’s position in European security arrangements. “With PB, all we see is progressive debt, a progressive deficit and progressive spending,” Dimitrov said in separate criticism of the government’s fiscal policy.

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Mediapool.bg reports that Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB) Chair Atanas Atanassov has asked Radev why Bulgaria sought to have Iskander Makhmudov excluded from the European Union’s 21st sanctions package against Russia. Atanassov also asks whether the government considered Makhmudov’s long-standing business links with Michael Chorny. The website notes that Bulgaria had initially disclosed reservations only about sanctions on Patriarch Kirill and Vagit Alekperov.

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24 Chasa writes that Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova and Transport and Communications Minister Georgi Peev met European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos in Brussels to discuss stronger transport, energy and digital links between the European Union, Southeast Europe, the Caucasus and the Middle East. The talks also covered European financial instruments and public-private partnerships. The ministers said new corridors would bolster energy security and help integrate the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova into the European economic area.

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Nova TV also reported that Ivan Stoyanov and Vanya Gaberova, two Bulgarians convicted of spying for Russia, had been released after serving half their sentences and deported from the United Kingdom. Investigative journalist Christo Grozev, who was among the group’s targets, said the British authorities had not informed him despite having sought his assistance during the investigation. “This sets a bad example,” Grozev said, adding that early release could encourage future recruits and that questions remained about other operations carried out by the network.

HEALTHCARE

24 Chasa writes that Parliament adopted the 2026 NHIF budget at second reading, with EUR 5.2 billion available until year-end and the new allocations taking effect on August 1, 2026. Revenue from health insurance contributions is to rise by EUR 249.2 million, while spending on medicines increases by 10.5%, dental care by 8.5%, and prevention and specialized outpatient care by 4.4% each. The contribution rate remains 8%.

The daily notes that separate budgets are being introduced for reference medicines and for generic and biosimilar products. Opposition parties say the plan continues to favour hospital care over prevention and provides no effective mechanism to raise medical salaries. “Additional funding will be provided, if needed, for children’s treatment abroad,” Minister of Health Katya Ivkova said. Ivkova also says she will support higher pay for young doctors during negotiations on the National Framework Agreement.

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BNR reported that DB MP Alexander Simidchiev considered the budget insufficiently focused on quality and efficiency. “We need to invest in outpatient care because it reaches the most people,” Simidchiev said, contrasting 38 million outpatient examinations with 2 million hospital-care cases. He also said NHIF funding should follow the quality and accessibility of the service rather than the ownership of the hospital.

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Telegraph reports that the Health Ministry has proposed amendments to Ordinance 10 to digitize and tighten oversight of unauthorized medicines, off-label products and compassionate-use medicines. The draft is open for public consultation for one month. Prescribing protocols would become electronic and require approval by the head of the relevant medical establishment. Wholesalers would have to provide additional documentation on quantities, distribution standards and remaining shelf life, while the Bulgarian Drug Agency would keep a detailed electronic register of prices, diagnoses and treatment regimens. Suppliers would generally be selected on the basis of the lowest unit price and offers would be published on the websites of hospitals, the Ministry and the Agency.

ECONOMY AND LABOUR

Nova TV reported on a dispute over a proposal that, from January 1, 2027, four hours of work should count as half a day rather than a full day of service, with paid annual leave reduced proportionately. Confederation of Labour Podkrepa Administrative Employees Union Chair Kremena Atanasova said the measure would cut rights affecting length of service, seniority pay, leave and some compensation. “Changing the Labour Code by taking away workers’ rights can only be described as outrageous,” Atanasova said.

Association of Industrial Capital in Bulgaria General Assembly Chair Vassil Velev said the change would make the rules fairer and curb the use of nominal four-hour contracts for people who work longer hours. “If you work four hours, this is obviously not a full working day,” Velev said. The two also disagreed over the minimum wage and the mechanism used to set it.

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BNR also covered the Labour Code proposal. Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) Chief Secretary Velichka Mikova said an interdepartmental working group was discussing the text with trade unions and employers. “The employee is hired for four hours but works eight or 12, and full social security contributions are not paid for that period,” Mikova said, adding that the aim was to end fictitious four-hour contracts.

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Capital reports that FitSpo Nutrition will triple its monthly production capacity from 150 to about 450 tonnes after installing a new automated line at its Yambol plant. UniCredit Bulbank is providing EUR 5.3 million in long-term financing, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is sharing up to EUR 2.7 million of the risk, and the company is receiving a grant of up to EUR 750,000 for energy-efficient technology.

The weekly adds that the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 and to cut energy use, carbon dioxide emissions and packaging waste. “We currently sell in 42 countries, and 55% of our output goes abroad,” FitSpo Nutrition manager Nikolay Kolev said. The company produces protein bars, biscuits, powders, and vegan and collagen products under the FitSpo and RiceUP! brands.

JUSTICE AND GOVERNANCE

Dnevnik reports that lobbyists will register electronically and their meetings with public officials will be listed in public calendars under a new implementing regulation. The Bulgarian National Audit Office (BNAO) will create and maintain the online register, which must be operational within six months. Institutions will have three days to publish information about meetings, participants, subjects discussed and the legislative changes sought.

The daily adds that paid representatives will have to identify their clients, while every registration and meeting will receive a unique number. Information will remain available for five years after a person or organization is removed from the register, allowing links between lobbying contacts and subsequent draft legislation to be traced.

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Capital reports that the Prosecutors Chamber declined to suspend Sofia City Prosecution Office head Emilia Rusinova while disciplinary proceedings against her continue. Justice Minister Nikolay Naydenov’s proposal was rejected by six votes, with no reasons published. The weekly notes that the proceedings concern information about Rusinova’s alleged links with fugitive judicial lobbyist Petyo “the Euro” Petrov.

The weekly adds that the Chamber delayed its decision beyond the statutory one-week period and that the Supreme Administrative Court recently rejected a challenge to Rusinova’s appointment. Rusinova has not yet formally taken office because the appeal had suspended the appointment.

MEDIA AND DIGITAL RIGHTS

Dnevnik writes that lawyer Adela Kachaunova considers GERB-UDF’s proposal to ban social-media use by children under 16 incompatible with the EU Digital Services Act and the General Data Protection Regulation. The bill would require a state digital-wallet application linked to population-register data, periodic checks of all Bulgarian accounts and fines of EUR 50,000 to EUR 300,000 for platforms. Kachaunova says the system would require all users to identify themselves and would create conditions for mass surveillance, unlike France’s model based on independent age verification and double anonymity.

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Dnevnik also reports that the Council for Electronic Media (CEM) will examine a petition concerning bTV’s cancellation of a planned appearance by Diagnosis Bulgaria creator Martin Atanasov. The discussion formed part of preparations to apply the European Media Freedom Act and focused on internal safeguards for editorial independence. CEM Chair Gabriela Naplatanova said the regulator would consider the petition within its statutory powers.

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The website notes that CEM cannot require private media to adopt editorial statutes but can encourage self-regulation. BNT Management Board member Ivelina Dimitrova said the public broadcaster had updated its internal rules. “The Management Board cannot interfere in editorial work or in teams’ editorial decisions,” Dimitrova said. The Association of Bulgarian Radio and Television Broadcasters is preparing a voluntary framework on pluralism and editorial independence for September, while Culture Minister Evtim Miloshev is due to submit amendments to the Radio and Television Act by September 30, 2026.

ENVIRONMENT AND LOCAL AFFAIRS

24 Chasa writes that Smolyan Regional Governor Georgi Pepelanov intends to overturn Mayor Nikolay Melemov’s order ending the state of disaster declared after the landslide on the Smolyan-Pamporovo road. “The landslide remains active and is being monitored daily by specialists,” Pepelanov said. Two designs for a bridge over the affected section are expected by the end of next week, while the final solution will depend on geological studies.

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Trud also carries Regional Development and Public Works Minister Ivan Shishkov’s view that a bridge is among the most realistic permanent solutions. “The bridge will pass over the landslide,” Shishkov said, adding that stabilising the landslide and rebuilding the road could take years and that the region should not be left to bear the consequences of a cheaper but slower option.

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Telegraph reports that severe storms, torrential rain and hail affected several parts of Bulgaria. More than 30 reports of fallen trees were received in Varna within half an hour, streets and underpasses flooded, and the summer stage of the Varna State Puppet Theatre collapsed. Hail struck Yambol, while storms also caused damage in Stara Zagora and Razgrad Region. Eight regions were under an orange weather warning, with rainfall of 35 to 65 litres per square metre expected.

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Dnevnik writes that Bulgaria had more than 4.42 million registered motor vehicles as of May 1, 2026, and that 54.4% were over 20 years old. An analysis by the For the Earth environmental association found that diesel vehicles accounted for almost half of the fleet, while electric vehicles remained below 1%. “This allows highly polluting diesel vehicles with removed particulate filters to pass inspection,” For the Earth air-quality expert Ivaylo Popov said of the current roadworthiness-testing system.

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Mediapool.bg reports that Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev has signed the long-delayed bicycle-sharing concession with Sofia Bikes manager Kalin Genchev. Within six months, the concessionaire is to install 33 solar-powered stations holding 396 bicycles. The first 30 minutes will be free, after which the charge may not exceed the EUR 0.80 public-transport fare. “I am pleased that we have finally signed this contract, which has been in preparation for years,” Terziev said.

The website adds that the eight-year concession includes 150 advertising panels, a provision that previously drew criticism from DB and Save Sofia. The system will use GPS-equipped bicycles and a mobile app, with stations located near public-transport stops.

EDUCATION

Telegraph reports that the Education Ministry is considering adding history and philosophy questions to the Grade 10 national external assessment in Bulgarian language and literature. The proposed examination would last 120 rather than 90 minutes and contain 18 Bulgarian language and literature questions and four interdisciplinary questions. Teachers say the breadth of historical material presents a major challenge.

The daily adds that the Ministry is consulting parents on a possible break from April 30 to May 9, 2027, which would extend the school year to July 2, 2027. “We want students to understand how the case studies and tasks they are tested on will help them in life,” Ministry director Evgenia Kostadinova said. The examination and holiday proposals are to undergo public consultation.

CULTURE

Telegraph writes that Bulgarians spend less than 7% of household expenditure on leisure and culture, averaging EUR 35 per person a month, National Statistical Institute data show. Museum visits increased from 4 million in 2022 to almost 6.5 million in 2025, with foreign visitors accounting for one-fifth. Bulgaria has 182 independent museums, 89 theatres and 85 cinemas, while the number of concerts rose by almost 40% in 2025.

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Dnevnik reports that musician Moby posted a video from a Bulgarian mountain after passing through an unlocked gate bearing a Bulgarian no-entry sign. Unable to read it, he jokingly interpreted the notice as an invitation to enter a wizard’s mountain. “Magic” and “Thank you, wizard,” Moby writes at the end of the video, while showing footage of the view from the mountain.