site.btaWeekly Roundup of Political Events: February 5-11
ESD 08:00:01 12-02-2022
DT2056ES.102 08:00
102 POLITICS - WEEKLY ROUNDUP
Weekly
Roundup of
Political Events: February 5-11
Sofia, February 12 (BTA) -
Sofia, February 5
Foreign Minister Teodora Genchovska donates a mobile mammography unit to the oncology department of the hospital in the town of Negotino, North Macedonia, as part of a project which aims to reduce breast cancer deaths among women in North Macedonia through boosting early detection rates. Genchovska is accompanied on her visit to the hospital by Bulgarian Ambassador Angel Angelov, MP Toshko Yordanov, Deputy Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova, and BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, among others.
Sofia, February 6
Energy Minister Alexander Nikolov holds an emergency news briefing to disprove allegations that the new management of state-owned gas supplier Bulgargaz sold 60,000 MWh of natural gas to Romania in prearranged trades. "In this specific moment and this complex international situation, during our meeting in Baku and just before the start of talks with Gazprom Export for re-negotiating the terms of long-term contracts and supply of new quantities, I consider such allegations and statements by former energy ministers, deputy prime ministers and other political persons, to be nothing less than a coordinated attack against the Bulgarian national interests," says Nikolov.
Skopje, February 7
The Bulgarian Embassy in North Macedonia sends a note verbale expressing deep regret about an act of vandalism committed after a joint commemoration in Skopje on February 4 of the 150th anniversary of the birth of revolutionary Georgi (Gotse) Delchev. The Bulgarian side expresses its deep resentment at the desecration of the state symbols. North Macedonia's Foreign Ministry says on its website later in the day that the competent institutions have already taken all necessary steps and procedures to find the perpetrators of this unpleasant incident.
Brussels, February 7
The European Commission confirms the ongoing evaluation of Bulgaria's National Recovery and Resilience Plan. A Commission spokesman says that the evaluation deadline had been extended twice so far by one month. The current postponement expires on February 15. Bulgaria first submitted the plan on October 15, 2021.
Sofia, February 7
The Bulgarian Antarctic Institute (BAI) and Argentina's National Directorate for Antarctica (DNA) conclude a cooperation agreement at Sofia University. The document is signed by Prof. Christo Pimpirev, Director of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute, and Guillermo Carmona, Secretary for the Malvinas, Antarctica and South Atlantic at the Argentine Foreign Ministry. The Ambassador of Argentina to Bulgaria, Alfredo Atanasoff, also attends the ceremony. President Rumen Radev and Vice President Iliana Iotova confer with Carmona, agreeing on the need to strengthen the bilateral relations in various fields. Foreign Minister Teodora Genchovska, too, confers with Carmona.
Sofia, February 7
Overall development of children- and family-oriented policies, improving the child care in foster homes and residential social services, improving healthcare, measures to prevent child abuse and early school leaving are among the priorities in the new partnership programme between the Bulgarian Government and the UN Children's Fund for the 2023-2027 period. Bulgarian Labour and Social Policy Minister Georgi Gyokov and UNICEF's Ambassador to Bulgaria Christina de Bruin reach this understanding during a meeting.
Sofia, February 7
The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works announces a competition for the three representatives of the State on the Board of Directors of Avtomagistrali EAD. Regional Development and Public Works Minister Grozdan Karadjov commissions an in-house audit of Avtomagistrali to be conducted by the Ministry's own specialized directorate and to cover the period from the conclusion of the first in-house contracts in 2018 until the end of 2018.
Sofia, February 8
While presenting the 2022 draft budget before the relevant parliamentary committee, Deputy Prime Minister for Economy and Industry and Minister of Economy and Industry Korneliya Ninova says the State Oil Company is closing down, and she will soon submit draft legislation regarding the company closure.
Belgrade, February 8
Connectivity and energy cooperation are on the agenda of the meetings of Prime Minister Kiril Petkov in Belgrade where he pays an official visit as head of a delegation featuring Energy Minister Alexander Nikolov and Deputy Foreign Minister Vassil Georgiev. The Natural Gas Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria is a priority for Bulgaria and it will give Serbia direct access to liquefied gas and gas from Azerbaijan, he says after a meeting with his Serbian counterpart Ana Brnabic. Petkov also says that the connection between Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Greece should evolve into a single gas market. Petkov's agenda also includes meetings with Parliament leader Ivica Dacic and President Alexander Vucic.
Sofia, February 8
Speaking at the opening of the Annual Conference of the Chief of Defence, Defence Minister Stefan Yanev says: "No one, for any reason, is imposing on us decisions related to our security. Decisions are made in an alliance format after consultations and with consensus, with each member state presenting its sovereign national position." The topic of this year's two-day forum is "Adapting the Armed Forces' Structure, Planning, Preparation and Deployment to the Requirements of the NATO Concept of Deterrence and Defence in the Euro-Atlantic Area". Chief of Staff of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe Admiral Joachim Ruhle also takes part in the Conference.
Sofia, February 8
The Constitutional Court holds unanimously that the Justice Minister is competent to propose to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) the early dismissal of the Prosecutor General and the presidents of the Supreme Court of Cassation and of the Supreme Administrative Court, if they are found in serious violations, systematically fail to fulfill their official duties, or their actions damage the Judiciary's reputation. Following the Constitutional Court ruling, Justice Minister Nadezhda Yordanova tells a news briefing that they have prepared and will submit shortly a motion for Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev's removal.
Sofia, February 8
The Counter-corruption and Unlawfully Acquired Assets Forfeiture Commission (CCUAAFC) sends a new invitation for a hearing to Justice Minister Nadezhda Yordanova where she is expected to provide details about alerts she said she has against Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev. The CCUAAFC first invited Yordanova to appear on Tuesday but she declined to do so, arguing that the Commission has no legal grounds to demand of her to go to the hearing.
Sofia, February 8
The prosecution service says it is investigating a criminal group at the Bulgarian Investment Agency, involved in a suspected scheme for issue of "golden passports". The announcement comes a day after the prosecution service said that it was opening a probe following an alert by the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) about suspicious cases of granting Bulgarian citizenship or residence permits in exchange for investments. Actions are being carried out in the Bulgarian Investment Agency, the Bulgarian Citizenship Directorate of the Justice Ministry, the Migration Directorate of the Interior Ministry and the Economy Ministry.
Sofia, February 8
Issues on Europe's agenda are discussed at a working meeting of President Rumen Radev with the ambassadors of the EU member states and Switzerland. The European prospects of the Western Balkan countries is among the issues.
Sofia, February 8
US Department of State Counselor Derek Chollet leads a delegation of senior US officials to Sofia as part of a multi-country trip to engage with US partners and allies on a range of strategic issues. During his visit, which continues the bilateral Strategic Dialogue launched in January 2020, the Counselor confers with Defence Minister Stefan Yanev, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Assen Vassilev, and Foreign Minister Teodora Genchovska. The guest and his Bulgarian hosts discuss "a broad range of issues, strategizing how our two countries can build on our robust people-to-people ties; boost our shared prosperity and security; and continue our close transatlantic coordination in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the US Embassy says in a press release.
Sofia, February 8
MPO "Justice" - Toronto, a branch of the Macedonian Patriotic Organization in the United States of America and Canada, sends a letter to the US Congress appealing for protection of the rights of Bulgarians in the Republic of North Macedonia. A copy of the letter is sent to the US Department of State. The letter calls on the official US institutions to intervene with North Macedonia's authorities in order to "guarantee political rights and non-discrimination for the Macedonian Bulgarian population".
Sofia, February 9
Prime Minister Kiril Petkov goes to the Supreme Cassation Prosecution Office (SCPO) to be questioned about names he mentioned during his meeting with Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev on February 4. Petkov was asked to appear before the SCPO to provide information about a list in his possession naming 19 alleged perpetrators of serious criminal and economic offences. After close to two hours at the SCPO, Petkov says that he delivered the list and expects from the prosecution service to focus on the cases related to corruption and other crimes. He declined revealing the names to the media. Commenting on Petkov's summons, President Rumen Radev says this is "a form of institutional blackmail", and that that the power holders should try to carry out a decisive judicial reform because "the past will try to retaliate".
Sofia, February 9
Parliament approves on first reading the 2022 National Health Insurance Fund Budget Bill the 2022 Public Social Insurance Budget Bill.
Sofia, February 9
Parliament elects, 128-13 with no abstentions, Stanislav Todorov Chair of the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) on the Continue the Change parliamentary group's nomination.
Grenoble, Southeastern France, February 10
Health Minister Asena Serbezova attends an informal meeting of EU health ministers. The previous two days, Serbezova and Deputy Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova represent Bulgaria at a joint conference of EU Member States health and foreign ministers.
Sofia, February 10
Management of water resources should be integrated into climate change policies, Minister of Environment and Water Borislav Sandov says at an online ministerial meeting of the Convention on Cooperation for the Protection and Sustainable Use of the Danube River. Sandov praises the importance of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River and of intersectoral partnership.
Sofia, February 10
Deputy Prime Minister and Economy and Industry Minister Kornelia Ninova tells journalists she has replaced the Board of Directors of the State Consolidation Company (SCC) after the Executive Director asked to be relieved of office. She explains she wants to streamline the work of state-owned enterprises in view of the problems they are plagued by. Ninova says she has asked for a comprehensive check at the SCC and expects a report from the National Audit Office.
Sofia, February 10
After a seven-hour debate, Parliament adopts at first reading the State Budget Bill of the Republic of Bulgaria for 2022 with 127 votes in favor, 99 against and no abstentions. GERB-UDF, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) and Vazrazhdane voted against the draft budget.
Sofia, February 10
Deputy Prime Minister and Regional Development and Public Works Minister Grozdan Karadjov says during the opening of the second meeting of the interdepartmental working group for cooperation with the Republic of North Macedonia in infrastructure, transport and connectivity, that all pre-conditions are present to show that the working group is the driving force that will take advantage of the political impulse and move bilateral relations in the right direction at an even higher speed.
Sofia, February 10
In a televised interview, Agriculture Minister Ivan Ivanov says that a new board of directors at Irrigation Systems EAD has replaced the old one. The new one is comprised of four people, with Executive Director Nikolay Chalakov. The change was prompted by the old management's refusal to sign decisions to terminate contracts with companies and to start new procedures with remediated irregularities that had been listed in an audit report.
Brussels, February 10
The European Commission (EC) presents its Winter 2022 Economic Forecast, according to which Bulgaria's economy is expected to grow by 3.7 per cent in 2022. Economic growth in this country is expected to accelerate to 3.9 per cent next year. In its Autumn Economic Forecast, issued in November of 2021, the Commission had projected the Bulgarian economy will grow by 4.1 per cent in 2022 and then slow down to 3.5 per cent next year.
Sofia, February 10
Approached for comment by journalists, President Rumen Radev says Bulgaria is part of the efforts to de-escalate tensions and de-conflict the crisis between Russia and Ukraine. The head of State notes that this crisis threatens security of Bulgaria and the region as well as of Europe as a whole. On Thursday, Radev familiarized himself with an analysis of the state and training of the Armed Forces in 2021, which was presented by the Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Eftimov. "We proposed a more flexible and open concept for setting up a battalion-size battlegroup in Bulgaria," Eftimov says after the presentation. "On the basis of a mechanized battalion with dedicated combat support components, we enable the Allies to reinforce us with certain elements to address the deficiencies of our armed forces," the Chief of Defence explains.
Sofia, February 11
The prosecuting magistracy sends to the Interior Ministry the media publications provided by Prime Minister Kiril Petkov about the 19 persons he claimed to have committed serious criminal and economic offences. The list was sent in order to obtain full information about these individuals, as well as about any actions taken by the law enforcement bodies in accordance with their powers.
Sofia, February 11
Bulgaria's Appellate Specialized Prosecution Office (ASPO) says that it has sent the Justice Ministry a negative opinion on draft legislation amending and supplementing the Judicial System Act which provides for the closure of the specialized jurisdictions. The opinion, signed by ASPO Administrative Head Ivaylo Angelov, will be copied to the European Commission and the European Parliament in connection with the European Rule of Law Mechanism.
The document notes that within several years they were established, the specialized jurisdictions "earned substantial international recognition", among other things as taking credit for the progress in combating international crime, which has been acknowledged in the European Commission's reports under the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism. "The closure of specialized justice will be a mistake that cannot be corrected later on," Angelov argues.
Sofia, February 11
Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov and Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Assen Vassilev discuss the Government's strategic transport and energy infrastructure projects with officials of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). The sides consider the possibility of these projects that are important for society to be implemented with the assistance and under the rules of the international financial institutions within the possibly shortest time limits and in conditions of maximum transparency.
Sofia, February 11
MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk meets with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Deputy Foreign Minister Faruk Kaymakci. The meeting agenda includes EU-Turkey bilateral relations, tackling illegal migration, and EU-Turkey connectivity, which the three politicians agree must include education, economic and human contacts. Kyuchyuk and the Turkish Minister concur that Bulgaria and Turkey being neighbouring countries are good partners in many fields.
Skopje, February 11
A joint government delegation from Bulgaria and North Macedonia Friday arrives in Skopje with the first of the renewed direct flights between the two countries capitals. On board the plane of Bulgaria's GullivAir airline are Bulgarian ministers Nikolay Sabev of Transport and Communications and Hristo Prodanov of Tourism, and parliamentary Tourism Committee Chair Ilin Dimitrov, and North Macedonia's ministers Blagoj Bocvarski of Transport and Communications and Goran Milevski of Local Self-Government, and Razmena Durovic, State Secretary at the Economy Ministry. BTA Director General Kiril Valchev is also on board. The delegations are welcomed at the international airport in Skopje by Econom y Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi and Bulgarian Ambassador to North Macedonia Angel Angelov. Later on Friday, the delegations hold bilateral political and business meetings, which will also be attended by tourism business representatives. The newly launched air service between Sofia and Skopje will begin to operate regular flights from March 27 2022.
Sofia, February 11
An ancient helmet originating from modern-day Bulgaria is returned to this country by US authorities. That is possible thanks to the New York District Attorney's Office leading a massive international operation to neutralize a criminal scheme for trafficking artefacts of cultural and historical value. The helmet is seized from one of the world's largest collections of ancient artefacts after US investigators are able to prove that it had been imported through illicit trafficking.
Sofia, February 11
The US Embassy in Sofia announces the awarding of an 80,000 dollar Cultural Property Agreement Implementation Grant to create a pilot digital registry to prevent the trafficking of Bulgarian antiquities. Under the terms of the grant, the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission, together with the Balkan Heritage Foundation, the Bulgarian National Police, the National Archaeological Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and the Pazardzhik Regional History Museum, will work to address the ever-growing threats of the theft of antiquities from Bulgarian museum collections.
Sofia, February 11
Plans for a traditional commemoration of controversial WWII Bulgarian general and Defence Minister Hirsto Lukov trigger a wave of protest declarations from the government and political parties. Lukov (1888-1943) was a popular military commander but was also known for his close links to the Third Reich and his activity as leader of the far-right Union of Bulgarian National Legions. The event, called Lukov March, is a torchlit procession which has been taking place annually in February since 2003, is organized by the Bulgarian National Union (BNU). The Foreign Ministry, GERB, Continue the Change, the Bulgarian Socialist Party, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms are among those condemning the march, which is supposed to take place on February 12.
Sofia, February 11
Deputy Prime Minister for EU Funds and Finance Minister Assen Vassilev launch a series of public councils for consultation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The first one is dedicated to projects in connection with healthcare, transport infrastructure and energy.
Sofia, February 11
A fourth round of expert talks between the teams of the foreign ministries of Bulgaria and North Macedonia discusses the latest proposals by Skopje, sent last year in response to proposals by Bulgaria, presented at the third round of expert consulations that took place in September 2021 in Skopje. Details of Skopje's response are not disclosed in the press release. The ministries' teams conirm their commitment to maintaining active dialogue aimed at finding mutually acceptable decisions about the key issues on the bilateral political agenda.
DS,DT//
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DT2056ES.102 08:00
102 POLITICS - WEEKLY ROUNDUP
Weekly
Roundup of
Political Events: February 5-11
Sofia, February 12 (BTA) -
Sofia, February 5
Foreign Minister Teodora Genchovska donates a mobile mammography unit to the oncology department of the hospital in the town of Negotino, North Macedonia, as part of a project which aims to reduce breast cancer deaths among women in North Macedonia through boosting early detection rates. Genchovska is accompanied on her visit to the hospital by Bulgarian Ambassador Angel Angelov, MP Toshko Yordanov, Deputy Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova, and BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, among others.
Sofia, February 6
Energy Minister Alexander Nikolov holds an emergency news briefing to disprove allegations that the new management of state-owned gas supplier Bulgargaz sold 60,000 MWh of natural gas to Romania in prearranged trades. "In this specific moment and this complex international situation, during our meeting in Baku and just before the start of talks with Gazprom Export for re-negotiating the terms of long-term contracts and supply of new quantities, I consider such allegations and statements by former energy ministers, deputy prime ministers and other political persons, to be nothing less than a coordinated attack against the Bulgarian national interests," says Nikolov.
Skopje, February 7
The Bulgarian Embassy in North Macedonia sends a note verbale expressing deep regret about an act of vandalism committed after a joint commemoration in Skopje on February 4 of the 150th anniversary of the birth of revolutionary Georgi (Gotse) Delchev. The Bulgarian side expresses its deep resentment at the desecration of the state symbols. North Macedonia's Foreign Ministry says on its website later in the day that the competent institutions have already taken all necessary steps and procedures to find the perpetrators of this unpleasant incident.
Brussels, February 7
The European Commission confirms the ongoing evaluation of Bulgaria's National Recovery and Resilience Plan. A Commission spokesman says that the evaluation deadline had been extended twice so far by one month. The current postponement expires on February 15. Bulgaria first submitted the plan on October 15, 2021.
Sofia, February 7
The Bulgarian Antarctic Institute (BAI) and Argentina's National Directorate for Antarctica (DNA) conclude a cooperation agreement at Sofia University. The document is signed by Prof. Christo Pimpirev, Director of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute, and Guillermo Carmona, Secretary for the Malvinas, Antarctica and South Atlantic at the Argentine Foreign Ministry. The Ambassador of Argentina to Bulgaria, Alfredo Atanasoff, also attends the ceremony. President Rumen Radev and Vice President Iliana Iotova confer with Carmona, agreeing on the need to strengthen the bilateral relations in various fields. Foreign Minister Teodora Genchovska, too, confers with Carmona.
Sofia, February 7
Overall development of children- and family-oriented policies, improving the child care in foster homes and residential social services, improving healthcare, measures to prevent child abuse and early school leaving are among the priorities in the new partnership programme between the Bulgarian Government and the UN Children's Fund for the 2023-2027 period. Bulgarian Labour and Social Policy Minister Georgi Gyokov and UNICEF's Ambassador to Bulgaria Christina de Bruin reach this understanding during a meeting.
Sofia, February 7
The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works announces a competition for the three representatives of the State on the Board of Directors of Avtomagistrali EAD. Regional Development and Public Works Minister Grozdan Karadjov commissions an in-house audit of Avtomagistrali to be conducted by the Ministry's own specialized directorate and to cover the period from the conclusion of the first in-house contracts in 2018 until the end of 2018.
Sofia, February 8
While presenting the 2022 draft budget before the relevant parliamentary committee, Deputy Prime Minister for Economy and Industry and Minister of Economy and Industry Korneliya Ninova says the State Oil Company is closing down, and she will soon submit draft legislation regarding the company closure.
Belgrade, February 8
Connectivity and energy cooperation are on the agenda of the meetings of Prime Minister Kiril Petkov in Belgrade where he pays an official visit as head of a delegation featuring Energy Minister Alexander Nikolov and Deputy Foreign Minister Vassil Georgiev. The Natural Gas Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria is a priority for Bulgaria and it will give Serbia direct access to liquefied gas and gas from Azerbaijan, he says after a meeting with his Serbian counterpart Ana Brnabic. Petkov also says that the connection between Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Greece should evolve into a single gas market. Petkov's agenda also includes meetings with Parliament leader Ivica Dacic and President Alexander Vucic.
Sofia, February 8
Speaking at the opening of the Annual Conference of the Chief of Defence, Defence Minister Stefan Yanev says: "No one, for any reason, is imposing on us decisions related to our security. Decisions are made in an alliance format after consultations and with consensus, with each member state presenting its sovereign national position." The topic of this year's two-day forum is "Adapting the Armed Forces' Structure, Planning, Preparation and Deployment to the Requirements of the NATO Concept of Deterrence and Defence in the Euro-Atlantic Area". Chief of Staff of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe Admiral Joachim Ruhle also takes part in the Conference.
Sofia, February 8
The Constitutional Court holds unanimously that the Justice Minister is competent to propose to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) the early dismissal of the Prosecutor General and the presidents of the Supreme Court of Cassation and of the Supreme Administrative Court, if they are found in serious violations, systematically fail to fulfill their official duties, or their actions damage the Judiciary's reputation. Following the Constitutional Court ruling, Justice Minister Nadezhda Yordanova tells a news briefing that they have prepared and will submit shortly a motion for Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev's removal.
Sofia, February 8
The Counter-corruption and Unlawfully Acquired Assets Forfeiture Commission (CCUAAFC) sends a new invitation for a hearing to Justice Minister Nadezhda Yordanova where she is expected to provide details about alerts she said she has against Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev. The CCUAAFC first invited Yordanova to appear on Tuesday but she declined to do so, arguing that the Commission has no legal grounds to demand of her to go to the hearing.
Sofia, February 8
The prosecution service says it is investigating a criminal group at the Bulgarian Investment Agency, involved in a suspected scheme for issue of "golden passports". The announcement comes a day after the prosecution service said that it was opening a probe following an alert by the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) about suspicious cases of granting Bulgarian citizenship or residence permits in exchange for investments. Actions are being carried out in the Bulgarian Investment Agency, the Bulgarian Citizenship Directorate of the Justice Ministry, the Migration Directorate of the Interior Ministry and the Economy Ministry.
Sofia, February 8
Issues on Europe's agenda are discussed at a working meeting of President Rumen Radev with the ambassadors of the EU member states and Switzerland. The European prospects of the Western Balkan countries is among the issues.
Sofia, February 8
US Department of State Counselor Derek Chollet leads a delegation of senior US officials to Sofia as part of a multi-country trip to engage with US partners and allies on a range of strategic issues. During his visit, which continues the bilateral Strategic Dialogue launched in January 2020, the Counselor confers with Defence Minister Stefan Yanev, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Assen Vassilev, and Foreign Minister Teodora Genchovska. The guest and his Bulgarian hosts discuss "a broad range of issues, strategizing how our two countries can build on our robust people-to-people ties; boost our shared prosperity and security; and continue our close transatlantic coordination in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the US Embassy says in a press release.
Sofia, February 8
MPO "Justice" - Toronto, a branch of the Macedonian Patriotic Organization in the United States of America and Canada, sends a letter to the US Congress appealing for protection of the rights of Bulgarians in the Republic of North Macedonia. A copy of the letter is sent to the US Department of State. The letter calls on the official US institutions to intervene with North Macedonia's authorities in order to "guarantee political rights and non-discrimination for the Macedonian Bulgarian population".
Sofia, February 9
Prime Minister Kiril Petkov goes to the Supreme Cassation Prosecution Office (SCPO) to be questioned about names he mentioned during his meeting with Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev on February 4. Petkov was asked to appear before the SCPO to provide information about a list in his possession naming 19 alleged perpetrators of serious criminal and economic offences. After close to two hours at the SCPO, Petkov says that he delivered the list and expects from the prosecution service to focus on the cases related to corruption and other crimes. He declined revealing the names to the media. Commenting on Petkov's summons, President Rumen Radev says this is "a form of institutional blackmail", and that that the power holders should try to carry out a decisive judicial reform because "the past will try to retaliate".
Sofia, February 9
Parliament approves on first reading the 2022 National Health Insurance Fund Budget Bill the 2022 Public Social Insurance Budget Bill.
Sofia, February 9
Parliament elects, 128-13 with no abstentions, Stanislav Todorov Chair of the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) on the Continue the Change parliamentary group's nomination.
Grenoble, Southeastern France, February 10
Health Minister Asena Serbezova attends an informal meeting of EU health ministers. The previous two days, Serbezova and Deputy Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova represent Bulgaria at a joint conference of EU Member States health and foreign ministers.
Sofia, February 10
Management of water resources should be integrated into climate change policies, Minister of Environment and Water Borislav Sandov says at an online ministerial meeting of the Convention on Cooperation for the Protection and Sustainable Use of the Danube River. Sandov praises the importance of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River and of intersectoral partnership.
Sofia, February 10
Deputy Prime Minister and Economy and Industry Minister Kornelia Ninova tells journalists she has replaced the Board of Directors of the State Consolidation Company (SCC) after the Executive Director asked to be relieved of office. She explains she wants to streamline the work of state-owned enterprises in view of the problems they are plagued by. Ninova says she has asked for a comprehensive check at the SCC and expects a report from the National Audit Office.
Sofia, February 10
After a seven-hour debate, Parliament adopts at first reading the State Budget Bill of the Republic of Bulgaria for 2022 with 127 votes in favor, 99 against and no abstentions. GERB-UDF, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) and Vazrazhdane voted against the draft budget.
Sofia, February 10
Deputy Prime Minister and Regional Development and Public Works Minister Grozdan Karadjov says during the opening of the second meeting of the interdepartmental working group for cooperation with the Republic of North Macedonia in infrastructure, transport and connectivity, that all pre-conditions are present to show that the working group is the driving force that will take advantage of the political impulse and move bilateral relations in the right direction at an even higher speed.
Sofia, February 10
In a televised interview, Agriculture Minister Ivan Ivanov says that a new board of directors at Irrigation Systems EAD has replaced the old one. The new one is comprised of four people, with Executive Director Nikolay Chalakov. The change was prompted by the old management's refusal to sign decisions to terminate contracts with companies and to start new procedures with remediated irregularities that had been listed in an audit report.
Brussels, February 10
The European Commission (EC) presents its Winter 2022 Economic Forecast, according to which Bulgaria's economy is expected to grow by 3.7 per cent in 2022. Economic growth in this country is expected to accelerate to 3.9 per cent next year. In its Autumn Economic Forecast, issued in November of 2021, the Commission had projected the Bulgarian economy will grow by 4.1 per cent in 2022 and then slow down to 3.5 per cent next year.
Sofia, February 10
Approached for comment by journalists, President Rumen Radev says Bulgaria is part of the efforts to de-escalate tensions and de-conflict the crisis between Russia and Ukraine. The head of State notes that this crisis threatens security of Bulgaria and the region as well as of Europe as a whole. On Thursday, Radev familiarized himself with an analysis of the state and training of the Armed Forces in 2021, which was presented by the Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Eftimov. "We proposed a more flexible and open concept for setting up a battalion-size battlegroup in Bulgaria," Eftimov says after the presentation. "On the basis of a mechanized battalion with dedicated combat support components, we enable the Allies to reinforce us with certain elements to address the deficiencies of our armed forces," the Chief of Defence explains.
Sofia, February 11
The prosecuting magistracy sends to the Interior Ministry the media publications provided by Prime Minister Kiril Petkov about the 19 persons he claimed to have committed serious criminal and economic offences. The list was sent in order to obtain full information about these individuals, as well as about any actions taken by the law enforcement bodies in accordance with their powers.
Sofia, February 11
Bulgaria's Appellate Specialized Prosecution Office (ASPO) says that it has sent the Justice Ministry a negative opinion on draft legislation amending and supplementing the Judicial System Act which provides for the closure of the specialized jurisdictions. The opinion, signed by ASPO Administrative Head Ivaylo Angelov, will be copied to the European Commission and the European Parliament in connection with the European Rule of Law Mechanism.
The document notes that within several years they were established, the specialized jurisdictions "earned substantial international recognition", among other things as taking credit for the progress in combating international crime, which has been acknowledged in the European Commission's reports under the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism. "The closure of specialized justice will be a mistake that cannot be corrected later on," Angelov argues.
Sofia, February 11
Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov and Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Assen Vassilev discuss the Government's strategic transport and energy infrastructure projects with officials of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). The sides consider the possibility of these projects that are important for society to be implemented with the assistance and under the rules of the international financial institutions within the possibly shortest time limits and in conditions of maximum transparency.
Sofia, February 11
MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk meets with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Deputy Foreign Minister Faruk Kaymakci. The meeting agenda includes EU-Turkey bilateral relations, tackling illegal migration, and EU-Turkey connectivity, which the three politicians agree must include education, economic and human contacts. Kyuchyuk and the Turkish Minister concur that Bulgaria and Turkey being neighbouring countries are good partners in many fields.
Skopje, February 11
A joint government delegation from Bulgaria and North Macedonia Friday arrives in Skopje with the first of the renewed direct flights between the two countries capitals. On board the plane of Bulgaria's GullivAir airline are Bulgarian ministers Nikolay Sabev of Transport and Communications and Hristo Prodanov of Tourism, and parliamentary Tourism Committee Chair Ilin Dimitrov, and North Macedonia's ministers Blagoj Bocvarski of Transport and Communications and Goran Milevski of Local Self-Government, and Razmena Durovic, State Secretary at the Economy Ministry. BTA Director General Kiril Valchev is also on board. The delegations are welcomed at the international airport in Skopje by Econom y Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi and Bulgarian Ambassador to North Macedonia Angel Angelov. Later on Friday, the delegations hold bilateral political and business meetings, which will also be attended by tourism business representatives. The newly launched air service between Sofia and Skopje will begin to operate regular flights from March 27 2022.
Sofia, February 11
An ancient helmet originating from modern-day Bulgaria is returned to this country by US authorities. That is possible thanks to the New York District Attorney's Office leading a massive international operation to neutralize a criminal scheme for trafficking artefacts of cultural and historical value. The helmet is seized from one of the world's largest collections of ancient artefacts after US investigators are able to prove that it had been imported through illicit trafficking.
Sofia, February 11
The US Embassy in Sofia announces the awarding of an 80,000 dollar Cultural Property Agreement Implementation Grant to create a pilot digital registry to prevent the trafficking of Bulgarian antiquities. Under the terms of the grant, the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission, together with the Balkan Heritage Foundation, the Bulgarian National Police, the National Archaeological Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and the Pazardzhik Regional History Museum, will work to address the ever-growing threats of the theft of antiquities from Bulgarian museum collections.
Sofia, February 11
Plans for a traditional commemoration of controversial WWII Bulgarian general and Defence Minister Hirsto Lukov trigger a wave of protest declarations from the government and political parties. Lukov (1888-1943) was a popular military commander but was also known for his close links to the Third Reich and his activity as leader of the far-right Union of Bulgarian National Legions. The event, called Lukov March, is a torchlit procession which has been taking place annually in February since 2003, is organized by the Bulgarian National Union (BNU). The Foreign Ministry, GERB, Continue the Change, the Bulgarian Socialist Party, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms are among those condemning the march, which is supposed to take place on February 12.
Sofia, February 11
Deputy Prime Minister for EU Funds and Finance Minister Assen Vassilev launch a series of public councils for consultation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The first one is dedicated to projects in connection with healthcare, transport infrastructure and energy.
Sofia, February 11
A fourth round of expert talks between the teams of the foreign ministries of Bulgaria and North Macedonia discusses the latest proposals by Skopje, sent last year in response to proposals by Bulgaria, presented at the third round of expert consulations that took place in September 2021 in Skopje. Details of Skopje's response are not disclosed in the press release. The ministries' teams conirm their commitment to maintaining active dialogue aimed at finding mutually acceptable decisions about the key issues on the bilateral political agenda.
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