site.btaMedia Review: July 31

WILDFIRES

Bulgarian National Radio briefs the public with the latest details on the active forest fires across the country, citing information shared during a Thursday morning news briefing by the Crisis Task Force of the Interior Ministry. The most serious wildfire remains in the area near Strumyani, Southwestern Bulgaria, but there are no immediate threats to populated areas or human lives. Residents of the nearby village of Ploski, who were previously evacuated, have now been cleared to return to their homes.

The Head of the National Police General Directorate, Chief Commissioner Zahari Vaskov, said firefighters are prepared to act in the areas where rain has weakened the flames. "All firefighting aircraft are on standby at the airport, waiting for weather conditions to improve and allow safe take-off. Currently, weather conditions do not permit flights, but the teams are ready. Their work yesterday had a significant impact in some of the affected areas," Vaskov noted and further emphasized: "As of now, there are no other major wildfires [across the country] threatening people or settlements. The fire near Strumyani remains the most serious, but again, there are no endangered villages or individuals. Where there is fire, there is smoke, but the rain is currently helping to suppress the flames. We hope that with time, the smoke will also dissipate."

Chief Commissioner Alexander Dzhartov, Director of the General Directorate of Fire Safety and Civil Protection, said: "After assessing the situation this [Thursday] morning at 8:30 a.m., we made the decision to lift the evacuation order for residents of Ploski. They are now starting to return to their homes. They were evacuated late the other night, around 11:20 p.m. Yesterday [Wednesday], we organized a gradual return, allowing small groups to check on their property and livestock. For now, there is no danger. We have also made preparations in nearby villages such as Lilyanovo, though no threats are present there either. Sufficient personnel are deployed on site. Since the evacuation order was issued, we have dispatched additional units from the Gendarmerie and the National Police to assist local teams."

Deputy Interior Minister Toni Todorov added: "The wildfires in the Yambol and Sliven regions have been brought under control. In Strumyani, rain is falling heavily over some parts of the affected area, lightly over others, and not at all in a third portion. Firefighters are making the most of this window, entering on foot wherever conditions allow to directly target areas where the rain has weakened the fire."

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Commenting on the government’s upcoming report to Parliament on Thursday regarding the purchase of specialized firefighting equipment, aviation expert Todor Ivandzhikov told Nova TV that Bulgaria should restore the Ministry for Disasters and Emergencies. In his view, helicopters alone are not sufficient for tackling forest fires, which is why other European countries rely on both airplanes and helicopters.

Ivandzhikov emphasized that Bulgaria urgently needs an aircraft capable of quickly scooping and releasing large volumes of water, as helicopters are limited in range and capacity. He pointed out that the military’s Spartan aircraft cannot be used effectively for firefighting, as it takes too long to refill with water. Bulgaria needs both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, he said. “But we also need trained personnel to operate the equipment once it's acquired. Right now, we do not have enough people with the necessary skills, but there is still time to train them.”

Ivandzhikov also stressed the importance of having both civilian and military forces prepared to respond to disasters. “This is not just a task for the military. A joint system involving civilian structures is essential in building an effective emergency response,” he underscored.

ECONOMY

The 24 Chasa daily frontpages an article that delves into the recently agreed EU–US tariff deal and its projected impact on Bulgaria’s economy, exporters, and key industrial sectors. The piece says that the Bulgarian Economy and Industry Ministry, together with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, has developed a methodology to monitor the economic impact of a recent EU–US trade agreement introducing new tariffs. The deal sets a base tariff of 15% on 70% of EU exports to the U.S. (worth EUR 380 billion), while retaining a 50% tariff on steel and aluminium — expected to be reduced over time. In return, the EU commits to USD 600 billion in investments in the US and USD 750 billion in energy purchases over the next three years.

Although the agreement initially drew criticism from European leaders and businesses, it is seen as a better outcome than earlier proposed 20–30% tariffs and helps prevent further escalation in trade tensions, crucial during ongoing geopolitical instability, 24 Chasa writes.

For Bulgaria, the direct export volume to the US totals USD 1.1 billion in 2024, with imports at USD 456 million, the article says. The country’s economy is expected to face a combined direct and indirect impact of EUR 625 million under the new terms – less than what earlier scenarios would have caused. Some sectors, including medical devices, sunflower seeds, and measuring instruments, may benefit from the agreement. The Ministry is also working to identify alternative markets to support exporters amid the shifting trade landscape, 24 Chasa further notes.

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Commenting on the topic in Bulgarian National Television’s morning talk show, MEP Nikola Minchev (Renew Europe/Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria) said that as a European citizen and a supporter of a united Europe, he is disappointed by this “failure of European diplomacy and negotiating effort with the United States”. According to Minchev, the recently negotiated EU-US trade deal involving tariffs of up to 15% is completely one-sided.

"On one side, we have tariffs of up to 15% on European goods so they can maintain access to the US market. On the other side, US goods face 0% tariffs. At the same time, Europe has committed to additional obligations: EUR 750 billion in energy purchases from the United States, plus another EUR 600 billion in expected investments by European companies in the American economy. This kind of asymmetry is understandably disappointing to those who had hoped Europe would evolve into a more independent geopolitical actor, one that does not allow conditions to be dictated through pressure or coercion – as we are seeing in this deal with the US," Minchev explained.

He went on to highlight the unrealistic nature of the energy commitment: "To put it in perspective, the total US energy exports worldwide currently amount to around EUR 150 billion per year. For Europe to import EUR 750 billion in US energy before the end of a potential second Trump term would require roughly EUR 250 billion per year, which is essentially impossible to meet."

As for the EUR 600 billion in European corporate investments expected to flow into the US, Minchev voiced scepticism about enforceability. "There is no clear mechanism to ensure this happens. However, the European Commission has consulted with major business associations across the EU to assess their current investment intentions in the US If this figure reflects plans already in motion, then the impact may not be overly damaging. The real concern would be if these investments come at the expense of Europe’s internal market, where we are clearly lagging in competitiveness."

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The Trud tabloid daily also covers the topic, publishing an article titled “Trump Won Everything, Gave Nothing to EU”. According to the piece, following the trade deal with the EU, the US is once again in the role of a global leader writing the history books. America has enormous energy potential, freed from bureaucratic shackles and green nonsense, which will supply Europe with cheap oil, gas, and nuclear fuel, Trud writes.

ENVIRONMENT

In a lead interview with 24 Chasa, former environment minister Julian Popov highlights the urgent need for climate adaptation, better water and infrastructure management, and accelerated emissions cuts to address the growing economic and health impacts of heatwaves in Europe. The continent is already feeling the economic impact of worsening heatwaves, with this summer alone potentially costing up to 0.5% of the EU’s GDP, he notes, emphasizing the urgent need for adaptation measures such as cutting emissions, updating infrastructure, and modernizing building practices to counter the effects of climate change.

Popov welcomes a recently announced audit of Bulgaria’s Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Regional Development amid concerns over drought and water management. While he rules out an immediate drinking water crisis, he points to Bulgaria’s aging infrastructure and poor planning as major risks that need to be addressed through investment and technology.

Heatwaves are becoming longer, more intense, and more frequent, signalling a transition to a new climate regime, he says. The consequences include significant threats to public health, with tens of thousands of premature deaths projected in 2025 across Europe, and mounting pressure on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture and infrastructure.

To reduce the damage, long-term strategies must focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and making cities more resilient. The former minister recommends renovations for energy efficiency, updated firefighting capabilities, and improved urban planning, including maintaining flowing urban rivers and designing buildings to naturally reduce heat.

Bulgaria, however, is moving too slowly on adaptation, Popov warns. Although the country has an official climate plan, implementation has lagged. Local governments must be more proactive and prioritize affordable but effective solutions.

At the EU level, the bloc has committed to cutting net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040. Popov argues this target is both economically necessary and strategically important, as Europe competes with China and the U.S. in clean technology. Rather than hindering industries like car manufacturing, the transition could help preserve their competitiveness.

On the upcoming expansion of the EU Emissions Trading System in 2027, which will cover households, buildings, and small businesses, Popov says Bulgaria is not making sufficient use of the Social Climate Fund to prepare. Still, the impact on households may be minimal, especially since many low-income Bulgarians use firewood for heating and aren’t heavily reliant on fossil fuels.

Ultimately, the former minister urges faster, smarter climate action, warning that delays will not only cost money but lives.

RETAIL

According to Trud’s frontpage article, a new legislative proposal aims to ban large-scale food promotions in retail chains. The draft amendment to the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Act, recently published for public consultation, was developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Under the proposal, retailers with an annual turnover exceeding BGN 20 million would be allowed to offer promotional discounts of no more than 10% off food product prices. This restriction would effectively apply to all major supermarket chains in Bulgaria. The aim of the bill is to “improve the well-being of the elderly and other socially vulnerable groups”. However, this objective has sparked debate, as many pensioners and low-income earners rely heavily on large discounts to afford basic groceries. Current promotions often include 50% price reductions, “buy one, get one free” deals or 25% off when buying a second product – practices that make essential goods more accessible for people on tight budgets. If passed in its current form, the bill would ban all of these pricing strategies, according to the publication. Retailers would be limited to offering maximum discounts of 10%, regardless of purchasing conditions or quantities. Critics argue that such a cap would disproportionately impact vulnerable consumers, for whom even 10% off is insufficient to make some products affordable, Trud further writes.

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Segabg.com also covers the topic. It publishes an article titled “Government Introduces Another Bludgeon Law”. According to the piece, the state wants to dictate the profits of players along the food supply chain. The authorities want to introduce yet another so-called “bludgeon law”, which they claim is meant to curb speculative price hikes on food products before and after the adoption of the euro. The Ministry of Agriculture has finally published for public consultation the long-promised bill on capping retail markups, which has been touted by Agriculture Minister Georgi Tahov since the winter, Segabg.com writes.

The draft legislation sets maximum markup limits for wholesalers and retailers of agricultural and food products, as well as for food processors. In addition, it imposes strict new restrictions on promotions offered by supermarket chains. One of the more controversial elements of the bill is a requirement that at least 50% of certain product categories sold in large retail chains must be of Bulgarian origin. These include fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat products, eggs, and honey. The draft law also mandates that a minimum of 80% of dairy products on supermarket shelves, including cheese and yoghurt, must be produced from Bulgarian milk.

Segabg.com’s piece criticizes the bill as another case of excessive government interference, raising concerns that it could disrupt market dynamics and lead to unintended consequences for both businesses and consumers. The proposed restrictions on pricing and promotions are seen as especially problematic, as they limit the ability of retailers to offer competitive deals – something many consumers rely on in the face of high inflation and stagnating wages.

IRREGULARITIES WITH COMPANY OWNED BY KEY WITNESS IN CASE AGAINST VARNA MAYOR

A review of the Public Procurement Agency’s archive by online news outlet Dnevnik.bg reveals that the company Zaliva 47-SP AD, owned by Plamenka Dimitrova – a key witness in the case against Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev, has been a regular winner of public procurement contracts over the past 16 years. The firm consistently secured tenders for food supply to Varna’s two largest hospitals, as well as to higher education institutions, social care homes, and schools. According to the tender documentation, Zaliva 47-SP was often selected by contracting authorities for offering the “best price-to-quality ratio”. However, a 2019 audit by the State Financial Inspection Agency uncovered serious irregularities. The company was found to have overreported food deliveries to one of Varna’s universities, receiving state subsidies based on inflated figures, while submitting inconsistent data to the National Revenue Agency. A subsequent ADFI report from 2020, which included a broader review of student meal programmes, concluded that over a four-year period, the company had been illegally paid over BGN 550,000 in subsidies for student meals. In mid-February 2021, this report, containing further evidence of serious violations, was submitted to the prosecuting magistracy. As of now, no public information is available on whether the Prosecutor’s Office has taken any action in response, Dnevnik.bg writes.

SOFIA MUNICIPALITY

Mediapool.bg reports that a key member of Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev’s team has announced his resignation from the administration of Sofia Municipality. The official in question is Deputy Mayor for Finance and Healthcare, Ivan Vasilev, who is considered one of Terziev’s closest allies. Vasilev made the announcement in a Facebook post, without providing specific reasons for his decision to step down. He simply said that he had “personally informed the Mayor of Sofia” of his intentions. “I will remain in office until the issue surrounding the change of the municipality’s servicing bank is resolved,” Vasilev wrote, adding that this is expected to happen within a month, according to Mediapool.bg.

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Nova TV and Segabg.com also cover the topic.

CYBERSECURITY

In an extensive lead interview with Trud, Ilin Savov, a cybercrime expert and lecturer at the Trakia University in Stara Zagora, warns that cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and frequent. He emphasizes that as digital technology becomes more integrated into daily life, criminals are increasingly exploiting it for fraud and identity theft.

According to Savov, cybercriminals target both individuals and businesses, often using phishing emails, fake websites, and social engineering to steal personal data and money. Many victims are lured by promises of quick profits or fall prey to fake job offers, online shopping scams, and investment frauds. He stresses that the best protection is awareness and caution. People should verify sources before clicking on links or providing information, regularly update passwords, and avoid sharing sensitive data on social media. Two-factor authentication and antivirus software are also critical tools for cyber defence.

Savov also highlights the importance of reporting any suspicious activity. Timely signals help authorities trace attacks and prevent further damage. While the Interior Ministry’s Cybercrime Unit within the General Directorate Combating Organized Crime is working closely with international agencies like Europol and Interpol, the expert points out that prevention starts with the user.

Cyber threats evolve constantly, Savov concludes, and public education is essential. The more informed and alert citizens are, the less likely they are to become victims.