https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/rss Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:12:36 +0300 en hourly 1 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1188485-russian-il-76-crosses-bulgarian-airspace-on-humanitarian-firefighting-mission-to https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1188485-russian-il-76-crosses-bulgarian-airspace-on-humanitarian-firefighting-mission-to Wed, 19 Aug 2026 22:51:00 +0300 A Russian Il-76 aircraft crossed Bulgarian airspace on a humanitarian mission to help fight wildfires in Serbia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told BTA on Wednesday. The overflight followed a request submitted by the Serbian authorities in a diplomatic note concerning the wildfires, the Ministry added. The Russian Emergencies Ministry’s Il-76 flew to help extinguish wildfires in Serbia, the Ministry of Transport and Communications said. The aircraft crossed Bulgarian airspace between 8:14 p.m. and 9:05 p.m. before landing at Nis Airport. Bulgarian institutions issued the necessary permits for the flight in line with established procedures, the Ministry added. International cooperation in bringing the disaster under control was particularly important as the wildfires in Serbia continued to spread near the Bulgarian border and threatened cross-border areas, the Ministry said. The return flight plan had not yet been received. Bulgaria Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1188409-greek-defence-ministry-considers-patriot-deployment-to-bolster-anti-aircraft-an https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1188409-greek-defence-ministry-considers-patriot-deployment-to-bolster-anti-aircraft-an Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:42:00 +0300 The Greek Ministry of National Defence is evaluating the possibility of Greek assistance to Bulgaria to bolster its anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic protection through the deployment of the Patriot system, pending a relevant request and approval by the Government Council for National Security (KYSEA), ANA-MPA reported on Wednesday, citing ministry sources. In light of Iran's recent threats against European nations (with related information also published by the Financial Times), the Greek Ministry of National Defence is examining several scenarios, including the potential relocation of the Patriot battery currently stationed on Karpathos island to Souda, Crete, should it prove necessary. Furthermore, sources pointed out that, for the security of Cyprus, four Hellenic Air Force F-16 fighter jets and the Hellenic Navy frigate "Nikiforos Fokas" remain stationed in the area. Days after the start of the US and Israeli strikes on Iran and the retaliatory Iranian attacks on countries in the Persian Gulf, Greece deployed a battery of Patriot air-defence missiles and a pair of F-16 fighters in the northern part of its territory, at Bulgaria's request, specifically to protect Bulgaria's airspace. Balkans Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1188058-fire-near-lukoil-refinery-in-ploiesti-brought-under-control https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1188058-fire-near-lukoil-refinery-in-ploiesti-brought-under-control Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0300 The fire that broke out earlier Wednesday at a warehouse storing thinners near the Lukoil refinery in the Romanian city of Ploiesti, about 80 km north of Bucharest, has been brought under control, the Department for Emergency Situations told BTA. "There is no longer a risk of the fire spreading. Firefighters are working to extinguish it completely," the Prahova Inspectorate for Emergency Situations said. Flames have engulfed a 1,000 sq m warehouse storing thinners. Due to the thick smoke, residents in the area received an alert via the RO-ALERT system. "According to the information available so far, there were three workers inside the warehouse, who are out of danger. Fortunately, there are no casualties," Andreea Ursachi, spokesperson for the Prahova Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, said. The Department for Emergency Situations posted photographs of all fire engines involved in Wednesday's operation on its official Facebook page. Balkans BTA correspondent Martina Gancheva Momchil Rusev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1187900-danube-water-level-unchanged-at-ruse-novo-selo-nikopol https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1187900-danube-water-level-unchanged-at-ruse-novo-selo-nikopol Wed, 19 Aug 2026 10:08:00 +0300 The water level of the Danube has remained unchanged at Ruse, Novo Selo and Nikopol over the past 24 hours, the Executive Agency for Exploration and Maintenance of the Danube River said in its latest update on navigation conditions along the Bulgarian section of the river as of August 19. At the remaining gauging stations, water levels fell by between 1 and 3 cm. According to the River Supervision Directorate, no vessels have run aground either within or outside the fairway over the past 24 hours. All draught restrictions for vessels remain in force along the entire Bulgarian section of the river. The hydrological situation remains difficult, the Agency said. On Tuesday, the Danube's water level at Galati, Romania, fell to 16 cm, its lowest level in 30 years. In 1996, the level stood at 17 cm. Balkans Yoanna Vodenova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1187894-customs-officers-seize-45-firearms-from-truck-entering-bulgaria-from-t-rkiye-via https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1187894-customs-officers-seize-45-firearms-from-truck-entering-bulgaria-from-t-rkiye-via Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:56:00 +0300 Customs officers at the Kapitan Andreevo border checkpoint found and seized 45 firearms during an inspection of a truck entering Bulgaria from Türkiye, the Customs Agency's regional press centre in Svilengrad said on Wednesday. The truck was driven by a Turkish national who presented valid documents for its cargo of figs, transported from Türkiye through Bulgaria to Germany. Following a risk analysis, the vehicle was selected for a thorough customs inspection, including an X-ray scan, which identified areas of unusual density. During the subsequent physical inspection, customs officers found a total of 45 pistols concealed in seven different locations: in the driver's cab, at the front and in one of the side tool compartments of the semi-trailer, as well as near the battery. The firearms were seized. Pre-trial proceedings have been launched in the case. Over the past three months, customs officers at Kapitan Andreevo have seized 1,640 firearms and firearm components, five times the total quantity seized over the previous six years, from 2020 to 2025, the customs authorities said. The most recent similar case at the checkpoint on the border with Türkiye was on July 15, when two Georgian nationals travelling on a bus threw two backpacks into a rubbish bin during an inspection. The bags were found to contain 20 pistols. On July 17, the Haskovo Regional Court ordered the two accused, Vusal Masimov, 25, and Piruz Oruzhov, 21, to be remanded in custody. Balkans Yoanna Vodenova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1187843-heavy-traffic-reported-at-kapitan-andreevo-kalotina-border-checkpoints https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1187843-heavy-traffic-reported-at-kapitan-andreevo-kalotina-border-checkpoints Wed, 19 Aug 2026 08:07:00 +0300 Traffic is heavy at the Kapitan Andreevo and Kalotina border checkpoints, the Interior Ministry's General Directorate Border Police said on its website. The information is current as of 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday. At the border with Türkiye, outbound truck traffic is heavy at the Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint. At the border with Serbia, outbound car traffic is heavy at the Kalotina checkpoint. Traffic is normal at all border crossings with Romania. Traffic across the Danube Bridge at Ruse-Giurgiu resumed in both lanes on June 30 following repair works. The ferry service at the Oryahovo-Bechet border crossing has been temporarily suspended since July 10 due to the low level of the Danube River. On July 21, a representative of Inter Link OOD, the company operating the ferry platform on the Svishtov-Zimnicea route, said that the service was being suspended indefinitely due to the low level of the Danube. The ferry platform is currently in Bulgaria. Traffic is normal at all border crossings with Greece. Cars and vans weighing up to 3.5 tonnes can cross at Rudozem, Zlatograd, Makaza and Ivaylovgrad. Cars, buses and trucks can cross at Kulata, Ilinden and Kapitan Petko Voyvoda. Traffic is normal at all border checkpoints with the Republic of North Macedonia. Balkans Yoanna Vodenova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1187750-serbian-president-sees-no-drama-in-coalition-partner-running-independently-in-el https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1187750-serbian-president-sees-no-drama-in-coalition-partner-running-independently-in-el Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:17:33 +0300 Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that he has no problem with a coalition partner in the government running independently in the elections, local media reported. Vucic said it was "not a drama at all" that the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) would no longer remain in the ruling coalition but would field its own candidates in the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections. He said that the SPS "has always participated independently" in parliamentary elections and that the party leadership's decision "is nothing new." "I have no right to interfere in the internal affairs of other political parties, but I see no reason for any kind of drama, especially because someone has decided to run independently in the elections. I wish them all the best; we will fight to defeat them, just as we will everyone else," Vucic said, quoted by RTS. He added that the SPS is "a party worthy of respect" and that people who vote for the Socialists are "patriotic and focused on building the state." Vucic acknowledged, however, that in the past the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), which he founded, and the SPS, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic, had maintained closer relations. "When we spoke before and had a closer or joint approach, we always debated whether to go into the elections together or separately, and how to attract more votes. However, to be completely frank, that is not what this is about this time. I would not speak publicly about what surprises me. We are not closing the door on anyone, but we are not expecting anyone's help after the elections either. If we ourselves do not have a majority, it will be clear to us that we have lost the majority," Vucic said. The Serbian president also said that a decision on whether the Serbian Progressive Party  and the Socialist Party of Serbia  will continue their cooperation will be made after the elections. "Whether we continue or not will be decided after the elections. They may be with someone else, or they may be with us, but that will be decided after the elections. Whoever wins the elections—that is the most important thing," he said. SPS leader Ivica Dacic said that his party would run independently in the elections and rejected speculation that behind-the-scenes talks were taking place with the SNS about forming a pre-election coalition. "In July, the Main Board of the SPS endorsed my statement that we would run independently in the upcoming early parliamentary elections and that we would have our own presidential candidate. This was unanimously supported by all 500 people who attended the party's General Assembly," Dacic told the daily Politika on Tuesday. A few days ago, Vucic again announced that he would soon set a date for early parliamentary elections. Since May last year, a student movement in Serbia, which led mass anti-government protests, has been calling for new parliamentary elections. The protesters blame the authorities for the tragic incident in the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad, where on November 1, 2024, the concrete canopy of a railway station that had been undergoing renovations for three years collapsed, killing 16 people and seriously injuring one. Balkans Petya Petrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1187497-career-diplomat-krum-efremov-named-as-north-macedonia-s-new-ambassador-to-bulgar https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1187497-career-diplomat-krum-efremov-named-as-north-macedonia-s-new-ambassador-to-bulgar Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:40:01 +0300 Career diplomat Krum Efremov will be the new ambassador of North Macedonia to Bulgaria, the country's Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski said on Tuesday, as quoted by the MIA news agency. Taking a journalist's question at a press conference, Mucunski said: "When we talk about the procedure for appointing ambassadors and consuls general, this information is classified at a certain stage and we cannot comment on names. When it comes to the ambassador in Sofia, the procedure has now reached a stage where the information is no longer classified, and I can share that our ambassador to Bulgaria will be Krum Efremov, a career diplomat, one of the most capable diplomats, I would say." Efremov currently heads the Directorate for Economic and Public Diplomacy at North Macedonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He previously served as the country's ambassador to Ukraine. During the press conference, Mucunski stressed that Skopje and Sofia are in constant dialogue aimed at resolving outstanding issues concerning North Macedonia's European integration. "There has been constant dialogue from the moment this government was formed until today. There are periods when the dialogue is more intense or less intense, but there is never a moment when we are not discussing finding a fair solution within the positions we hold," the Foreign Minister said. Asked whether there are any indications from Sofia that it might move away from some of its positions, or whether Skopje is prepared to make concessions, Mucunski stressed that "our country's red lines are linked to our history, identity, language and culture". "These are the lines that we put forward in every discussion we hold. It is simply not fair for our negotiations to constantly become deadlocked over issues related to our identity, language, history and culture. These are our positions, which have been presented repeatedly both to our society and to all international actors," Mucunski said, adding that North Macedonia expects guarantees from EU institutions and a solution that will safeguard the country's positions. Balkans Valentin Evstatiev Simona-Alex Mihaleva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1187495-pm-mitsotakis-says-greece-is-cutting-public-debt-faster-than-any-other-european- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1187495-pm-mitsotakis-says-greece-is-cutting-public-debt-faster-than-any-other-european- Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:28:00 +0300 Greece is continuously cutting its public debt faster than any other European country, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis wrote in a Facebook post, local media reported. Mitsotakis commented on the planned early repayment of EUR 13 billionin debt in 2026, emphasizing that the country is shedding its status as Europe's most heavily indebted country. According to the prime minister, this means "greater fiscal freedom for the state" and "fewer burdens for citizens." "That is precisely why reducing the debt was one of the key commitments I made, and I am pleased that the persistent efforts of the government and of all Greeks are now turning it into reality," Mitsotakis said. "Yesterday's development marks the achievement of a major objective, and it has been accomplished ahead of the deadline we had set. As a result, by 2031, public debt will be reduced to below 110% percent of GDP, after having already fallen by one-third since 2021," the Greek prime minister added. After making an early repayment of EUR 6.94 billion in June from its EUR 52.3 billion loan to the eurozone, Greece now plans to make additional early repayments, bringing the total amount repaid ahead of schedule to EUR 13 billion by the end of 2026, according to ANA-MPA. Balkans BTA correspondent Ivan Lazarov Petya Petrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1187414-turkiye-launches-usd-10-billion-ai-action-plan-through-2030 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1187414-turkiye-launches-usd-10-billion-ai-action-plan-through-2030 Tue, 18 Aug 2026 13:51:00 +0300 A new artificial intelligence action plan through 2030 came into force on Tuesday by decree issued by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkiye Today reported. The programme seeks to mobilize at least USD 10 billion to support the country's development of AI. The Turkiye Artificial Intelligence Action Plan (2026-2030) is based on four central pillars - "Recognize, Benefit, Produce and Govern" - and aims to strengthen the country's capacity to produce, export and regulate AI technologies. The initiative places an emphasis on the country’s digital sovereignty, efforts to build Turkish language models and extensive data protection measures, in line with global technological competition, the daily highlighted. The key objectives of the plan include increasing Turkiye's data centre capacity to at least 1 gigawatt by 2030; allocating at least 2% of public investment to AI projects; training 10,000 advanced AI specialists and 10,000 AI application professionals; implementing a National Artificial Intelligence Literacy Programme targeting 5 million citizens; allocating USD 150 million to AI-related venture capital funds, etc. Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Kacir said in his first comments following the plan's launch that Turkiye would not only develop AI technologies compatible with its values, but would also produce reliable devices and services in strategic areas such as industry, healthcare, education and the public sector. "With our infrastructure, entrepreneurial ecosystem and manufacturing capabilities, we will transform Turkiye into a centre for investment, talent and innovation in AI," he added. Balkans Yoana Kancheva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1187254-romania-s-cernavoda-npp-unit-2-to-remain-offline-for-at-least-another-10-days https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1187254-romania-s-cernavoda-npp-unit-2-to-remain-offline-for-at-least-another-10-days Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:08:00 +0300 Restarting Unit 2 of Romania’s Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) is unlikely over the next ten days, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Energy Cristian Busoi said in an interview with Digi24. He warned that drought and the low flow of the Danube River mean the facility must remain offline, adding that the Energy Ministry needs to carefully manage available reserves. Unit 4 of Romania’s Rovinari thermal power plant will be brought online to reduce electricity imports amid high temperatures and increased consumption, Busoi said. He added that nearly 300 megawatts would be fed into the national power grid and that available coal stocks were sufficient for this week. Busoi described the energy situation in recent days as stable, noting that weekend consumption peaks remained below 6,000 megawatts, while import levels were relatively low. According to Busoi, wind power generation was significant, whereas solar power could not sufficiently meet demand during peak consumption hours. Regarding coal reserves, the secretary of state said that, according to information from the Oltenia Energy Complex, available stocks were sufficient for the near future. Due to a decline in electricity generation caused by drought and low river levels, Romania declared a state of heightened readiness in the energy sector for the entire month of August. Authorities introduced a series of measures to ensure the continued operation of the Cernavoda nuclear power plant, but without success. To increase the river flow reaching the plant, a rock formation was blasted and four barges loaded with rocks were sunk to create an artificial weir in the river and increase the flow into the old Danube branch near the plant. The government also approved a scheme to curb electricity consumption by large industrial users. Balkans Petya Dikova BTA correspondent Martina Gancheva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1187166-heavy-traffic-for-trucks-and-passenger-cars-at-kalotina-kapitan-andreevo-border https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1187166-heavy-traffic-for-trucks-and-passenger-cars-at-kalotina-kapitan-andreevo-border Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:51:38 +0300 Traffic is heavy at the Kalotina border crossing with Serbia in both directions for passenger cars and the Kapitan Andreevo border crossing with Türkiye outbound for trucks, the General Directorate of Border Police said on its website. The information is current as of 6:00 a.m on Tuesday.  Traffic is normal at all border crossings with Romania. Since June 30, following repair works, normal traffic has resumed on the Danube Bridge at the Ruse–Giurgiu border crossing. Due to the Danube River’s low level, the ferry service operating at the Oryahovo–Bechet crossing on the border with Romania has temporarily suspended operations since July 10. The Svishtov–Zimnicea ferry has also suspended operations due to the same reason. Traffic is normal at all border crossings with Greece. Passenger cars and minibuses weighing up to 3.5 tonnes can cross through the Rudozem, Zlatograd, Makaza and Ivaylovgrad border crossings. Through Kulata, Ilinden and Kapitan Petko Voyvoda can cross busses, passenger cars and trucks. Traffic is normal at all border crossings with the Republic of North Macedonia. Balkans Asen Boyadjiev BTA intern Ivayla Kirilova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1186985-international-hiking-tradition-brings-nearly-200-participants-to-bosilegrad https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1186985-international-hiking-tradition-brings-nearly-200-participants-to-bosilegrad Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:56:28 +0300 Nearly 200 hikers from Serbia, Bulgaria and North Macedonia gathered near Bosilegrad on Saturday for the 13th International Ascent of Mount Crnook, the Nenad Aleksandrov Memorial. Organized by the Mladost Mountaineering Sports Association and Bosilegrad Municipality, the event combined a sporting challenge and an appreciation of nature with an opportunity for hiking clubs from across the region to meet. The ascent is named after Nenad Aleksandrov, a long-serving deputy chair of the association and a leading advocate for hiking in the Bosilegrad area, who died in a road accident. The hike began at Obe Reke, near the village of Crnostica. The group then passed through the mountain hamlets of Zanoska and Pridol, crossed the plateau where the Kinstan Memorial Complex stands and reached the 1,881-metre summit of Mount Crnook. The round trip covered more than 23 km and involved an elevation gain of about 1,000 m. After reaching the summit, the hikers continued to the Church of Sts Peter and Paul and the Soboriste area, where the hiking programme gave way to a celebration of local traditions. Folk ensembles from the Bosilegrad Cultural Centre and the Mladost association performed, and a traditional lunch was served to all participants. Bosilegrad Municipality presented certificates of appreciation to the hiking clubs and associations that took part in the event. Special awards went to the oldest and youngest hikers, who were separated by nearly seven decades in age: 74-year-old Zvonimir Vasiljkovic from Leskovac and six-year-old Deyan Krumov from Tran. Balkans Kristina Ivanova BTA correspondent Aleksandar Dimitrov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1186946-romania-s-caretaker-minister-of-investments-country-could-target-euro-adoption- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1186946-romania-s-caretaker-minister-of-investments-country-could-target-euro-adoption- Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:54:00 +0300 Romania could target 2032 for adopting the euro, caretaker Minister of Investments and European Projects Dragos Pislaru said Monday, as quoted by local media. Pislaru said euro adoption would depend on fiscal consolidation. He regarded 2032 as a feasible target if Romania completes fiscal consolidation by 2030, adopts a coherent national development plan for 2028-2034 and maintains political stability. “Adopting the euro is possible only if the relevant criteria are met. These include the budget deficit and public debt, both of which are linked to the consolidation now under way,” Pislaru said. He recalled that Romania aims to “put its finances in order by 2030”. Romania has been subject to the EU’s excessive deficit procedure since 2020. In 2024, its general government deficit reached 9.3% of gross domestic product (GDP), the highest level in the EU. The country’s seven-year fiscal plan aims to reduce the deficit to around 2.4% of GDP by 2031. Last week, National Bank of Romania Governor Mugur Isarescu said the country did not meet any of the criteria for adopting the euro and that no realistic timetable for joining the euro area could yet be set. Romania has been in political crisis since its pro-European four-party coalition collapsed in late April and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan’s government lost a no-confidence vote on May 5. Efforts to assemble a new parliamentary majority and form a government have so far failed. Bolojan’s cabinet has remained in a caretaker capacity with limited powers since May 5 and will remain in place until a new government is formed. Balkans Sofia Georgieva Atanas Malakchiev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1186848-ruse-to-purchase-two-electric-buses-for-future-cross-border-route-to-giurgiu https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1186848-ruse-to-purchase-two-electric-buses-for-future-cross-border-route-to-giurgiu Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:34:23 +0300 The Municipality of Ruse will purchase two electric buses to serve a future public transport route linking Ruse with the Romanian city of Giurgiu, Ruse Mayor Pencho Milkov said. The investment is worth around EUR 1.3 million and is being financed through a European-funded project. A contract for the delivery of the electric buses was signed on Monday by Aleksandar Georgiev, executive director of Municipal Transport Ruse, and Emil Kimak, manager of the supplier, Biofrog CZ. Czech Deputy Ambassador to Bulgaria Jan Jindrich also attended the signing ceremony. The two electric buses will be manufactured in Czechia and are expected to be delivered within 360 days. Each bus will have 78 seats and a range of at least 250 kilometres on a single charge. Two charging stations are also planned. The new Ruse-Giurgiu route is expected to begin operating by the end of 2027, Georgiev said. Following delivery of the buses, the Bulgarian and Romanian sides will hold talks on the necessary coordination and regulatory procedures, Ruse Deputy Mayor Dimitar Nedev explained. They will also discuss the possibility of exempting buses operating on the route from the toll for crossing the Danube Bridge, which would help keep ticket prices more affordable. Milkov said the new transport connection would make travel between the two border cities easier and contribute to the development of cross-border connectivity. He added that a Romanian transport operator had also expressed interest in operating a Ruse-Giurgiu route. Jindrich said the development of transport links should not be limited to connecting individual cities but should also bring countries closer together. He noted that establishing an international transport route was a complex undertaking, but said it was important for the development of both tourism and business. Funding for the two electric buses and charging stations is part a project financed under the 2021-2027 Regions in Growth Programme. The project has a total value of just over EUR 11.1 million. Among the planned activities is the complete renovation of the building housing the Ruse Art Gallery. Balkans Konstantin Karagyozov BTA correspondent Martin Penev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1186689-greek-tax-officers-protest-staff-shortages-increased-workload-inadequate-pay https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1186689-greek-tax-officers-protest-staff-shortages-increased-workload-inadequate-pay Mon, 17 Aug 2026 12:37:49 +0300 Greek tax office workers began industrial action on Monday and will refrain from carrying out preventive audits until August 26, the Greek public broadcaster ERT reported. Giorgos Tsagarakis, the Secretary General of the Federation of Employees of Greece's Ministry of Finance, stated that the protest was organized due to staff shortages, an increased workload, inadequate pay for overtime, and a lack of safe working conditions when carrying out inspections. He added that opportunities for dialogue with management had been exhausted. Tsagarakis raised the issue of tax fairness, stating that preventive inspections affect small and medium-sized enterprises to a greater extent, while large companies have more opportunities to take advantage of special tax provisions and mechanisms. The tax office workers will remain at their posts and continue to serve the public. Balkans Nikolay Zabov BTA correspondent Ivan Lazarov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1186605-anniversary-of-deadly-1999-earthquake-observed-with-memorial-events-in-istanbul- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1186605-anniversary-of-deadly-1999-earthquake-observed-with-memorial-events-in-istanbul- Mon, 17 Aug 2026 12:09:17 +0300 The 27th anniversary of the deadly 1999 earthquake is being marked since Sunday night with memorial events in Istanbul and other cities in Türkiye’s Marmara region. On August 17, 1999, at 3:02 AM, an earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale hit the Marmara region with Istanbul as its main city. The earthquake had devastating consequences across a wide area, including the regions Sakarya, Kocaeli, Yalova, Düzce, Gölcük and Adapazari. Thousands of people lost their lives, tens of thousands were injured and numerous buildings were destroyed. The earthquake, with its epicentre in the town of Gölcük in Kocaeli Province, left a deep scar on Türkiye’s modern history.  According to data contained in a 2010 report by the parliamentary committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (Meclis) on investigating earthquake risk and determining the necessary measures for managing such disasters, 17,480 people died and 43,953 were injured in the August 1999 earthquake. A total of around 16 million people were affected, with their homes destroyed or damaged, and 42,000 commercial premises were also damaged. In Istanbul 1880 people were injured, nearly 41 000 homes and commercial premises were damaged and 18 162 housing units became uninhabitable due to moderate to severe damage. A total of 820 of 3171 schools in the city were affected, 118 of which were classified as having sustained moderate damage, and 13 – as severely damaged. Out of nearly 10,000 public buildings in Istanbul, 1,137 sustained minor damage, 387 sustained moderate damage, and 37 sustained severe damage. Avcilar, a city densely populated by Bulgarian-Turk expats, was the most affected region from the Istanbul earthquake – 270 people lost their lives and hundreds were injured. Over 2 000 homes and businesses were completely destroyed and nearly 6 000 were moderately damaged. At the same time Avcilar has been recently undergoing a major transformation as part of the national Urban Transformation Project, implemented by the municipality, the government’s Housing Development Administration (TOKİ), ministries and other institutions.  A memorial meeting, initiated by Avcilar Municipality, began on Monday at 2:30 AM in front of the Atatürk monument on the main boulevard. The meeting was attended by municipal councillors, volunteers from rescue services and citizens holding posters with the slogans “We will not forget” “We want safe homes” and “It’s the buildings that kill, not the earthquakes”.  At 3:02 AM, at the exact time of the 1999 earthquake, a moment of silence was held to honor the memory of those who lost their lives, and red carnations were laid at the monument.  In the town of Sakarya, close to the epicentre of the earthquake, a memorial vigil was held in the central Democracy Square, attended by many people, according to the local newspaper Sakarya Haber. A prayer for the deceased and passages from the Quran were recited.  Sakarya Governor Rahmi Dogan said in a message, posted on the municipality’s website, that August 17 is a date, on which they not only pay tribute to the citizens who lost their lives or were injured in the earthquake, but also a date that guides them in their efforts to build a safe future for themselves and their children with the knowledge that Türkiye is situated in an earthquake-prone zone.  The 27th anniversary of the earthquake is also marked in Edirne with memorial events under the slogan “The longest 45 seconds”, led by the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD). “The longest 45 seconds, which we experienced on August 17 twenty-seven years ago will never be erased from our memory and hearts, it’s like it was yesterday. At the commemorative events we organize on the central Saraçlar Boulevard we honor not only the citizens who lost their lives but also the efforts of our heroic teams who worked selflessly at the scene”, said Edirne Mayor Filiz Gencan, quoted by the BATI Express website. The commemorative events include a photo exhibition featuring pictures of the work carried out by the rescue teams from Edirne in the earthquake-affected areas. The famous Turkish geologist, Prof. Osman Bektas, said after the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Indonesia on August 14 that major earthquakes can induce temporary dynamic stress on distant faults via the seismic waves they emit. According to him, this physical mechanism, known as remote earthquake triggering, must also be taken into account when assessing seismic risk in the Marmara region, reports the website Ekonomi Manset.  “We cannot foresee the earthquakes completely but we can reduce the risk by assessing the likelihood from a scientific point of view. Istanbul must be prepared for a major earthquake”, the scientist adds. Balkans BTA exclusive by Nahide Deniz BTA intern Ivayla Kirilova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1186532-heavy-traffic-at-kalotina-kapitan-andreevo-border-crossings-some-danube-ferrie https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1186532-heavy-traffic-at-kalotina-kapitan-andreevo-border-crossings-some-danube-ferrie Mon, 17 Aug 2026 07:48:47 +0300 Traffic is heavy at the Kalotina border crossing with Serbia, in both directions for passenger cars, and at the Kapitan Andreevo border crossing with Türkiye, outbound for trucks, the General Directorate of Border Police said on its website. The information is current as of 6:00 a.m on Monday. Traffic is normal at all border crossings with Romania. At around 12:30 p.m. on August 12, the Chiciu – Ostrov ferry, located on Romanian territory, suspended operations because a machine carrying out work to deepen the riverbank to allow the ferry to dock became stuck. Efforts are under way to free the machine, and the ferry is expected to resume operations a few hours, the Border Police said. Due to the low water level of the Danube, the ferry service operating at the Oryahovo–Bechet crossing on the border with Romania has temporarily suspended operations. The ferry service operating at the Svishtov–Zimnicea crossing on the border with Romania has also temporarily suspended operations because of the low level of the Danube. The ferry platform is located in Bulgaria. Traffic is normal at all border crossings with Greece. Passenger cars and minibuses weighing up to 3.5 tonnes can cross through the Rudozem, Zlatograd, Makaza and Ivaylovgrad border crossings. Passenger cars, buses and trucks can cross through the Kulata, Ilinden and Kapitan Petko Voyvoda border crossings. Traffic is normal at all border crossings with the Republic of North Macedonia. Balkans Metodi Yordanov Tanya Petkova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1186130-turkish-president-erdogan-presents-ruling-party-s-vision-for-next-25-years https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1186130-turkish-president-erdogan-presents-ruling-party-s-vision-for-next-25-years Sat, 15 Aug 2026 17:04:00 +0300 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented the ruling Justice and Development Party's (AKP) vision for the next 25 years in a speech at celebrations marking the party's 25th anniversary.  The anniversary was marked on Friday night with a major rally attended by more than 100,000 people at the Capital National Garden in Ankara. Erdogan's speech was broadcast live by major Turkish television channels. "We are starting anew. This movement, this team, these young people, their children and their grandchildren will take Turkiye first to 2053 and then to 2071. I will continue striving to serve Turkiye. I will continue working for Turkiye with the same love and passion," Erdogan said. The years he mentioned are significant dates in Turkish history. In 2053, Turkiye will mark 600 years since the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, while 2071 will mark 1,000 years since the Seljuk Turks' victory over the Byzantine Empire at Manzikert (Malazgirt). Erdogan has also referred to these dates as targets for achieving various national development goals. He presented the AKP's vision as a 69-page document outlining the party's priorities for the next 25 years. "Guided by the 25th-anniversary vision document we shared today, we will continue to turn dreams into goals and goals into reality," Erdogan said. The document covers 10 areas, including high-value-added production, digital sovereignty, the judiciary, a new constitution, family and social policy, women, youth, and the green transition. Erdogan referred to the government's terror-free Turkiye initiative, saying the country was moving towards resolving an issue that had cost tens of thousands of lives over four decades. Erdogan, who has led the AKP continuously for 25 years, said he had completed 50 years in politics and intended to remain active. "If God grants me health and a long life, I will continue the struggle to serve Turkiye for many more years," he said. Three opposition lawmakers and seven mayors also joined the AKP during the event, with Erdogan presenting them with party badges. The AKP was founded on August 14, 2001, and became the ruling party following the 2002 parliamentary elections, a position it has held ever since. Balkans Diana Dukovska BTA exclusive by Nahide Deniz https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1186068-no-injured-in-serbian-tourist-bus-crash-on-trakia-motorway https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1186068-no-injured-in-serbian-tourist-bus-crash-on-trakia-motorway Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:32:00 +0300 No one was injured, there was only material damage when a tourist bus with Serbian registration plates crashed early Saturday morning on the Trakia motorway, the press service of the Interior Ministry told the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). The accident occurred 90 km from Sofia. Balkans Risida Dimitrova Teodora Tsaneva