https://www.bta.bg/en/rss/free Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:49:43 +0300 en hourly 1 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1185208-bulgaria-s-aleksandra-nacheva-wins-bronze-at-as-won-the-bronze-medal-in-the-trip https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1185208-bulgaria-s-aleksandra-nacheva-wins-bronze-at-as-won-the-bronze-medal-in-the-trip Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:08 +0300 Bulgaria's Aleksandra Nacheva won the bronze medal in the triple jump on the fourth day of the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham. Nacheva, who will turn 25 next week, recorded a jump of 14.40 metres on her second attempt, with a following wind of 3.4 m/s. The medal is Nacheva’s first at a major senior championship. In 2018, she became Youth Olympic champion in Buenos Aires and world U20 champion in Tampere. Nacheva also won Bulgaria’s second medal at the European Championships in Birmingham, following Bozhidar Saraboyukov’s bronze in the men’s long jump two days earlier, and the country’s 42nd medal overall at continental championships. The other Bulgarian finalist in the event, Gabriela Petrova, placed second-to-last among the 12 finalists with a jump of 13.75 metres. Serbia’s Ivana Spanovic, with a jump of 14.06 metres, rounded out the top eight, who advanced to three additional attempts to determine the medalists. Italy’s Dariya Derkach, the 2023 European indoor silver medallist in Istanbul, produced a season-leading mark in Europe and a personal best of 14.60 metres. The 33-year-old Derkach, who was born in Ukraine, secured her first gold medal at a major championship. Belgium’s Saliyya Guisse landed at 14.46 metres, enough to take silver and claim her first medal at a major championship at the age of 30. Nacheva improved by one place on her result at the European Championships in Rome in 2024 and this time earned a place on the podium. Sport Dimitar Velyov Yoana Vodenicharova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/archives/1185177-observances-august-14 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/archives/1185177-observances-august-14 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 22:00:00 +0300 The world: - National Day of Pakistan: Independence Day (1947) On this date in Bulgarian history: 1945: Bulgaria re-establishes diplomatic relations with the USSR (established July 23, 1934, severed September 5, 1944). 1958: Diplomatic relations are established with Iraq. 1963: Bulgaria's first electronic digital computer, Vitosha, goes into operation. Mainframe sized 4 by 2 metres has 4,096-word memory and is intended for mathematical and scientific calculations. 1984: Diplomatic relations are established with Maldives. 1991: Grand National Assembly ratifies European Cultural Convention of December 19, 1954. BTA's Archives Yoana Vodenicharova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1185167-central-election-commission-adopts-timeline-for-october-25-presidential-election https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1185167-central-election-commission-adopts-timeline-for-october-25-presidential-election Thu, 13 Aug 2026 20:49:20 +0300 The Central Election Commission (CEC) has adopted a timeline for the presidential and vice-presidential elections on October 25, 2026, the CEC's press service said on Thursday. By September 4, the CEC must announce the list of places outside the country where at least one polling station was formed in elections held up to 5 years before election day, in which at least 100 voters voted. By September 6, the list with the numbers and addresses of polling stations in the regions of the country and the number of voters in them must be clear. By 5:00 p.m. on September 9, parties and coalitions submit applications to the CEC for registration to participate in the presidential and vice-presidential elections. On that date, the mayor of the respective municipality shall determine the places for the announcement of the preliminary voter lists and notify the respective regional election commission. On election day, voting begins at 7:00 a.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m., but no later than 9:00 p.m., when there are voters who have not voted in front of the polling station, according to the CEC timeline. For polling stations outside the country, voting begins at 7:00 a.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m., respectively 9:00 p.m. local time. Within three days after election day, the CEC shall announce the final results of the presidential and vice-presidential elections. Earlier on Thursday, the CEC launched a tender for voter information materials for the October 25 presidential election. In July, Parliament set October 25 as the date for the elections for president and vice-president of the Republic of Bulgaria. The decision was also published in the State Gazette. Bulgaria Borislava Bibinovska Atanas Malakchiev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1185166-prime-minister-radev-says-connectivity-between-bulgaria-and-turkiye-will-determi https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1185166-prime-minister-radev-says-connectivity-between-bulgaria-and-turkiye-will-determi Thu, 13 Aug 2026 20:40:27 +0300 Meeting with Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu here on Thursday, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said that the future of the region will increasingly be determined by connectivity between Bulgaria and Turkiye as a factor in the development of Southeastern Europe, creating new opportunities for exchange between Europe and Asia. Bulgarian Transport Minister Georgi Peev also attended the meeting, the government information service said. There was broad agreement that connectivity is important not only during crises, but also for the region’s stability, economic exchange, and investment climate. It also helps attract investment in the development of projects across all modes of transport, road, air, and rail, as well as in digital technologies and the energy sector. In this regard, Prime Minister Radev also highlighted the importance of the Edirne–Lesovo–Elhovo–Yambol railway line, which is to be built as an alternative route to the railway line passing through the heavily congested Kapitan Andreevo–Kapıkule border crossing. The meeting highlighted that joint work on green energy transmission corridors, as well as routes for the transit of natural gas to Europe, is in the interests of both countries. Prime Minister Radev also noted that the cross-border energy connection between Bulgaria and Turkiye is of great importance to the region. He added that the conditions created to adapt the agreement between Bulgargaz and BOTAS to current market conditions are already leading to renewed interest from neighboring countries in natural gas deliveries via this route. At the beginning of next summer, significant interest is expected in Bulgaria and the city of Burgas, where the Eurovision Song Contest will be held. In this context, the two sides also noted the good cooperation between Bulgaria and Turkiye in managing air traffic and emphasized the importance of Istanbul Airport in helping Burgas Airport accommodate visitors wishing to attend the musical event next May. “For Bulgaria, Turkiye is not only a neighbour and a friend, but also a key partner in a number of areas of cooperation, including security, migration, energy, and transport connectivity,” Prime Minister Rumen Radev said in June during his meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Bulgaria Borislava Bibinovska Petya Petrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1185148-regional-inspectorates-of-environment-and-water-carry-out-2-100-plus-inspections https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1185148-regional-inspectorates-of-environment-and-water-carry-out-2-100-plus-inspections Thu, 13 Aug 2026 20:35:23 +0300 The Regional Inspectorates of Environment and Water (RIEW) in Bulgaria carried out more than 2,100 inspections at 2,009 sites across the country in July, the press office of the Environment and Water Ministry said. Fire prevention at waste treatment facilities, protecting the cleanliness of the Black Sea coast at the height of the tourist season, and controlling unauthorized pollution were among the main areas of focus for the 15 regional inspectorates, the Ministry said. A total of 859 notices were issued requiring identified violations to be remedied and the necessary measures to be taken. Inspectors drew up 111 written statements ascertaining administrative violations, 21 of them for failure to comply with notices, and issued 66 penalty decrees imposing fines and financial sanctions totaling EUR 364,281.25, the Ministry said. Eight sanctions totalling EUR 7,613.70 were imposed for excessive pollution of water and ambient air. A further 33 settlements were reached, worth EUR 25,697.54. Revenues from fines, financial and ongoing sanctions, including those under the settlements, amounted to EUR 131,963.78. A compulsory administrative measure was also imposed ordering the decommissioning of seven storage facilities at a liquid raw materials storage depot in Ruse. A total of 86 sites were cleaned up of waste. During 75 inspections of polluted sites, 66 notices were issued, seven written statements were drawn up, and four penalty decrees were issued, imposing fines totaling EUR 4,959.94. One settlement worth EUR 715.81 was also reached. Additional preventive measures were taken with operators of regional landfills for non-hazardous waste and other similar facilities. Letters were sent reminding operators of their obligations to ensure the proper and safe operation of the facilities and to strictly implement the necessary organizational and technical measures to prevent fires. Teams from the RIEW offices in Burgas and Varna, together with the Black Sea Basin Directorate, stepped up inspections of sites that could potentially pollute marine waters following alerts about fuel-oil pollution along beaches, the Ministry said. During the inspections, attention was also paid to the condition of the Srebarna Nature Reserve. In response to the sustained decline in the level of the Danube River and the declaration of a state of emergency in part of the territory of the village of Srebarna, arrangements were made to forcibly transfer water from the Danube to the lake. The operation was carried out with the assistance of regional units of the General Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection in Silistra and Ruse. By the end of the month, around 900,000 cubic metres of water had been transferred to the lake. The inspectorates also responded to alerts about distressed specimens of protected animal species, most notably white storks. Where necessary, the animals were transported to and accommodated at specialized rescue centres for further care. During an inspection following a report concerning a guesthouse in Sopot, the Plovdiv regional inspectorate found that three tortoises were being kept illegally. The animals were seized and released into a suitable natural habitat, while a written statement ascertaining administrative violation is to be drawn up against the property owner. The RIEW in Varna also identified the illegal plowing of a property in the land surrounding the village of Zimnitsa, Krushari Municipality, which falls within the Suha Reka protected area. No people or machinery were found at the site during the inspection, and the case was referred to the district prosecution office. In addition to their inspection and preventive activities, the regional inspectorates also focused on raising environmental awareness and public engagement in nature conservation. Educational and information initiatives were held in various locations across the country, including events as part of the Environment and Water Ministry’s national fire-prevention campaign Protect Tomorrow's Green. Bulgaria Yoana Vodenicharova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1185133-bulgarian-meps-alert-eu-leaders-to-north-macedonia-s-denial-of-medical-treatment https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1185133-bulgarian-meps-alert-eu-leaders-to-north-macedonia-s-denial-of-medical-treatment Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:49:27 +0300 Bulgarian MEPs have issued an urgent joint appeal to the leadership of the European Union, highlighting what they describe as alarming violations of human rights and the rule of law in the case of 22-year-old Iva Mihailova, who holds dual Bulgarian and Macedonian citizenship. Authorities in North Macedonia are currently preventing her from travelling abroad to receive urgent medical treatment. This is contained in a joint letter signed by Bulgarian MEPs, as announced by MEPs Andrey Kovatchev and Ivaylo Valchev. The letter states that the young woman suffered severe spinal injuries in a road traffic accident in October 2025. In July 2026, an official medical panel at the University Clinical Center in Skopje confirmed that the necessary procedure is not available in North Macedonia and that she requires treatment abroad, the MEPs recall. Nevertheless, on August 7, 2026, the Basic Court in Kocani rejected her request for the temporary release of her confiscated passport, allegedly arbitrarily raising the evidentiary threshold after having previously requested the specific medical opinion, the letter further states. The Bulgarian delegation stresses that, while the case is primarily an urgent humanitarian emergency involving a real risk of permanent neurological damage, it also reflects what they describe as deep-rooted systemic problems within North Macedonia's judicial system. The letter points to troubling procedural irregularities, including the prosecution of the only direct eyewitness after he gave testimony in Mihailova's favor. According to the MEPs, the case raises serious questions about the treatment of people with a Bulgarian identity in an EU candidate country. Bulgarian MEPs are calling for immediate action to intervene with the authorities of the Republic of North Macedonia to secure temporary permission for medical travel abroad, subject to appropriate safeguards. They also call for close monitoring of the ongoing judicial proceedings, the rights of the defense, and allegations of witness intimidation. The letter also requests an official explanation from Skopje regarding what the MEPs describe as the local court's arbitrary change in evidentiary standards. The Bulgarian MEPs call for these alleged violations to be reflected in the European Commission's monitoring of the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law as part of North Macedonia's progress toward EU accession. The MEPs are also seeking assurances that Iva Mihailova's Bulgarian identity and citizenship played no role in the way she was treated by the court, the letter states. The MEPs stress that respect for the independence of the judiciary cannot justify institutional silence when an EU citizen faces irreversible physical harm and violations of fundamental rights. The letter was signed by all Bulgarian MEPs and addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Enlargement Gert-Jan Koopman, EU Ambassador to North Macedonia Michalis Rokas, President of the European Court of Human Rights Mattias Guyomar, and the ambassadors of the EU member states to the EU (COREPER II). A few days ago, President Iliana Iotova said that she would raise the issue of Iva Mihailova's medical treatment again with the government of North Macedonia and President Gordana Siljanovska. Balkans Petya Petrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1185142-burgas-chosen-to-host-eurovision-2027 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1185142-burgas-chosen-to-host-eurovision-2027 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:35:00 +0300 Burgas will host the 71st Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 after beating Sofia in the final stage of the selection process, Bulgarian National Television and the European Broadcasting Union said on Thursday. The semi-finals are scheduled for May 11 and 13, with the final on May 15. Burgas, Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna submitted bids. An international committee assessed their venues, infrastructure, accommodation capacity and transport links, eliminating Plovdiv and Varna in the first stage. Arena Burgas will host the contest, while the Turquoise Carpet and Eurovision Village are planned for central seafront locations. Bulgaria earned the right to host Eurovision for the first time after Dara won the 2026 contest in Vienna with Bangaranga. BNT Director General Milena Milotinova said Burgas was “the clear choice” following a comprehensive assessment. Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov pledged that the city would “perform at a high level” and become a successful host. Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev congratulated Burgas, saying: “Eurovision 2027 is a unique opportunity for Bulgaria, and we must all work together to make the most of it.” Sofia will support the event and seek to make the capital part of the experience for visitors. Culture Minister Evtim Miloshev called the contest “an enormous opportunity for the whole of Bulgaria” to showcase its talent, hospitality and cultural potential. “The Ministry of Culture will stand with all of you. We move forward together,” he added. Burgas Deputy Mayor Mihail Nenov said the city would consult the Education Ministry about declaring additional non-school days during the contest. “We will certainly find ourselves in an unprecedented situation,” he said, pointing to the expected pressure on traffic, security, medical services and waste collection. President Iliana Iotova described the contest as an opportunity to showcase Bulgaria’s hospitality and cultural heritage and attract more tourists to the Black Sea. “Magic happens when you love the Bulgarian sea and your native shores!” she said. Vazrazhdane’s Sofia chapter struck a critical note, blaming Terziev for Sofia’s loss and estimating that the capital had missed out on EUR 80 million in potential economic gains. “While the Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria mayor was telling the media how prepared the city was, the Burgas administration got the job done,” the party organization said. World Kaloyan Kirilov 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/bulgaria/1185098-exclusion-zone-around-emco-s-site-will-not-affect-tourism-road-traffic-tryavn https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1185098-exclusion-zone-around-emco-s-site-will-not-affect-tourism-road-traffic-tryavn Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:14:19 +0300 Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, Tryavna Mayor Dencho Minev said that the exclusion zone of approximately 500 metres around EMKO’s site near the village of Belitsa would not affect populated areas, citizens’ rights, tourism, or road traffic. Minev added that the perimeter covers a wooded area outside the company’s site and has been defined by specific coordinates. The aim is to prevent members of the public from accidentally entering the area and coming across metal fragments or other remnants of ammunition. "The perimeter will be thoroughly searched to determine whether there are any ammunition fragments," Minev said. He urged members of the public who discover metal fragments or objects they suspect may be connected to the incident to immediately call the emergency number 112 and not to take them away. The Mayor said that the measures have been taken to ensure long-term safety in the area. "I can categorically state that this does not affect tourism in any way," he noted, adding that people who have planned trips or holidays in Tryavna can go ahead with their plans without concern. According to Minev, the exclusion zone does not affect populated areas or people living in the vicinity, including residents of the municipality and surrounding villages such as Plachkovtsi. The order does not provide for road closures or the establishment of checkpoints, and people can move around freely. Minev said there had so far been no disruption to the electricity supply and that the fires in the area had been completely brought under control. Monitoring is continuing because safety within the designated perimeter must be ensured. "There is a high level of coordination among all the competent authorities, including the Interior Ministry, the fire service, the regional administration and the municipality, with full cooperation from EMKO," the Mayor said. He also said that investigative authorities had begun working at the site and that procedural actions were continuing under the supervision of the District Prosecution Office. The mobile air-quality monitoring station in Plachkovtsi remains operational. According to Minev, air-quality indicators are being monitored daily and there have so far been no deviations from the established standards. The mobile station will remain in the town until Friday. Air quality is also being monitored by fire service teams, whose measurements confirm that there are no deviations, the Tryavna Mayor added. Earlier in the day, a partial state of emergency was declared for seven days within a 500-metre radius of EMKO’s site near Belitsa. Bulgaria Yoana Vodenicharova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1185100-central-election-commission-launches-tender-for-presidential-election-informatio https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1185100-central-election-commission-launches-tender-for-presidential-election-informatio Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:13:56 +0300 The Central Election Commission (CEC) launched a tender for voter information materials for the October 25 presidential election, CEC's press service said on Thursday. The contract covers audio and audiovisual clips and other campaign materials. The tender also calls for a logo, slogan, visual identity, iconography and four campaign banners. The banners will be published on the CEC website, other websites and social media. They will provide information about the election, voting for the first time, voting at one’s current address and other matters. The tender also includes the creation of a QR code for use in information materials. The contracting authority will later specify the web address to which the code will direct users, CEC added. The video clips will run for up to 30 seconds. Topics will include eligibility to vote, voting at one’s current address, voting by people with disabilities, voting methods and vote counting. Training videos of up to six minutes will also be produced. Specialized information materials will also be produced for people with disabilities. Full details of the public procurement procedure are available on the CEC website. In July, the National Assembly set October 25 as the date of the election for President and Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria. The decision was also promulgated in the State Gazette. Bulgaria Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1185103-turkish-transport-minister-bulgarian-turkish-companies-to-actively-participate https://www.bta.bg/en/news/balkans/1185103-turkish-transport-minister-bulgarian-turkish-companies-to-actively-participate Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:08:22 +0300 Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu told BTA that both Turkish and Bulgarian companies and specialists will actively participate in the upcoming construction of the Black Sea motorway between Varna and Burgas. Minister Uraloglu said that during his meetings in Sofia with Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Minister of Transport and Communications Georgi Peev, among other topics of bilateral interest, they discussed the future construction of the Black Sea motorway, which is expected to be built by Turkish investors. The talks focused on the forms of cooperation and ways in which this corridor can be better developed, the minister noted. "Especially regarding the motorway, which will continue to the north of Bulgaria – we have considered cooperation with Turkish contractors. We are talking about a motorway of over a hundred kilometers, which will then connect to Romania. On this issue, our technical delegations had already carried out certain studies. We have also reviewed these things and, frankly, we plan to implement them in the upcoming period," the Turkish minister said. In response to BTA’s questions about the details of the roadmap for the upcoming large-scale construction, Uraloglu said that there is willingness on the part of Turkish companies to implement the project. "On the one hand, we have such a proposal from the Bulgarian side, and on the other hand, we certainly have the capacity to implement it. It is important that in the implementation of this work here it is valuable to have local partners and that Bulgarian citizens must participate in the project," the Minister told BTA. Noting that Turkiye attaches great importance to the project, Uraloglu stressed that “for Turkish investors, it is not just a matter of coming, building the road and leaving.” According to the minister, the project is likely to be implemented in the form of a public-private partnership and will last for many years. "We envisage this to be a project in which both Turkish and Bulgarian companies, workers and engineers will work,” the minister said in his response. He drew attention to the fact that from Turkiye’s perspective, the border crossings, especially Kapikule–Kapitan Andreevo and Hamzabeyli–Lesovo, are already far too inadequate for the challenges of traffic. "We are also working on the issue of new border crossings. I hope that we will open new crossings for both rail and road transport," Uraloglu added. Balkans Ivo Radoykov Atanas Malakchiev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185097-government-is-committed-to-preserving-coal-industry-prime-minister-says https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185097-government-is-committed-to-preserving-coal-industry-prime-minister-says Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:55:50 +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 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1185056-prosecutor-organization-proposes-measures-for-reporting-pressure-interference-i https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1185056-prosecutor-organization-proposes-measures-for-reporting-pressure-interference-i Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:32:55 +0300 The Independent Association of Bulgarian Prosecutors (IABP) proposed that the rules for conducting elections of members of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) include the creation of a special mechanism for reporting pressure and interference. This is laid out in a statement by the organization on Thursday. The association proposes a confidential channel, immediate verification by a designated competent authority and protection of magistrates who report in good faith from adverse consequences. The IABP considers it important to have an "explicit prohibition on the use of official, administrative or personnel dependence to influence the vote – through direct or indirect instructions for voting, requiring information about the intentions or selection of magistrates or binding them to personnel and organizational decisions". The organization also raises the question of the prohibition on "negative campaigning against another candidate in any form". According to the association, the rule should clearly distinguish between an unscrupulous discrediting attack and a legitimate professional criticism of the concept, professional experience, management decisions, public behavior or suitability of the candidate for a member of the SJC. "A transparent count guarantees that the vote cast will be counted correctly. Free choice requires guarantees that this vote was formed without pressure, fear or dependence," the organization's statement also says. The IABP defines the upcoming election of a new SJC as an opportunity to restore trust in professional self-governance. The procedure for electing the new SJC was opened with the adoption on June 26 by the National Assembly of amendments to the Judicial System Act. Bulgaria Borislava Bibinovska Atanas Malakchiev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1184800-former-justice-minister-anton-stankov-passes-away https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1184800-former-justice-minister-anton-stankov-passes-away Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:47:00 +0300 Former Bulgarian Justice Minister Anton Stankov has passed away. Justice Minister Nikolay Naydenov voiced his condolences to Stankov’s family, relatives, friends and colleagues in a Facebook post on Thursday. Naydenov described Stankov as a lawyer, magistrate and statesman who devoted a significant part of his professional career to Bulgaria’s justice system and its institutions. He said the Bulgarian legal community had lost a respected lawyer who had left a lasting mark on the country’s legal and public life. Later in the day, President Iliana Iotova also offered her condolences over Stankov's passing, saying that he "will forever be remembered as one of the most prominent advocates of the rule of law, unwaveringly guided by an ideal of justice." "Anton Stankov was deeply aware of his personal and professional responsibility to strengthen the rule of law, always showing concern for others and respect for the institutions of the State. In this shared mission, we will miss both his professional authority and his human qualities," Iotova noted, as cited by the President's Press Secretariat. "Throughout his life, he was unwaveringly guided by an ideal of justice. His loss leaves a profound void not only for those closest to him but also for the entire legal community and for our society as a whole. We all sought and relied on his professional experience and critical thinking in finding solutions to pressing social issues," the head of State added.  Iotova also highlighted Stankov’s active civic commitment to upholding universal human values. "At one of our last meetings, just weeks ago, he spoke with concern about aggression in society, particularly among young people. He did not shy away from criticizing the lack of respect for the law and human dignity," she said, adding that Stankov had always contributed through his depth of thought, professionalism, expertise, genuine commitment, and vision for the future. Anton Stankov was born in 1966. He began his judicial career as a district judge at the Shumen District Court, where he served from 1991 to 1994, before becoming a district judge at the Sofia District Court from 1994 to 1998. He subsequently served as a judge and deputy chair of the Sofia City Court from 1998 to 2001. Stankov also taught criminal procedure at the St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia from 2000 to 2001 and chaired the Criminal Division of the Sofia City Court from 1999 to 2001. He served as Minister of Justice, Keeper of the State Seal and chair of the Supreme Judicial Council from July 24, 2001, to August 16, 2005. During the same period, he chaired the Commission for Coordination of Anti-Corruption Efforts, from February 7, 2002, to August 16, 2005. Stankov returned to the Sofia City Court as a judge from September 2005 to June 2007. From 2008, he served as an arbitrator at the Arbitration Court of the Bulgarian Industrial Association. Stankov was also deputy chair of the National Bureau for Control of Special Intelligence Means from May 30 to October 22, 2009, and managing partner of the law firm Stankov, Stoev and Partners from 2012 to 2022. Bulgaria Konstantin Karagyozov Nikolay Trifonov Yoana Vodenicharova Desislava Peeva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1184741-construction-of-kresna-bypass-on-track-for-completion-by-end-2027-regional-mini https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1184741-construction-of-kresna-bypass-on-track-for-completion-by-end-2027-regional-mini Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:48:00 +0300 Regional Development and Public Works Minister Ivan Shishkov and Agriculture and Food Minister Plamen Abrovski inspected the route and construction works on the Kresna bypass on Thursday. Shishkov told journalists he was satisfied with the progress achieved and expected construction to be completed by the end-2027, while construction of the final section of the Struma Motorway between Krupnik and Kresna in the Kulata-Sofia direction is expected to begin the same year. The realistic deadline for completing the Struma Motorway in the direction from Kulata to Sofia is 2031, Shishkov said. The inspection was also attended by Blagoevgrad Regional Governor Vasil Trendafilov and MPs Aleksandar Popov, Georgi Kunchev and Rashko Dinkov. Construction of the bypass began on November 27, 2025. The section is nearly 4.2 km long and is part of Lot 3.2.2 of the Struma Motorway project. Once completed, the bypass will divert transit traffic east of Kresna, reducing traffic through the town and improving road safety. Shishkov said construction was making fine progress and the contractor had committed to completing the bypass by the end of next year. "The project is complex, but the company is mobilized," he said. In parallel with the bypass, the authorities are preparing procedures for the final section of the Struma Motorway. An approved detailed development plan is already in place for half of the 23-km section between Krupnik and Kresna, which will run east of the gorge. Following a government decision, procedures to expropriate the land needed for the project will begin. Shishkov said that work is also under way on a project for the carriageway from Sofia to Kulata, east of the Kresna Gorge, which will require an environmental impact assessment procedure. Until it is built, however, the Kresna bypass should be completed as quickly as possible and construction of the carriageway from Kulata to Sofia should begin. Abrovski said that the last obstacle to the construction of the Struma Motorway through the Kresna Gorge had been removed on Thursday morning. He said the issue concerned nearly 8 hectares of forest land that had been designated as old-growth forest after the detailed development plan for the route had already been approved. Shishkov explained that two procedures had been launched in 2025: one to coordinate the detailed development plan for construction of the motorway section and another concerning a new order designating forests as being in the old-growth stage. The detailed development plan was approved in February 2026, with the Ministry of Agriculture and the state forestry enterprises approving it without objections. Abrovski said that two months later, just eight days before the Andrey Gurov government’s mandate ended, the agriculture minister had issued an order designating nearly 8 hectares along the route, for which an approved detailed development plan was already in place, as old-growth forest. He said he could not determine whether this had happened due to a lack of knowledge, negligence or because the minister had been misled. Abrovski said he refused to believe that a Bulgarian minister would knowingly take action that could hinder the construction of a nationally important infrastructure project. Under a new order issued on Thursday morning, the approximately 8 hectares were removed from the old-growth forest designation and replaced with actual old-growth forest areas totalling about 2 hectares more, Abrovski explained, describing the change as the correction of an error that had been identified and resolved as of Thursday morning. Shishkov said the construction of the motorway section through the Kresna Gorge would be financed with state funds. Around EUR 230 million has been earmarked for the expropriation of properties needed for the project. He said that funding had initially been planned from both state and EU sources, but delays in the procedures had changed the situation. Shishkov described actions over the years that had hindered construction of the Struma Motorway as a “series of partisan actions”. The Regional Minister also stressed that infrastructure development must strike a balance between economic development and environmental protection. He said this did not mean that nature should be damaged, but that consideration also had to be given to the country’s development needs, adding that the authorities were working together to ensure that neither construction nor forestry activities would harm the environment. Economy BTA correspondent Denitsa Kyuchukova Konstantin Karagyozov Diana Dukovska https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185060-national-statistical-institute-chair-atanasov-institute-cuts-one-in-ten-jobs https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1185060-national-statistical-institute-chair-atanasov-institute-cuts-one-in-ten-jobs Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:09:46 +0300 The National Statistical Institute is cutting 10% of its positions, NSI Chair Atanas Atanasov told journalists on Thursday. Earlier in the day, he presented the results of the NSI project Sustainable Energy Renovation of the Administrative Building of the National Statistical Institute of the Republic of Bulgaria, which is being implemented under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and began late last year. "We are cutting 10% of jobs in both the central administration and every regional office. Every directorate has made a proportionate contribution, if I may put it that way," Atanasov said. Most of the cuts involve eliminating vacant positions, Atanasov said. "Unfortunately, there are also offices where employees will be made redundant," Atanasov added. The cuts will significantly increase the workload of the remaining employees, Atanasov said. Atanasov noted that civil servants began paying half of their personal share of social security contributions on August 1 and, as required by law, will pay their full share next year. They all received nominal salary increases so that their net pay remained unchanged. In May, the Finance Ministry proposed cutting expenditure on wages and related social security contributions by 10% from September 1. It said the reduction would be achieved mainly by eliminating vacant positions and carrying out structural reforms, without cutting individual salaries. In November 2025, NSI employees protested across Bulgaria, seeking a 20% salary increase. The Administrative Employees’ Union within the Podkrepa Confederation of Labour, which organized the demonstrations, cited inadequate pay, increasing pressure and discrimination against civil servants. Economy Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1185028-bulgarian-football-union-hosts-uefa-meeting-on-grassroots-football-development https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1185028-bulgarian-football-union-hosts-uefa-meeting-on-grassroots-football-development Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:34:25 +0300 The Bulgarian Football Union hosted a two-day UEFA Grassroots Development Meeting on developing grassroots football in Bulgaria, BFU said on Thursday. The meeting took place at National Football Base Boyana and focused on expanding access to football and building a sustainable environment for its development. UEFA was represented by Poland’s Przemyslaw Pretkiewicz of the UEFA Grassroots Football Panel. During the two-day programme, he joined BFU representatives in working discussions on the main areas and future goals for grassroots football development. The meetings covered the main strands of the four-year grassroots football development plan and UEFA programmes in this field. Particular attention was paid to the UEFA Football in Schools programme, initiatives and activities to develop football in schools, and cooperation among the BFU, the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The Club Development/Quality Mark initiative, aimed at developing clubs and raising standards within them, was another main topic. The second part of the programme focused on coach education, child safeguarding, football for people with disabilities, flexible playing formats and effective player development pathways. Pretkiewicz also met with BFU President Georgi Ivanov as part of the programme. They discussed the BFU’s strategic priorities from 2026 to 2030, the development of the BFU Academy and other key areas connected with the long-term development of Bulgarian football. The final part of the UEFA Grassroots Development Meeting covered the UEFA Grassroots Charter, the annual report and data from UEFA’s national grassroots football survey. The visit concluded with a summary of the discussions and the main findings from the two-day programme. The meeting formed part of the BFU’s ongoing work to develop grassroots football sustainably and create more opportunities to play, from school and club football to coach education and the development of young players. In July 2025, Ivanov was elected vice-chair of UEFA’s Football Committee. The committee focused on developing football at national and club levels, while BFU Executive Director Andrey Petrov joined the committee responsible for UEFA’s HatTrick programme, which supported strategic football development through infrastructure projects. A month earlier, BFU representatives exchanged experience with the Hellenic Football Federation on amateur football and the organization of regional men’s and youth championships. Sport Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1185030-stiliana-nikolova-advances-to-clubs-and-ribbon-finals-at-world-championships-in- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1185030-stiliana-nikolova-advances-to-clubs-and-ribbon-finals-at-world-championships-in- Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:27:00 +0300 World all-around silver medalist from Rio de Janeiro 2025, Stiliana Nikolova, has secured places in the clubs and ribbon finals, as the qualification rounds for those two apparatus have concluded at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Frankfurt, Germany. The Bulgarian gymnast advanced to the top eight with the second-highest score in clubs, earning 29.250 points, and the fifth-highest score in ribbon with 28.300 points. Nikolova currently ranks second in the all-around qualification standings, having been overtaken by Germany's Darja Varfolomeev. The two-time world champion received an outstanding 30.050 points for her ribbon routine. Italy's Sofia Raffaeli still holds the highest score of the competition so far, having earned 30.100 points for her hoop routine on the previous day. Daria Varfolomeev leads the all-around standings with a total of 89.000 points, ahead of Stiliana Nikolova with 87.350, Sofia Ilteriakova (competing under neutral status) with 85.600, and the rest of the field. The other Bulgarian gymnast, Eva Brezalieva, did not qualify for the clubs or ribbon finals. She placed 18th in clubs with 26.750 points and scored 27.050 points on ribbon. In the all-around standings, the Bulgarian currently ranks 12th with a total of 81.150 points. She will have to wait until the end of the competition day to find out whether she will remain in the top 18 and qualify for tomorrow's all-around final. Four more qualification groups are still to compete later on Thursday, but they will perform only with the hoop and ball. Around midnight Bulgarian time, it will be known which gymnasts have qualified for the individual all-around final as well as the hoop and ball apparatus finals. Sport Petya Petrova Iva Krasteva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1185001-president-iotova-on-eurovision-2027-incredible-chance-to-showcase-bulgaria-s-fa https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1185001-president-iotova-on-eurovision-2027-incredible-chance-to-showcase-bulgaria-s-fa Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:21:16 +0300 After Burgas was chosen to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, President Iliana Iotova said Bulgaria has an incredible opportunity to showcase its famous hospitality, introduce Eurovision guests to the country's rich cultural and historical heritage, and attract more tourists to the Black Sea coast. "Congratulations to the people of Burgas on the upcoming Eurovision 2027 hosting, and best of luck with the preparations!" she said on Facebook. Earlier on Thursday, it was announced that the Black Sea city of Burgas will host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027. The two semifinals will take place on May 11 and 13, and the final will be held on May 15.  Iotova noted that Burgas has a long musical tradition and is the birthplace of some of Bulgaria's finest artists. She also said the city hosts the Burgas and the Sea music contest. "Magic happens when you love the Bulgarian sea and your native shores! I believe that from next year, the dozens of visiting artists and thousands of music lovers will leave with that same love in their hearts," the President said. "They will fly home with Toni Dimitrova's 'Ah, the Sea' on their lips and warm memories of the 'Burgas Evenings' immortalized in song by Familia Tonika." According to the President, the people of Burgas should take pride in their beautiful city and make the most of the opportunity to host Europe. Culture Diana Dukovska Borislava Bibinovska