Bulgaria Braces for Rain, Snow, and Strong Winds Across the Country on Tuesday 27 Oct 7:50 AM (yesterday, 7:50 am)
Bulgaria continues to face unsettled weather on Tuesday, October 28, with widespread cloud cover and rain expected, according to the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH). During the morning hours, dense clouds will cover much of the country, bringing rainfall from the northwest toward the southeast. The heaviest precipitation is anticipated in Southwestern Bulgaria, while northeastern areas will see little to no rain....
New Bribery and Coercion Charges Hit Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev 27 Oct 6:24 AM (yesterday, 6:24 am)
New charges have been filed against Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev, expanding the ongoing corruption investigation that has gripped Bulgaria’s seaside city. The developments were confirmed on Wednesday morning, as municipal councilors Nikolay Stefanov and Yordan Kateliev, previously detained with the mayor and later placed under house arrest, were also summoned to face additional accusations. The mayor’s media adviser has likewise been called to appear before prosecutors. ...
Bulgarian Customs Seize Thousands of Illegal Sexual Stimulants and Steroids Bound for the UK 27 Oct 6:18 AM (yesterday, 6:18 am)
Bulgarian customs officers have intercepted a substantial quantity of illegal sexual stimulants and anabolic steroids in two separate courier shipments, the Customs Agency reported. The seizures were carried out by officials from the Customs Bureau of the Bulgarian Exchange and Sorting Center (BRSC), operating under the Sofia Customs Territorial Directorate. Following an analysis of goods listed in export consignments, the officers selected two suspicious parcels for inspection....
Brussels Confirms Energy Security Intact Despite US Measures Against Lukoil and Rosneft 27 Oct 6:15 AM (yesterday, 6:15 am)
The European Commission has stated that it does not currently see any risk to the EU’s energy security following the recent US sanctions imposed on Russian oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft. Responding to media inquiries, Commission spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen explained that member states are legally required to maintain oil reserves sufficient for 90 days of consumption. She added that Brussels remains in close contact with national authorities in connection with Washington’s decision last week, acknowledging that the sanctions could still have certain implications for the European market. ...
Fly Further for Less: Sofia Airport Adds Three New European Destinations 27 Oct 6:02 AM (yesterday, 6:02 am)
Vasil Levski Airport in Sofia, Bulgaria, has announced the addition of several new international routes, expanding its network to include flights to Chisinau, Krakow and Prague. The news was shared on the airport’s official Facebook page, highlighting partnerships with low-cost carriers to make the new destinations accessible to travelers. According to the announcement, flights to Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, will be operated by Wizz Air twice a week....
Sabaton, Savatage, Epica, and Sevi Join the Lineup for Be4 Hills in Plovdiv 27 Oct 5:00 AM (yesterday, 5:00 am)
A brand-new festival day is set to kick off the summer rock season in Plovdiv one day ahead of HILLS OF ROCK 2026. On July 23, 2026, the "Krebnata baza" stage will host BE4 HILLS, a standalone concert day offering four major performances while giving fans a chance to extend the festival experience. The Swedish powerhouse Sabaton, cult American band Savatage, Dutch symphonic metal giants Epica, and homegrown Bulgarian rockers Sevi will all perform as part of the special program....
Montenegro Erupts After Stabbing: Dozens of Turks and Azeris Detained, Visa-Free Travel Suspended 27 Oct 4:23 AM (yesterday, 4:23 am)
Authorities in Montenegro have detained dozens of Turkish and Azeri nationals following a violent weekend in the capital, Podgorica. The unrest began after a Montenegrin man was stabbed late Saturday during a confrontation with a group of Turkish citizens. Although his injuries were not life-threatening, the incident sparked retaliatory attacks the following day, escalating into vandalism and mob violence targeting Turkish-owned property. ...
Bulgaria’s Flu Season to Peak in Late January, COVID-19 Still Dominates Respiratory Illnesses 27 Oct 4:02 AM (yesterday, 4:02 am)
Prof. Iva Hristova, director of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, has forecast that Bulgaria is likely to see the peak of the flu season in the last week of January. Currently, around 65 people per 10,000 are affected, but this number could rise to approximately 200 per 10,000, she told NOVA NEWS. ...
Sofia Public Transport to Hire 20 More Uzbek Drivers Amid Ongoing Staff Shortages 27 Oct 3:00 AM (yesterday, 3:00 am)
Sofia’s public transport is set to welcome another 20 drivers from Uzbekistan by the end of the year, the city’s Metropolitan Transport director Stiliyan Manolov told BNT. Currently, 11 Uzbek drivers are employed, helping to fill the ongoing gap in the capital’s transport workforce. Despite recent pay increases for all public transport employees following protests in May, Sofia continues to face a shortage of personnel....
Bulgaria and Hungary Lag in EU Rule of Law Rankings 27 Oct 2:00 AM (yesterday, 2:00 am)
According to “Politico,” Bulgaria and Hungary rank lowest among European Union countries in the Rule of Law Index, based on the forthcoming annual global report from the World Justice Project (WJP). The index evaluates adherence to legal principles and governance standards worldwide, and the results for 2025 reveal concerning trends across Europe. The report highlights that over two-thirds of EU member states have experienced a decline in rule of law standards, with Slovakia and Hungary recording the most significant setbacks....
Putin Boasts of His 'Burevestnik' Missile, Trump Claps Back: 'We’ve Got a Nuke Right Off Your Coast' 27 Oct 1:11 AM (yesterday, 1:11 am)
US President Donald Trump reacted with scepticism to Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent statements about the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, which Putin described as having "unlimited range." Speaking to journalists on Air Force One during his Asia trip, Trump emphasized that the United States already has nuclear submarines positioned near Russian shores. "They know we have a nuclear submarine, the greatest in the world, right off their shore," Trump said, highlighting that such capabilities make long-range missile tests unnecessary. ...
Over 90% of Bulgarian Hotels Struggle to Find Staff 27 Oct 1:00 AM (yesterday, 1:00 am)
More than 90% of hoteliers in Bulgaria report difficulties in recruiting employees, with roles such as cooks, maids, and waiters being the most sought after. These findings come from a study conducted by the Bulgarian Hotel Forum, presented during the 10th Conference on Investment and Hotel Management at the National Palace of Culture, BNR reports. The main factors behind the labor shortage include low motivation to work in tourism, negative demographic trends in the country, and the seasonal nature of the sector....
Sofia Mobilizes Additional Teams and Equipment to Tackle Persistent Waste Problems 27 Oct 12:11 AM (yesterday, 12:11 am)
Sofia’s garbage crisis continues to challenge city authorities, with no full resolution in sight. Four additional trucks have joined waste collection efforts in the “Krasno Selo” and “Lyulin” districts, bringing the total fleet operating in the two areas to 14 vehicles. Deputy Mayor Nadezhda Bobcheva explained that the frequency of collection has already doubled in recent weeks thanks to the crisis organization....
Argentine President Javier Milei Hails Midterm Victory as 'Turning Point,' Promises Reformist Congress 27 Oct 12:01 AM (yesterday, 12:01 am)
Argentine President Javier Milei on Sunday celebrated his party's decisive win in the midterm elections as a “turning point” for the nation, vowing to advance his agenda of shrinking the state and deregulating the economy. According to France 24, Milei's La Libertad Avanza (LLA) party recovered from previous setbacks to capture 40.84 percent of the votes for congressional seats, leaving opposition parties far behind in a vote closely watched by investors. ...
Intense Fighting in Pokrovsk: 200 Russian Troops Penetrate Ukraine's Frontline City 26 Oct 11:14 PM (yesterday, 11:14 pm)
About 200 Russian troops have reportedly entered the front-line city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, according to the Ukrainian General Staff on October 26. The city remains a heavily contested area, with Russian forces intensifying operations and massing personnel around Pokrovsk in an effort to push Ukrainian defenders out. The Russian incursion involved small infantry units penetrating Ukrainian positions, allowing roughly 200 soldiers to establish a foothold within the city....
Concerning: Sanctions on Russian Oil Could Temporarily Push Up Fuel Costs in Bulgaria 26 Oct 11:09 PM (yesterday, 11:09 pm)
In Bulgaria, a temporary rise in fuel prices could occur in the coming months, warned Asen Vassilev, leader of the opposition party “We Continue the Change”, during a visit to Sliven. Vassilev explained that sanctions imposed on Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil have already pushed oil prices up on global markets, a trend that may soon be reflected in Bulgarian fuel costs. He noted that when such market shifts occur, it is common for a month or two of elevated prices to follow before the situation stabilizes. ...
Massive Overnight Drone Assault: Nearly 200 UAVs Target Russia, 34 Reportedly Bound for Moscow 26 Oct 11:00 PM (yesterday, 11:00 pm)
Russia experienced one of the largest drone assaults on its territory to date overnight on October 26-27, with the Defence Ministry claiming that its air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 193 Ukrainian drones, including 34 allegedly heading toward Moscow. According to the ministry, 47 drones were shot down over Bryansk Oblast, 42 over Kaluga Oblast, and 40 over Moscow Oblast - 34 of which were reportedly flying toward the Russian capital. Another 32 drones were downed over Tula Oblast, 10 over Kursk, seven over Oryol, four each over Rostov and Voronezh, two each over Orenburg and Tambov, and one in each of Belgorod, Lipetsk, and Samara oblasts. ...
Bulgarian Socialists Endorse Rotational Parliament Leadership as Coalition Prepares for Talks 26 Oct 10:44 PM (yesterday, 10:44 pm)
The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) has officially endorsed the proposal for a rotational chairmanship of the National Assembly, BSP leader and Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov announced after the party’s National Council meeting on Sunday. The motion received overwhelming support, with 100 members voting in favor, three abstaining, and two opposing. The proposal for rotation was first discussed on October 21 during a meeting of the Joint Governance Council of the ruling coalition, which includes GERB, There Is Such a People (TISP), and BSP....
Bulgarian Star Grigor Dimitrov Makes His Long-Awaited Return to the Court in Paris 26 Oct 10:38 PM (yesterday, 10:38 pm)
Grigor Dimitrov, Bulgaria’s top tennis player, has slipped one position in the latest ATP world rankings, now standing at number 34 with 1,330 points. Despite the minor drop, the news marks an important moment for Dimitrov, who is set to make his long-awaited return to the court after nearly three months away due to injury. The 33-year-old last played on August 7, when a torn pectoral muscle forced him to withdraw mid-match at Wimbledon against Italy’s Jannik Sinner....
Heavy Rain Floods Sofia Streets, Halts Tram Services and Causes Traffic Chaos 26 Oct 10:26 PM (yesterday, 10:26 pm)
Heavy rainfall in Sofia caused serious flooding on Monday morning, disrupting tram services across several major lines in the city. According to the Center for Urban Mobility, tram lines 20, 21, 22, and 23 were suspended after floodwaters covered a section of Asen Yordanov Boulevard near Shipchenski Prohod. The interruption led to significant delays in public transport and heavy traffic during the morning rush hour, particularly as students headed to school for the first shift. ...
Bulgarian Town Bans Halloween to Focus on National Heritage Celebration 26 Oct 9:54 PM (yesterday, 9:54 pm)
The Mayor of the Bulgarian town of Elin Pelin, Ivaylo Simeonov, has issued a directive prohibiting the celebration of Halloween within schools, kindergartens, and community centers across the municipality. The measure is tied to the upcoming November 1 observance of National Awakeners' Day, an annual tradition commemorating those who have nurtured and preserved Bulgarian culture, the municipality reported. November 1 is traditionally marked in Elin Pelin with a series of solemn events, including a prayer service and a torchlight procession....
Bulgaria Moves Toward a Cashless Future: POS Terminals Surge While ATMs Decline 26 Oct 9:19 PM (yesterday, 9:19 pm)
The shift toward digital payments in Bulgaria is becoming increasingly visible. Although cash still accounts for over half of all transactions in Europe, Bulgarians are gradually leaving behind the habit of reaching for banknotes. Annual data from the Bulgarian National Bank covering 2014–2025 show a steady rise in card usage across the country. ...
Winter’s First Touch: Bulgaria Faces Rain, Snow, and Gusty Winds on Monday 26 Oct 6:23 AM (2 days ago)
Rain, snow, and strong winds are expected to sweep across Bulgaria on Monday, according to the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH). The day will begin with overcast skies and widespread rainfall, particularly heavy in mountainous areas. In zones above 2000 meters, the rain will gradually turn to snow....
Dimitrovden Celebrations Mark the Turning of the Seasons Across Bulgaria 26 Oct 1:00 AM (2 days ago)
October 26 is Dimitrovden in Bulgaria, a day deeply rooted in both Orthodox faith and folk tradition. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki, known as St. Dimitriy Mirotochiv, and the venerable Dimita Dorostolska....
Shkodër: Albania’s European Face and Bulgaria’s Historic Friend 26 Oct 12:52 AM (2 days ago)
Shkodër, also known as Scodra, stands as one of Albania’s most significant cultural and economic centers, representing the country’s strong European identity and long-standing historical ties with Bulgaria. Situated in northern Albania, the city has for centuries been known for its large Catholic community, which has produced a number of bishops who later served in the Sofia-Plovdiv Diocese. This shared religious connection is only one of the many links between the two nations. ...
Brexit’s Impact on the UK Economy Found to Be Worse Than Expected 25 Oct 11:29 PM (2 days ago)
The United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union has inflicted deeper damage on the country’s economy than previously estimated, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves stated during a regional investment summit in Birmingham. Reeves noted that the combined effects of austerity measures following the financial crisis, reduced capital investment, and Brexit itself have weighed heavily on economic performance. “These factors have had a far greater impact than anticipated at the time....
Bulgaria After Joining the Eurozone: Free Lev-to-Euro Exchange Guaranteed Until Mid-2026 25 Oct 11:26 PM (2 days ago)
Starting January 1, 2026, the Bulgarian National Bank will provide unlimited lev-to-euro exchange free of charge, with no time restrictions. Citizens will be able to convert their levs into euros at any amount without paying fees directly to the central bank. Banks and "Bulgarian Posts" SA/JSco will also offer free exchanges during the period from January 1 to June 30, 2026, but with daily limits and prior notice requirements for larger amounts....