https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/rss Sat, 15 Aug 2026 18:58:53 +0300 en hourly 1 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1186059-michelin-listed-sea-sense-hotel-in-sozopol-adds-new-relaxation-area https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1186059-michelin-listed-sea-sense-hotel-in-sozopol-adds-new-relaxation-area Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:53:43 +0300 A brand-new relaxation area has been added to Sea Sense Boutique Hotel in Sozopol, further enhancing the hotel’s concept of peace and privacy. The property is the second hotel in the seaside town to be included in the list of recommended hotels in the Michelin Guide. The boutique hotel is among the latest Bulgarian properties to be added to the selection. The new relaxation area is one of the hotel’s latest additions and features a sauna, steam room and gym, as well as a range of relaxing treatments. According to owner Dimitar Kolev, its creation completes a concept that has been at the heart of the property since it was first designed. Sea Sense was established in 2016, although the concept for its architecture and overall atmosphere had been developed long before its official opening. Kolev said several teams were involved in the process before the desired result was achieved. "From the very beginning, we were looking to create a sense of peace and privacy. We wanted guests to cross the threshold and gradually disconnect from the rhythm of everyday life. That is why both the architecture and the layout of the spaces were designed to create a sense of timelessness," Kolev said, stressing that even when the hotel is fully occupied, guests retain a feeling of having their own private space. "That is one of the distinctive features of the place. Even when the hotel is full, you don’t feel the noise or the crowds. Everyone has their own space and their own sense of privacy. We wanted tranquility to be part of the architecture itself, rather than simply another service we offer," he added. Particular attention was paid to the hotel’s vertical layout. The spaces have been arranged so that moving through them changes the visitor’s perception of the property, gradually revealing different views and perspectives of the sea. "Many of our guests tell us that when they leave the hotel, they feel as though they have arrived somewhere completely different. That was exactly the effect we were looking for. We didn’t want the space to reveal itself all at once, we wanted people to gradually discover its different facets," Kolev said. The hotel is located directly on the seafront and has 13 rooms, with the sea serving as a natural extension of the architecture. Panoramic views of the Black Sea, an infinity pool, bright interiors and natural materials are among the features that distinguish the property, the owner said. The restaurant is primarily intended for hotel guests and people who have visited the property before. According to Kolev, repeat visits are one of the clearest indicators of how guests respond to the hotel’s concept. "A large proportion of our guests come back again and again. We have people who have stayed with us many times, and some have even gone on to buy property in Sozopol and continue to visit us. Over time, a kind of community has formed around the hotel of people who like not only Sea Sense but Sozopol itself," he said. The hotel also hosts private events, including weddings. Regardless of the reason for their visit, Kolev said, the central idea remains to give guests an opportunity to disconnect from the pace of everyday life. The name Sea Sense is also rooted in this philosophy. "The sea was the natural starting point for the name. From the very beginning, we wanted to create a place that conveys a sense of lightness, tranquility and closeness to nature," Kolev added. The Michelin Guide describes the hotel as a boutique property on the Black Sea coast, featuring panoramic views, an infinity pool, a sauna and a sea-view gym. The Michelin Guide hotel selection is based on the overall guest experience, the character of the property, the quality of service and the individuality of each hotel. For Kolev, inclusion in the selection is recognition of the ideas on which Sea Sense has been built and developed over the years. "For us, it is confirmation that the idea we have followed from the very beginning makes sense. We never set out simply to create another hotel by the sea. We wanted to create a place with its own character, where people feel good and want to come back," he said. In a series of articles, the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) is presenting Bulgarian hotels included in the Michelin Guide Hotels selection, which recognizes properties with distinctive character, consistently high quality, a high standard of service and a clear connection to their destination. Recently, nine accommodation establishments received certificates from the Ministry of Tourism for high professional standards, impeccable quality of services and their contribution to strengthening the reputation of Bulgaria as a destination. "We need to tell the stories of these hotels and show what lies behind their success. In this way, we can encourage more industry representatives to invest in quality, character and experiences, and increase the number of Bulgarian properties recognised on the global stage," Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov said on the occasion. Economy Risida Dimitrova BTA correspondent Stanimir Dimitrov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1186060-inspectorate-finds-large-amounts-of-waste-stored-improperly-at-sofia-waste-treat https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1186060-inspectorate-finds-large-amounts-of-waste-stored-improperly-at-sofia-waste-treat Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:15:00 +0300 Large amounts of waste have been stored in breach of requirements at Sofia Municipality's waste treatment plant, a follow-up inspection by the Sofia Regional Environment and Water Inspectorate (REWI) has found. During an August 14 inspection, the inspectorate again found violations of the plant's integrated permit conditions, including the outdoor storage of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) outside designated areas. The practice had already been flagged in previous inspections, but has continued despite orders to correct it, REWI-Sofia said. The inspectorate also found that the plant had again failed to provide real-time remote access to its video surveillance system at the Sadinata site, despite previous orders to do so. REWI-Sofia has taken enforcement action and issued new orders to correct the violations. The inspection is part of increased oversight of the facility, the inspectorate said. In 2025 alone, REWI-Sofia carried out 10 inspections of Sofia Municipality's integrated waste treatment system and issued 12 administrative violation reports, resulting in fines totalling EUR 78,738. Economy Diana Dukovska Nelly Zheleva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1186042-short-term-rental-apartments-to-join-unified-tourism-information-system-next-yea https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1186042-short-term-rental-apartments-to-join-unified-tourism-information-system-next-yea Sat, 15 Aug 2026 12:57:39 +0300 Apartments offered for short-term rental will be included in Bulgaria's Unified Tourism Information System in 2027, Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov told reporters in Varna. He said this move follows a European Commission regulation and is included in the Cabinet's tourism programme, part of its Government Programme until 2030. The aim is to bring more transparency and ensure that the actual number of overnight stays is recorded, Dimitrov said. Planned legislative changes would also require municipalities to spend at least 35% of the tourism tax they collect on marketing and advertising, with the aim of decentralizing tourism promotion and encouraging more local events. The government also plans to establish a fund for air connectivity and advertising to support airlines through three-year programmes. Dimitrov said Bulgarian airports, with the exception of Sofia Airport, have yet to return to their 2019 passenger traffic levels. Talks on the fund are well advanced and, if agreement is reached, the number of available seats could increase by several hundred thousand. Policies are also planned to improve the quality of tourism services, including the establishment in Varna on September 27 of an association of higher education institutions training tourism professionals, together with a Tourism Quality Observatory. A World Tourism Alley will be launched in the Sea Garden, where each new country, university or organization joining the association will plant a tree. Dimitrov said the Ministry is also preparing changes to the guarantee fund for tour operators to provide greater protection for travellers in the event of bankruptcy or other unforeseen circumstances. He said that tour operators currently take out insurance with limited coverage, while the packages customers have paid for are often several times more expensive. As a result, not all customers who have paid for their holiday are able to get their money back. The summer season started slowly due to problems in the German market, but current figures show the sector is approaching last year's levels, Dimitrov said. Tourist registrations totalled about 1.61 million in July, compared with 1.65 million a year earlier. More detailed data on package prices and length of stay are expected in late September or early October, he said, adding that there was no reason to describe the season as a disaster, although there was little cause for celebration either. Bulgaria now has 26 Blue Flag beaches and six Blue Flag marinas, Dimitrov said. The goal is to increase their number to 40. He  highlighted Bulgaria's third-place ranking in Europe for bathing water quality, according to the European Environment and Water Association. Economy Diana Dukovska BTA correspondent Mila Edreva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1186021-insurance-remains-affordable-as-demand-for-voluntary-coverage-grows-association https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1186021-insurance-remains-affordable-as-demand-for-voluntary-coverage-grows-association Sat, 15 Aug 2026 11:40:30 +0300 Insurance remains highly affordable, with little significant change in prices for many types of cover, Chair of the Management Board of the Association of Bulgarian Insurers Nikolay Stanchev told the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). He talked about developments in the insurance sector in 2026, as well as current issues facing the industry. Stanchev noted that quality home insurance for an average apartment typically costs between EUR 60 and EUR 100 a year, roughly the price of a family dinner out. There has been no unusual increase in the price of compulsory third-party liability insurance for motorists, he added. "If we look at a longer period, we can see that the average market price today is comparable to that in 2021. Over the past five years, it has increased by around 6.5%, while inflation has been about 42% and the cost of repairs and labour has risen by more than 105%. In recent months, there has indeed been some movement in prices for certain categories of vehicles. To a large extent, this is a natural market response following the withdrawal of an insurer that for years had been offering policies below cost," Stanchev said. He noted that when discussing the price of compulsory third-party liability insurance, it is important not to forget what its primary purpose is - to protect people injured in road accidents. The policy must therefore remain affordable, while also providing sufficient financial resources to pay compensation, he said. On the subject of "seasonal" insurance, Stanchev said there may be an expectation that the price should be directly proportional to the length of the insurance period, for example, that a six-month policy should cost half as much as an annual one. In insurance, however, premiums are determined not only by the duration of coverage but also by the level of risk. "With motorcycles, for example, the months when they are used most actively are precisely those when the risk of road accidents is highest. It is therefore unrealistic for the price of a seasonal policy to be determined solely in proportion to the number of months of coverage," he said. This is why, Stanchev explained, the issue of seasonal insurance is somewhat more complicated than it may initially appear. On the one hand, there are vehicles such as motorcycles that are typically used only during part of the year, and it is perfectly understandable that their owners would seek more flexible solutions. But current legislation requires every registered motor vehicle to have valid compulsory third-party liability insurance throughout the entire period of its registration. Therefore, if seasonal insurance is introduced, there will need to be a clear mechanism governing what happens once the seasonal policy expires, whether the vehicle’s registration will be temporarily suspended and it will no longer be allowed on the road, or whether a new insurance policy will have to be taken out, Stanchev explained. These practical issues are currently being discussed by a working group involving representatives of motorcyclists, government institutions and the Association of Bulgarian Insurers. The aim is to find a workable solution that meets consumers’ expectations while ensuring that no registered vehicles are left without the mandatory insurance coverage. According to Stanchev, the introduction of the bonus-malus system, which links the cost of compulsory third-party liability insurance to a driver’s behaviour on the road, is now in its final stages. Following the adoption of two regulations governing the system, the Guarantee Fund and insurers will adapt their information systems. If everything proceeds as planned, it is entirely realistic for the system to become operational at the beginning of 2027, Stanchev said. He noted that insurers already use the bonus-malus principle when assessing risk. The difference is that, until now, each company had access only to information about its own customers. The new system will allow this information to be shared among all insurers. Thus, if a driver has caused claims or damage in the past, this will be taken into account even if they decide to switch insurers, he explained. Ultimately, Stanchev said, this will make the system fairer. Drivers with a good insurance record will be able to receive better terms, while those who cause claims more frequently will pay higher premiums. This is the fundamental idea behind the system: for the price of insurance to more accurately reflect the actual level of risk. In recent years, insurers have observed an increasingly clear trend of growing interest in voluntary insurance coverage. Although motor insurance continues to account for around 70% of the general insurance market, faster growth in property, health and other types of voluntary insurance is gradually leading to a more balanced market structure. This trend is also confirmed by the findings of a national survey conducted in May: the share of people who have or have had one of the main types of voluntary insurance has nearly doubled over the past six years. "Even more telling is the fact that the share of people who take out insurance solely because they are legally or contractually required to do so has fallen from 59% in 2020 to 32% in 2026. This means that more and more people are choosing voluntary insurance because they see a real benefit for themselves and their families, rather than simply because they are required to," Stanchev said. Despite this positive trend, the level of voluntary insurance in Bulgaria remains lower than in most European countries. According to the industry, this points to significant potential for further market development. If the shift in attitudes continues, and people receive more information and gain a better understanding of the opportunities offered by insurance, an increasing number of them will see it as a natural tool for protecting their property, health and financial security, the association’s chair said. He stressed that people should not wait until a risk becomes personal before taking action, the best approach is to take out insurance before an adverse event occurs. Data from the Financial Supervision Commission show that in 2025, property insurance was among the fastest-growing segments of the market, expanding by more than 24%. Meanwhile, the national representative survey on attitudes toward insurance found that the share of people who have or have had property insurance increased from 16% in 2020 to 31% in 2026. According to Stanchev, the main driver behind this change is the increasing frequency of natural disasters. More and more people realize that such events can cause serious financial losses, while insurance is the most effective way of dealing with their consequences. "I believe the active information campaigns conducted by the Association of Bulgarian Insurers in recent years have also contributed. We see that when people receive more practical information about risks and how property insurance works, they are much more likely to decide to protect their homes," he added. A positive trend is also being observed in agricultural insurance, partly due to improved conditions for co-financing premiums, of up to 70%, through the State Fund Agriculture, as well as a simplified administrative process. Nevertheless, some of the funds available under the scheme remain unused. Stanchev urged farmers to take advantage of this opportunity, because having insurance can be the decisive factor in whether a farm survives a severe natural disaster. Health insurance is another area experiencing dynamic growth, the association’s chair noted. Premium income increased by around 23% in 2025, although this was driven primarily by the higher costs for medical services. "In Bulgaria, these insurance policies are mainly taken out by employers for the benefit of their employees and have become one of the most highly valued employee benefits. According to our data, around 600,000 people benefit from this type of insurance. Insurers could play an even more active role in this market if our place within the healthcare system were more clearly regulated. This would ensure better oversight of the quality of medical services and more efficient management of funds," Stanchev said. Economy Risida Dimitrova Veselina Yordanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185979-sofia-commodity-exchange-world-wheat-prices-up-25-following-attacks-by-ukrain https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185979-sofia-commodity-exchange-world-wheat-prices-up-25-following-attacks-by-ukrain Sat, 15 Aug 2026 09:31:37 +0300 World wheat prices are now around 25% above January levels, following attacks by Ukraine and Russia on their respective export infrastructure in the Black Sea, according to experts at the Sofia Commodity Exchange (SCE) in their weekly market analysis. As a result, Russian wheat exports in August are on track to fall to their lowest level since 2016/17, at 3–3.4 million tonnes compared with an average of 5 million tonnes. Ukraine, meanwhile, has halved its forecast for grain exports in 2026/27 to 29.6 million tonnes. Futures contracts for milling wheat with delivery next month on the Chicago exchange traded at around USD 235-239 per tonne, while those on Euronext in Europe were traded between USD 243 and USD 256 per tonne. Next-month futures for corn on the Chicago exchange traded in the USD 172-180 per tonne range, while those on Euronext were traded between USD 285 and USD 290 per tonne. New York raw sugar futures traded at around USD 362–370 per tonne, while refined sugar futures in London were priced at approximately USD 506–518 per tonne. At the Sofia Commodity Exchange, during the second week of August, the starting price for feed wheat remained at EUR 192 per tonne, while offers for milling wheat continued at EUR 190 per tonne. Prices of major food commodities remained stable, while opening offer prices edged slightly lower for various types of canned goods: green peas at EUR 1.19 per kilogram, sweet corn at EUR 1.83 per kilogram and diced peeled tomatoes at EUR 2.53 per kilogram. Nuts and seeds continued to be offered at prices ranging from EUR 1,278.23 to EUR 7,362.60 per tonne. In the Industrial Goods segment of the Sofia Commodity Exchange, transactions this week included firewood at EUR 60–77 per cubic metre, B6 diesel fuel at EUR 1,390–1,470 per 1,000 litres, and automotive petrol at EUR 1,200–1,280 per 1,000 litres. Propane-butane gas was traded at EUR 500–530 per 1,000 litres, while gas oil for industrial and public-sector use was traded at EUR 1,392.57–1,490.96 per 1,000 litres. In metals, transactions included ferrous scrap at EUR 104–137 per tonne, aluminium scrap at EUR 5,844 per tonne, and copper scrap at EUR 909 per tonne. Economy Risida Dimitrova Anelia Tsvetkova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185748-bulgarian-food-safety-agency-returns-11-6-tonnes-of-peppers-to-north-macedonia-a https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185748-bulgarian-food-safety-agency-returns-11-6-tonnes-of-peppers-to-north-macedonia-a Fri, 14 Aug 2026 18:01:04 +0300 The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) found formetanate pesticide residues above the permitted level in an 11.6-tonne shipment of peppers imported from North Macedonia, BFSA said on Friday. The shipment entered through the Zlatarevo Border Checkpoint and was bound for a food business operator in Petrich. The sample was collected during intensified border checks launched by BFSA in early August. The shipment was placed under official detention at the recipient’s premises and kept in refrigerated storage pending the laboratory results. Once the excessive pesticide levels were confirmed, BFSA ordered the shipment returned to the supplier. With the assistance of the Customs Agency, it was returned to its country of origin without entering the Bulgarian market. The intensified border checks will continue. So far, 35 fresh vegetable samples have been tested, including 21 collected at the Zlatarevo Border Checkpoint and 14 at the Gyueshevo Border Checkpoint. They comprised 22 pepper samples and 13 tomato samples. The consignments originated from North Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania. Since August 3, 2026, BFSA, together with the State Commission on Commodity Exchanges and Markets, the National Revenue Agency and the Interior Ministry, has been carrying out targeted inspections of the trade in tomatoes, peppers, peaches and watermelons across the country and at border checkpoints. The checks cover product safety, quality, origin and traceability. Inspectors verify the origin and traceability of consignments, compliance with quality requirements and marketing standards, and the labelling and accompanying documents for produce from Bulgaria, other EU countries and third countries. Samples are also collected for laboratory testing. At border checkpoints, documentary, identity and physical checks are carried out, together with laboratory testing for pesticide residues. BFSA will maintain the intensified controls on fresh fruit and vegetables to ensure that only products meeting safety and quality requirements reach consumers. Economy Kristina Ivanova Ivona Velichkova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185680-confederation-of-independent-trade-unions-will-not-agree-to-minimum-wage-set-at- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185680-confederation-of-independent-trade-unions-will-not-agree-to-minimum-wage-set-at- Fri, 14 Aug 2026 16:46:33 +0300 Plamen Dimitrov, President of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria, said the union had never agreed and would not agree to the minimum wage being set at 50% of the average basic wage as measured through employment registers. He was speaking to reporters after a meeting between government, trade union and employer representatives on the mechanism for determining the minimum wage. He said there was currently agreement on the criteria set out in the EU directive on adequate minimum wages and International Labour Organization Convention No. 131. Dimitrov said the indicators to be discussed for 2027 would most likely include growth in the small consumer basket index rather than the cost of living. He added that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Galab Donev and National Statistical Institute President Atanas Atanasov had agreed that the Institute should be tasked with developing a national cost-of-living measure for 2027. The second indicator discussed with the social partners concerned the overall level of wages in Bulgaria and it would most likely be measured through the median wage and its growth, Dimitrov said. The third would be growth in average annual gross wages, while the fourth would be long-term labour productivity growth. Dimitrov does not expect the minimum wage to remain at its current EUR 620.20. He expects the government to find a way to raise it to between EUR 670 and EUR 680. The social partners will continue their discussions on Monday. On August 12, Finance Minister Galab Donev said a new mechanism for determining the minimum wage for 2027 is expected to be adopted by the end of August. The mechanism should be used to set the minimum wage by the end of September 2026. A working group has set the reference value at 50% of the average basic wage. On July 24, Parliament decided that a new minimum wage formation mechanism would be introduced and that until its adoption the 2026 minimum wage of EUR 620 would remain valid. Economy Diana Dukovska Borislava Bibinovska https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185583-labour-inspectorate-receives-over-12-000-calls-to-national-hotline-in-2025 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185583-labour-inspectorate-receives-over-12-000-calls-to-national-hotline-in-2025 Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:48:26 +0300 More than 12,000 calls were received by the national telephone line of the General Labour Inspectorate in 2025, the executive agency's press office said on Friday. The figure does not include calls to the direct telephone numbers of the agency's regional directorates across the country. According to the survey forms submitted through the various information-access channels maintained by the agency, service users identify telephone consultations as their preferred means of communication and obtaining information on issues of interest to them. The national telephone line is a single number available throughout the country for consultations related to the agency's administrative services, as well as on matters within the Labour Inspectorate's remit, including compliance with labour legislation, legislation on healthy and safe working conditions, employment promotion, labour migration and labour mobility, among others. Reports of violations can also be submitted via the line. Employers most frequently seek advice on applying regulatory requirements and complying with their obligations in organizing the work of enterprises, concluding and terminating employment contracts, remuneration, determining compensation under the Labour Code and deadlines for its payment, employing third-country nationals, and other matters. Employees most often ask questions about the establishment and termination of employment relationships, wages and compensation and deadlines for their payment, working hours, breaks and leave, protection against dismissal, overtime work and work during public holidays. They also frequently seek advice on how to report violations, the deadlines for inspections by labour inspectors and receiving a response. For every report received by the agency concerning work without an employment contract, including verbally agreed working conditions such as remuneration, working hours and other terms, it is necessary for the employees to be found at their workplaces and cooperate with the control authorities so that the law can be enforced more effectively. Labour inspectors must establish beyond doubt that the worker is at the given workplace and is working for the respective employer without a written document. In such circumstances, they may declare the existence of an employment relationship by means of an order. Labour inspectors identified more than 96,000 violations of labour legislation in the first six months of 2026. During this period, 24,772 inspections were carried out. A total of 1,774 workers were found to be working without employment contracts. Inspectors also identified 51,576 violations related to ensuring healthy and safe working conditions. Economy Kristina Ivanova Petra Kurteva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185615-industrial-association-president-sees-no-grounds-for-double-digit-minimum-wage-i https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185615-industrial-association-president-sees-no-grounds-for-double-digit-minimum-wage-i Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:44:42 +0300 Bulgarian Industrial Association President Dobri Mitrev said on Friday that judging from statistics, there are no grounds for a double-digit increase in the minimum wage. A 5-6% increase would bring it to around EUR 650, he told reporters after a meeting between government, trade union and employer representatives on the mechanism for determining the minimum wage. However, no specific figure was discussed at the meeting, he added. The participants discussed the indicators relevant to changes in average wage growth, the small consumer basket index, changes in the median wage and gross value added per person employed, said Mitrev. At the next meeting, they are expected to discuss the weights of those indicators and the ratios between them. All indicators are calculated by the National Statistical Institute. Mitrev said no consensus had been reached yet, but he was optimistic that a solution would be found. Otherwise, the decision would rest with the government, he said, confirming that it would issue a decree setting the new minimum wage if the social partners failed to agree. Asked if the minimum wage could remain at its current level of EUR 620.20, Mitrev said he did not believe this would happen. He also said he did not expect a methodology for determining the cost of living to be drawn up. In his view, the best option is to measure purchasing power through the small consumer basket. A fair minimum wage is one based on objective criteria, he added. The 2027 budget procedure should begin on August 20, Mitrev also said. The social partners will continue their discussions on Monday. On August 12, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Galab Donev said a new mechanism for determining the minimum wage in Bulgaria is expected to be adopted by the end of August. The mechanism should be used to set the minimum wage for 2027 by the end of September 2026. A working group has set the reference value at 50% of the average basic wage. On July 24, Parliament decided that a new minimum wage formation mechanism would be introduced and that until its adoption the 2026 minimum wage of EUR 620 would remain valid.  Economy Diana Dukovska Borislava Bibinovska https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185513-wine-spa-hotel-chukara-in-tryavna-joins-michelin-guide-selection https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185513-wine-spa-hotel-chukara-in-tryavna-joins-michelin-guide-selection Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:44:42 +0300 Wine & SPA Hotel Chukara in Tryavna has been included in the MICHELIN Guide selection as a newly recommended accommodation, which the hotel management describes as recognition of the overall concept and the work of its team to create a memorable experience for guests. The complex combines winemaking, gastronomy, wellness and opportunities for recreation amid the natural surroundings of the Tryavna Balkan. Among the highlights in the hotel's presentation are its location amid the Balkan Mountains, its proximity to the Revival-era town of Tryavna, its wine identity, gastronomy and the opportunity to enjoy a comprehensive experience in one place. The hotel features its own winery, a spa area, two restaurants, a zoo area with rescued animals, event spaces and outdoor activities. Following its inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide, the hotel has already seen increased interest, particularly from visitors who follow international tourism platforms and seek more distinctive travel destinations. The selection provides an opportunity both to raise the hotel's profile and to promote Tryavna and the surrounding region, the hotel management said. The hotel's main guests are from Bulgaria, but interest from international visitors has been growing in recent years. The complex's next long-term goal is to receive a MICHELIN Key. Chukara's management said this is a natural direction for its development, but that they do not want the team's work to be driven solely by a particular distinction. Their priorities remain service quality, gastronomy, the wine concept, the spa service and the overall approach to its guests. In a series of articles, the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) is presenting Bulgarian hotels included in the Michelin Guide Hotels selection, which recognizes properties with distinctive character, consistently high quality, a high standard of service and a clear connection to their destination. Recently, nine accommodation establishments received certificates from the Ministry of Tourism for high professional standards, impeccable quality of services and their contribution to strengthening the reputation of Bulgaria as a destination. "We need to tell the stories of these hotels and show what lies behind their success. In this way, we can encourage more industry representatives to invest in quality, character and experiences, and increase the number of Bulgarian properties recognised on the global stage," Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov said on the occasion. Economy Kristina Ivanova Radoslav Parvanov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1185459-all-20-new-skoda-trains-expected-to-be-in-operation-by-august-20-transport-mini https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1185459-all-20-new-skoda-trains-expected-to-be-in-operation-by-august-20-transport-mini Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:43:00 +0300 All 20 new Skoda trains are expected to be in operation by August 20, after which Alstom trains will be delivered, bringing the number of new trains in service to about 60 by the beginning of September, Transport and Communications Minister Georgi Peev said on Friday while travelling on the first Skoda train, departing from Sofia Central Railway Station. The new Skoda electric multiple-unit trains will enter service gradually starting Friday. Peev said the new Skoda and Alstom trains would not be enough to provide comprehensive quality rail services, which he described as a strategic government objective. He noted that around 280-300 carriages would be needed to adequately serve the country's railway system, adding that the initial 60 new trains were a good start. The Government will do everything possible to secure European funding for railway transport, Peev said, stressing that the sector should be developed through a comprehensive programme rather than on a piecemeal basis. He noted that demand for sleeper cars was high while their number remained insufficient. The analysis currently being prepared will serve as the basis for a programme to renew the rolling stock in the coming years, taking into account passenger flows and needs on individual routes. Peev said that modern rolling stock alone would not be enough and that good infrastructure was also essential. A comprehensive set of measures was needed, including infrastructure development, safe systems, modern rolling stock and qualified and properly motivated staff. He added that train drivers currently work in poor conditions and are inadequately paid for their efforts. The Skoda trains will operate on shorter routes, while the Alstom trains to be delivered later are intended for longer routes, Peev said. The 20 Skoda trains have been named after Bulgarian mountains and peaks. The first train, which entered service Friday, is named Sredna Gora. The Alstom trains will also be given names, he added. Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov said connectivity and mobility were key to the progress of any country. More than EUR 400 million is being invested in new rolling stock under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, representing the largest renewal of the country's railway fleet in more than two decades, Pekanov said. The Government will work to reduce regional disparities and inequalities, with mobility and connectivity through convenient and quality transport playing a key role, he added. Pekanov said that, alongside the continued purchase of new rolling stock, the entire railway system needed to operate efficiently. This included properly staffed and motivated personnel, signalling and network management systems, and infrastructure. Significant funding would be earmarked for these areas in the next programming period, he said. The 20 zero-emission Skoda multiple-unit trains offer modern safety and security solutions, greater passenger comfort and improved accessibility. The trains are being supplied at a cost of EUR 261.4 million excluding VAT, financed under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The contract for the delivery of the 20 multiple-unit trains was signed in early September 2024 at the Granite Hall of the Council of Ministers. Bulgaria Veneta Litkova Kamelia Tsvetanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1185349-over-8-mln-people-take-part-in-choosing-future-euro-banknote-design-ecb-officia https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1185349-over-8-mln-people-take-part-in-choosing-future-euro-banknote-design-ecb-officia Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:26:00 +0300 More than eight million people have taken part in a public consultation on the future design of euro banknotes, said Doris Schneeberger, Director of the Banknotes Directorate at the European Central Bank (ECB) in an interview with BTA. Bulgarian citizens can actively participate in shaping the future appearance of the banknotes as citizens of the euro area's 21st member, she said. According to Schneeberger, participation gives Europeans an opportunity to help shape one of the most tangible symbols of Europe. The ECB does not yet have a final breakdown of participation by country because the consultation is still ongoing. Interest in the consultation has increased significantly in recent weeks. Two weeks ago, the ECB reported more than six million participants, while more than eight million questionnaires have now been completed. This shows that euro banknotes remain important to citizens and that people want to have a say in their future design, Schneeberger said. The ECB is preparing the first comprehensive redesign of euro banknotes since they were introduced more than 20 years ago. The aim is to make the notes more closely connected to Europeans while improving their security, durability and accessibility. Unlike the current series, which features stylized architectural images, the new banknotes could depict real people, buildings, birds and natural motifs. Two themes have reached the final stage of the process: "European Culture" and "Rivers and Birds". They were selected following recommendations by an independent expert group and a public consultation in 2023, which attracted more than 365,000 participants. In selecting the final design, the ECB Governing Council will take into account the results of the public consultations, the assessment by the design competition jury and the technical requirements for the future banknotes. A decision is expected towards the end of 2026, Schneeberger said. The new series will feature advanced security elements designed to make counterfeiting more difficult and authentication easier. The ECB also plans additional improvements for people with visual impairments, including more distinctive colours, different banknote sizes and tactile markings, as well as, for the first time, markings resembling Braille. Work is also underway to extend the lifespan of banknotes, which should reduce both their environmental impact and the costs associated with replacing them. The redesign is being carried out alongside preparations for the digital euro. However, the ECB does not expect cash to decline to the point where it becomes secondary. According to Schneeberger, access to cash remains important for financial inclusion, privacy and the resilience of the payment system, particularly during crises or temporary disruptions to digital payments. Once the final design is selected, the technical adaptation, integration of security features, production preparations and testing will begin. As a result, it will take several years before the first banknotes of the new series reach the public. They will be introduced gradually, as was the case with the Europa series, the ECB's Director of the Banknotes Directorate said. Following is the full text of the interview: Over six million people have already participated in the public consultation. Is this level of engagement higher than the ECB expected and what does it suggest about Europeans' relationship with cash? Participation in the consultation has been very strong, with currently over eight million completed surveys. This high level of engagement is very encouraging, showing that euro banknotes matter to people and that citizens care about having a say in their future design. How many responses came from Bulgaria?  At this stage, with the survey still lasting more than a month, it is too early to provide a detailed breakdown by country, including Bulgaria. We encourage as many citizens as possible, in Bulgaria and all other euro area member states, to take this opportunity to voice their preferences. Bulgaria has become the 21st member of the euro area. How important is it for Bulgarian citizens to participate in this public consultation? The public consultation is an important opportunity for Bulgarian citizens as well to actively contribute to the future design of euro banknotes, ensuring they reflect the values and preferences of all Europeans, including those from Bulgaria. What message would you like to send to Bulgarian citizens who may still associate the euro mainly with economic and monetary policy rather than with a shared European identity? The euro banknotes are a powerful symbol of unity and shared European identity that connects us every day. By participating, Bulgarian citizens can help shape one of the most tangible representations of Europe. As such, this is now the opportunity for Bulgarians to help shaping a currency that is a daily reminder of the cooperation and unity that underpin the euro area. Why was it now considered the right moment for the first comprehensive redesign of euro banknotes since they were introduced more than 20 years ago? The redesign is part of the ECB's commitment to keep euro banknotes secure, attractive and accessible. After more than 20 years, it is time to refresh the designs to better connect with Europeans, improve on its sustainability and incorporate updated security features to stay ahead of counterfeiting threats. This process ensures the euro continues to be a trusted means of payment and a meaningful symbol for people across the euro area and beyond. The current euro banknotes deliberately avoid depicting real places or historical figures. What has changed in the ECB's thinking to make it open to more symbolic and culturally expressive designs? The change in the ECB's thinking originates from an effort to make euro banknotes more relatable and culturally expressive. Up until now, euro banknotes have depicted abstract monuments that symbolically represent Europe's shared cultural heritage but do not actually exist. However, themes and motifs for the new designs are now being selected with input from experts and feedback from focus groups and public surveys, reflecting a more inclusive and participatory process.  This shift creates an opportunity to feature real people, real birds and real buildings, making the banknotes more meaningful and relatable to the citizens of Europe while still showcasing the continent's rich cultural and natural heritage. The shortlisted themes are 'European culture' and 'Rivers and Birds'. Why were these ultimately preferred over more explicitly political or historical concepts? The themes 'European Culture' and 'Rivers and Birds' were chosen following recommendations by an independent expert group and a public consultation in summer 2023, in which over 365,000 Europeans provided their feedback. At the end of 2023, the Governing Council of the European Central Bank decided to proceed with these two themes due to their broad appeal across all euro area countries and the common thread of connecting Europe and Europeans. 'European Culture’ illustrates Europe's rich cultural heritage and its dynamic cultural and creative sectors strengthen our shared European identity, forging a shared sense of belonging. Culture promotes common values, inclusion and dialogue in Europe and beyond. It brings people together.  For 'Rivers and birds,' the idea is that the rivers and birds recognize no borders, symbolizing freedom and unity among Europeans and our connection to nature. Europe boasts a wide variety of rivers and birds that inspire us and remind us of our responsibility to protect the environment.  Euro banknotes are often described as one of the most tangible symbols of European integration. What story do you hope the new series will tell about Europe in the coming decades? These themes represent our European values, both now and in the future. With our future banknotes featuring one of them, they are a daily reminder of the European project - one which everyone can experience every single day. How much weight will public preferences carry in the Governing Council's final decision, compared to the recommendations of the expert jury and technical assessments? The Governing Council's final decision on the new euro banknote designs, expected around the end of 2026, will be based on a consideration of multiple inputs: the public's feedback, the Design Contest Jury report and a technical assessment.  Public preferences, gathered through two surveys, one via the ECB website and one being a representative survey conducted by a market research company, play a significant role in ensuring the designs resonate with citizens across the euro area, as the euro is the symbol of unity that belongs to everyone. However, the final decision will also account for the expertise of the jury, which evaluated the artistic and thematic quality of the designs, as well as the results of technical assessments to ensure the banknotes meet the highest standards of security, durability, and usability. This holistic approach ensures that the final designs are meaningful and relatable to the public while also being practical and secure for everyday use.  Once the designs are selected, technical work will commence to translate the design into actual banknotes. In a Union that continues to grow and evolve, how can a common banknote design represent the identities of more than 350 million Europeans without favoring individual countries? The chosen themes and motifs transcend national boundaries and reflect values, heritage and natural elements common to all European citizens.  'European Culture' focuses on the shared cultural spaces and depicts various cultural activities and spaces, and iconic European personalities who have contributed to building Europe's cultural heritage. Their lives span six centuries, during which they lived, travelled and worked across our continent, and their accomplishments have resonated around the world. The motifs for 'Rivers and Birds' highlight the resilience in diversity of Europe's natural ecosystems by showcasing different stages of rivers and various bird species, emphasising the importance of nature and environmental protection; also featuring the European institutions that remind us of the fundamental values of the European project. Beyond aesthetics, what technical innovations should citizens expect from the next generation of euro banknotes? What new anti-counterfeiting technologies are likely to be incorporated into the redesigned banknotes? The European Central Bank, like all central banks, has a duty to safeguard the integrity and security of its euro banknotes.  To make sure that euro banknotes remain accessible and inclusive, we develop innovative security features that everyone can easily recognize and trust. To stay ahead of counterfeiters, we continuously work to improve these features and to develop new ones for the future banknotes. The new series will introduce advanced security features, making the banknotes more difficult to counterfeit and easier to check for everyone. The ECB has said that the new notes will be more secure, accessible, and environmentally sustainable. Which of these three objectives has proved the most challenging from a design and technological perspective? During the introduction of the last series, security has likely been the most challenging objective for the ECB. Counterfeiting methods evolve constantly, requiring the integration of advanced or new security features.  Balancing these innovations with usability and production efficiency adds complexity. Especially as the banknotes with the new features finally need to be handled and authenticated by thousands of machines like vending machines throughout the euro area. The ECB's ability to innovate in this area while addressing accessibility and sustainability demonstrates its commitment to producing banknotes that meet modern societal needs. How will the new banknotes improve accessibility for visually impaired people? The new euro banknotes will build on the experience from the current banknotes by keeping the different sizes of the notes and the tactile marks and will further enhance accessibility for visually impaired individuals for example through more distinct colours, and, for the first time, Braille-like marks.  These improvements are part of the ECB's commitment to ensuring usability for everyone while also paying special emphasis to vulnerable groups. We actively consult stakeholders, such as the European Blind Union, on a regular basis to incorporate their feedback throughout the redesign process, ensuring the new banknotes meet the needs of visually impaired users and are as inclusive as possible. Will the redesigned notes also have a longer lifespan, thereby reducing replacement costs for the Eurosystem? The ECB is conscious of the environmental impact of the euro banknotes and constantly aims to reduce it. We also strive for technologically sustainable solutions that can help reduce the environmental footprint of our euro banknotes and processes. One focus is to increase the lifespan of our new euro banknotes. By extending the life cycle of banknotes, the Eurosystem can achieve greater cost efficiency while aligning with its commitment to sustainability. The redesign is taking place alongside preparations for the digital euro. Some observers see the redesign as a symbolic reaffirmation of the role of cash. Do you agree? The redesign of euro banknotes reaffirms the vital role of cash and the ECB's commitment to it. Cash remains essential for inclusivity, privacy and resilience, especially during crises and as back-up in case digital payments would be temporarily unavailable, for example during a power outage. Cash will continue to play an important role for businesses and citizens alike. How do you think the role of cash will evolve within the euro area over the next decade? For the future, the Eurosystem is committed to ensuring public money will be accessible in both forms: As cash and as digital euro, so that Europeans continue to have the freedom of choice of how to pay.  These efforts are also reflected in the Single Currency Package of the European Commission, which via the Legal Tender of Cash Regulation aims to safeguard the role of euro cash. Once the Governing Council has selected the winning design later this year, what steps remain before citizens can receive the new banknotes? Once the Governing Council selects the final design around the end of 2026, the process will move from the design phase towards the technical implementation. The chosen design will undergo technical adaptation through the integration of advanced security features, preparation of production processes and testing, ensuring the banknotes meet the highest standards of durability, usability, and protection against counterfeiting. It will therefore take several years before the first banknotes of the new series reach people’s pockets. Can Europeans expect all denominations to enter circulation simultaneously, or will the rollout be gradual? The future euro banknotes will be launched in a staggered approach like for the Europa series, the concrete timing will take into account the feedback from various stakeholders, such as commercial banks, cash-in-transit companies and retailers, as well as the lessons learned from the introduction of the Europa series. World Veneta Litkova Boycho Popov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185443-continue-the-change-defence-of-state-interest-in-international-fair-plovdiv-cas https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185443-continue-the-change-defence-of-state-interest-in-international-fair-plovdiv-cas Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:58:25 +0300 Defending the State's interest in the case concerning International Fair Plovdiv will show whether the government intends to fight oligarchy, as stated in its programme, representatives of Continue the Change told a news conference at BTA's National Press Club in Plovdiv. The case seeks to establish that the State has the status of a shareholder holding rights over 29% of the company's capital. Participants included MP and former economy and industry minister Bogdan Bogdanov, Plovdiv's Western District Mayor Toni Stoycheva and Plovdiv Municipal Councillor Alexander Rakshiev. "We are not against public-private partnerships, but when we have seen poor management of this asset for 20 years, we have reason to suspect that the aim of taking control of the majority stake is not to preserve the fair but to turn it into yet another residential complex in Plovdiv," Bogdanov said. He noted that since 2006, successive governments had turned a blind eye to what he described as the covert privatization of the fair. According to Bogdanov, the fact that the autumn international technical exhibition will not be held this year is a serious indication that the fair is heading in the wrong direction. "We keep talking about innovative companies and high added value in the government programme, but where will our companies be showcased?" he asked. He called for the Council of Ministers to state its position on the case and welcomed the Finance Minister's declared readiness to defend the State's interest. The official website of International Fair Plovdiv says its exhibitions development concept is being updated, including restructuring of the autumn technical exhibition, which will therefore not be held this year. The new model envisages separate sector-specific exhibitions, which the fair's management says will ensure greater efficiency, a clearer focus and better conditions for professional contacts. The concept is being developed following an expert discussion involving the Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry, the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, industry representatives and business associations, the company said. As part of the restructuring, consideration is also being given to switching International Technical Fair to a biennial cycle, similar to the HEMUS International Defence Equipment and Services Exhibition. In a letter sent to Prime Minister Rumen Radev, and the ministers of finance and economy on August 6, Bogdanov warned that government inaction could lead to the permanent loss of state control over International Fair Plovdiv Plc. He said that in August 2016, under allegedly unclear circumstances, a 29% stake in the Plovdiv Fair was transferred to Varna Municipality, paving the way for the subsequent takeover of the strategic asset. Bogdanov also said that in October 2021, decisions by the municipal councils of Varna and Plovdiv marked the beginning of a new phase in the process of acquiring majority control by a company linked to Georgi Gergov. During his first month as economy minister in the Nikolay Denkov - Mariya Gabriel government, Bogdanov initiated legal action to prevent what he described as the covert privatization of the Plovdiv Fair. In July 2023, a lawsuit was filed seeking the restoration of the State's stake in the company. Economy Diana Dukovska BTA correspondent Irina Shopova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185405-unemployment-rate-in-bulgaria-rises-to-3-5-in-q2-of-2026 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185405-unemployment-rate-in-bulgaria-rises-to-3-5-in-q2-of-2026 Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:35:43 +0300 In the second quarter of 2026, there were 107,100 unemployed in Bulgaria, of whom 65,200  (60.9%) men and 41,900 (39.1%) women. The unemployment rate was 3.5% - 4% for men and 3% for women, according to National Statistical Institute (NSI) data released Friday. In the first quarter of the year, the unemployment rate stood at 3.2%. In the second quarter, 12,400 people (11.5% of all unemployed) were looking for a job for the first time. There were 45,000 long-term unemployed (for one year or more), representing 42% of all unemployed. The long-term unemployment rate was 1.5%. Youth unemployment rate (age group 15-29) was 8.1% (9.9% for men and 5.7% for women). Compared to the same quarter of 2025, this rate was higher by 0.1 percentage points. In the second quarter of 2026, there were 2,917,900 employed, of whom 1,546,800 men and 1,371,100 women. The employment rate for the population aged 15 years and over was 53%, or 59.1% for men and 47.4% for women. The service sector employed 1,951,600 people (66.9% of all in employment), the industry sector 816,200 people (28%), and agriculture, forestry and fishing 150,000 people (5.1%). In the first quarter of 2026, the total number of employed people was 2,916,500. The employment rate among the population aged 15 and over was 53%. Of those employed, 67.9% worked in the services sector, 27.7% in industry, and 4.4% in agriculture, forestry and fishing. Economy Kristina Ivanova Ekaterina Toteva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185438-bulgaria-shares-fifth-place-with-spain-in-eu-s-year-on-year-gdp-growth-ranking-i https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185438-bulgaria-shares-fifth-place-with-spain-in-eu-s-year-on-year-gdp-growth-ranking-i Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:23:47 +0300 At 2.7%, Bulgaria's year-on-year GDP growth in the second quarter of 2026 was the fifth highest in the European Union, running level with that of Spain, the Statistical Office of the European Commission (Eurostat) reported on Friday, unveiling flash estimates of member states' seasonally adjusted GDP. In the first quarter of 2026, Bulgaria shared fourth place with Slovenia with a GDP growth rate of 3.1% year on year. On a quarterly basis, Bulgaria showed the tenth-highest GDP growth rate in the EU in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the first quarter of 2026, at 0.6%. This compares with an increase by 0.7% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the fourth quarter of 2025. Overall, economic growth in the EU and the euro area accelerated in the second quarter of 2026, Eurostat's flash estimates show. Year on year, the respective rates were 1.2% and 1.0%, compared with 0.8% and 0.5% in the first quarter of 2026. Among the member states for which data is available, Slovenia reported the bloc's highest GDP growth, year on year, in the second quarter of 2026, at 4.8%, followed by Poland (3.7%), Cyprus (3.3%) and Sweden (2.8%). In quarterly terms, the EU economy expanded by 0.5% in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the first quarter of 2026. The euro area reported an increase by 0.4% after a period of no change in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the fourth quarter of 2025. Economy Valentin Evstatiev Marin Milkov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185377-gdp-growth-slows-to-2-7-y-y-in-second-quarter https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185377-gdp-growth-slows-to-2-7-y-y-in-second-quarter Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:30:39 +0300 Bulgaria's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 2.7% in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the second quarter of 2025 and by 0.6% compared with the first quarter of 2026, according to seasonally adjusted data published by the National Statistical Institute (NSI) on Friday. In the first quarter of 2026, GDP grew by 2.9% year-on-year and by 0.7% compared with the fourth quarter of 2025. Y/Y changes: other indicators In the second quarter of 2026, gross value added (GVA) in the Bulgarian economy increased by 2.2% year on year, according to seasonally adjusted data. Final consumption rose by 7.6%, while gross fixed capital formation increased by 8% compared with the second quarter of 2025. Exports of goods and services fell by 2.8% Y/Y, while imports of goods and services increased by 6.9%. Quarterly changes In the second quarter of 2026, GVA increased by 0.6% compared with the previous quarter. According to the NSI's flash GDP estimates by expenditure component, the economic growth recorded in seasonally adjusted terms compared with the previous quarter was driven by a 1.8% increase in gross fixed capital formation and a 1.6% rise in final consumption. GDP at current prices According to the NSI's flash estimates for the second quarter of 2026, GDP in nominal terms reached EUR 29,678,800,000. GVA amounted to EUR 25,722,300,000. Final consumption accounted for the largest share of GDP at 81.9%, amounting to EUR 24,309,600,000. Gross capital formation stood at EUR 6,521,500,000, accounting for 22% of GDP. The third component, external trade balance, was in negative territory. Economy Valentin Evstatiev Ekaterina Toteva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1185242-sofia-opens-new-line-3-metro-extension-to-levski-housing-estate https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1185242-sofia-opens-new-line-3-metro-extension-to-levski-housing-estate Fri, 14 Aug 2026 08:10:53 +0300 A new section of Line 3 of Sofia's Metro underground railway along Vladimir Vazov Boulevard will be officially opened today, August 14, by Mayor Vasil Terziev, Metropoliten EAD Executive Director Nikolay Naydenov and Prof. Stoyan Bratoev, a member of the company's Board of Directors. The extension will begin operating for passengers after 12 noon, the Sofia Municipality press office said. The extension of the line to the Levski Housing Estate is expected to allow more than 45,000 additional people to use the Metro each day, bringing the total daily number of Metro passengers in Sofia to more than 500,000. The extension provides a faster and more convenient transport connection for residents of the districts of Poduyane, Hadzhi Dimitar, Suhata Reka and Levski and for people travelling from the Hemus Motorway. Car traffic in the area is expected to decrease by up to 25%. The new section, which is nearly three kilometres long, includes three Metro stations: Georgi Asparuhov Stadium, Bessarabia, and Gen. Vladimir Vazov. The design of the three stops is marked by modern-style clean lines that emphasize a sense of movement and dynamism. Their architectural concepts are linked to their respective locations. The Georgi Asparuhov Stadium station features the colours of the iconic stadium and incorporates symbolism associated with football legend Georgi Asparuhov. The extension of Line 3 from Hadzhi Dimitar station to the Levski Housing Estate was carried out under Bulgaria's Recovery and Resilience Plan, financed by the EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility. The investment amounts to EUR 144.3 million excluding VAT. A musical programme will be held at each of the stations along the new section as part of the opening celebrations. Four additional Siemens trains will be put into service with the opening of the three-kilometre extension of Line 3, the Sofia Municipality press office said in July. The new trains are equipped with high-tech systems that automatically determine their location along the route and maintain a constant connection with the traffic control centre. Line 3 uses a communications-based train control (CBTC) system, which enables fast and safe train operation. Construction of the Line 3 extension began in March 2022 and was carried out entirely underground. Bulgaria Valentin Evstatiev Sofia Gospodinova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185105-union-of-accountants-in-bulgaria-proposes-system-for-controlling-implementation- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185105-union-of-accountants-in-bulgaria-proposes-system-for-controlling-implementation- Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:25:17 +0300 The Union of Accountants in Bulgaria (UAB) has sent to Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Parliament its opinion on the need for a measurable system for management and control of the implementation of the Bulgarian Government Programme 2026-2030, the organization said on Thursday. The UAB said in a statement that they welcome the programme's management principle based on results and measurable indicators, but believe that this principle needs to be developed into a unified system of key performance indicators applicable to the main objectives of the program. According to the UAB, each significant management objective should contain at least: indicator, baseline value, target value, deadline, responsible institution, data source, measurement frequency. In this way, according to the organization, it will be possible to objectively establish where the system is, where it needs to go, what the deviation from the goal is and whether corrective action is necessary. "Formulas such as 'increase', 'reduction', 'improvement' and 'development' are intentions. They become management goals only when they are expressed in a specific value and a specific deadline,” the UAB stated. The union believes that a unified system of key performance indicators would be useful not only for the operational management of the executive branch, but also for effective parliamentary control. Parliament should be able to track not only what actions have been taken, but also what measurable result has been achieved in relation to the previously defined goal, the UAB noted. The UAB proposes that the implementation of the key indicators be publicly traceable, including through information on the current status, the target value, the deviation and the corrective actions taken. The organization stated its readiness to provide its professional expert capacity for the development of such a system and for participation in a dialogue with Parliament, parliamentary committees and the executive branch. They add that the proposal does not aim to create an additional administrative burden, but a better tool for management, control and public accountability. Economy Atanas Malakchiev Anelia Tsvetkova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185117-vazrazhdane-sofia-will-miss-out-on-eurovision-economic-benefits-because-of-mayo https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185117-vazrazhdane-sofia-will-miss-out-on-eurovision-economic-benefits-because-of-mayo Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:22:00 +0300 The Sofia chapter of the Vazrazhdane party criticized Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev over what it described as the missed economic benefits of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest, the party's press office said. According to the organization, the city has missed out on EUR 80 million in potential economic gains because the contest will not be held in Sofia. Earlier on Thursday, it was announced that Burgas will host next year's Eurovision Song Contest. The two semi-finals will take place on May 11 and May 13, while the grand final is scheduled for May 15. "While the CC–DB mayor was telling the media how prepared the city was, the Burgas administration got the job done," the local party organization said. According to estimates, hotels in Sofia could have earned EUR 24 million, while the restaurant sector could have generated EUR 20 million. Had Sofia hosted Eurovision, family-owned shops and the retail sector would have earned EUR 9 million, the organization said. Its estimates also project an additional EUR 7 million for the entertainment industry, EUR 5 million for public transport and taxi services, and EUR 15 million in potential revenue for local organizers and companies involved in staging the event. “And here, we are no longer talking about another broken paving stone, an unmown garden, or a video on social media. We are talking about something much more significant – the mayor’s ability to leverage Sofia’s potential and attract events, tourists, investment, and new economic activity,” Vazrazhdane commented. Economy Petya Petrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185097-government-committed-to-preserving-coal-industry-prime-minister-says https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185097-government-committed-to-preserving-coal-industry-prime-minister-says Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:55:00 +0300 The Bulgarian government is committed to the sustainable development of the energy sector, protecting workers in the industry, and preserving thermal power plants (TPPs) and coal mining as a sovereign source of baseload energy, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said during a meeting with representatives of the leadership of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) and the Podkrepa Confederation of Labour, as quoted by the government's information service. The meeting took place at the Council of Ministers and was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Galab Donev, Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov, and Energy Minister Iva Petrova. The Prime Minister emphasized that the government is maintaining dialogue with the European Commission  regarding the reforms in the sector agreed over the years, as well as the scale and pace of the green transition. Representatives of the trade unions expressed concerns about the reforms implemented in recent years to restructure the coal power sector and related enterprises, and about the resulting layoffs of workers. Radev assured them of the government's will to promote the sustainable and balanced development of Bulgaria's regions and highlighted the measures taken to preserve employment in Stara Zagora and the surrounding region. The Prime Minister also noted that the agreed postponement of the closure of the thermal power plants in the Maritsa Basin until 2038 does not resolve the issue of their economic viability during that period, given the European Union's climate targets and the high cost of carbon emission allowances. For this reason, the Bulgarian government, together with other EU member states, is working to revise the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and to acknowledge the importance of coal-fired power generation as a sovereign source of baseload electricity, particularly in the context of the current energy crisis, according to the Council of Ministers. The meeting also discussed measures to provide social protection for workers and preserve employment in the Maritsa Basin through land reclamation, industrial transformation, the development of new technological capacities, retraining and the acquisition of new professional skills, as well as attracting investment to the Stara Zagora region. On Wednesday, the government adopted its government programme. In the Energy chapter, the key priorities include ensuring energy security and system adequacy, improving energy efficiency, diversifying and decentralizing energy sources, developing nuclear energy, strengthening Bulgaria's role as a regional energy hub, and rehabilitating and modernizing the state-owned energy companies. Economy Petya Petrova