Sunday schools are a cause uniting Bulgarians around the world

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 20:28:49 GMT

For the second consecutive year, the jury of an essay contest for pupils and university students from Bulgarian communities abroad has given recognition to young people living abroad. The initiative is organized by the Bulgarian National Radio under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria and is part of the media efforts to forge stronger ties with Bulgarian compatriots around the globe.

Among this year's award winners was 18-year-old Yunona Bulyashki. She shared reflections that resonate with any young person standing on the threshold of a new chapter in life. Born in Bulgaria, Yunona moved to the UK when she was just two years old. Nevertheless, she spends every summer in her homeland and it seems that time has been enough to inspire her to pursue her further education in Bulgaria:

Autumn arrives on Independence Day with cooler temperatures and rainfall

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:55:59 GMT

On Tuesday, morning lows will range from 11°C to 16°C; in Sofia - about 12°C. Daytime cloud cover will be variable, often significant. Rain is expected in some areas of the mountains, as well as in the western and northern regions. The highest temperature will be between 17°C to 22°C. In Sofia it will be about 17°C.

It will be windy along the Black Sea coast. Rainfall is expected north of Cape Emine. Maximum air temperature will range from 19°C to 22°C, with sea water temperatures at 22–23°C.

Cloud cover will be significant in the mountains. Rain is expected in the Rila-Rhodope region and the Balkan Mountain. Snow will fall at altitudes above 2,200 meters. There will be strong northwesterly wind. Maximum temperatures will be around 12°C at an altitude of 1,200 meters and around 4°C at 2,000 meters.

Editor: Ivo Ivanov

Wheelchair users, blind people protest over accessibility in Sofia

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 17:59:38 GMT

Wheelchair users and blind people staged another protest in central Sofia, calling on the municipality to make the city and its public transport more accessible. The demonstration was organised by the Mobility movement and the National Centre for Social Rehabilitation association.

A month after holding a torchlight march, the protesters said little had changed and the city remained difficult for people with disabilities to navigate. They are calling on Sofia Municipality to set up a public council on disability policy that would consult people with disabilities on accessibility issues.

The municipality said it supported the demand for everyone to be able to move around the city freely and safely and was working towards that goal.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

Bulgaria Today podcast - 21 September 2026

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 17:50:15 GMT

In Bulgaria Today on Monday, 21 September:

We begin with the latest news from across Bulgaria, followed by tomorrow’s weather forecast.

Next, for World Alzheimer’s Day, we look at the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and whether it can be prevented. Gergana Hrischeva talks to neurologist Acad. Lachezar Traykov.

And finally, in our music slot, we hear “Olive Tree”, performed by the BNR Big Band with pianist Milen Kukosharov.

01’54 – News
09’59 – Early diagnosis and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease
28’17 – Music: “Olive Tree”

Inhabitants of Solnitsata near Provadia produced beer 6,500 years ago

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 16:33:07 GMT

This year, Bulgarian archaeologists found evidence that beer was produced at "Provadia-Solnitsata" (5600–4350 BC)-Europe's oldest salt-production and urban center. This was announced by the leader of the archaeological works, Academician Vasil Nikolov, who presented the team's summer findings to journalists, BTA reported.

According to Nikolov, this likely represents the earliest production of the beverage in the region and possibly in all of Europe. He noted that botanist Elena Marinova contributed to the discovery. A broken vessel was found containing wheat that had sprouted in the manner required to produce malt. The vessel was discovered in a house that had burned down. It was previously believed that beer production began during the Bronze Age in Western Asia and Egypt, but we now have the first evidence that beer was being made as early as 4500 BC, Nikolov said.

Archaeologists study the production complex of Provadia-Solnitsata, which operated millennia ago

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

"Brace Your Heart" wins award at Toronto International Film Festival

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:18:57 GMT

The film Brace Your Heart, directed by Swedish filmmaker Amanda Kernell, won the Special Jury Prize in the Platform competition program at the Toronto International Film Festival, organizers announced on their website. The film is a co-production involving Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and Bulgaria. The Bulgarian producers are the Kalinov brothers through their production company, Invictus. The film received support from the Bulgarian National Film Center.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

Bulgarian kukeri took part in Dublin’s Culture Night

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 14:50:49 GMT

On September 18, 2026, the Bulgarian Embassy in Dublin showcased Bulgarian traditions and folklore as part of Culture Night in the Irish capital. The event was part of the EUNIC European Culture Trail, Bulgarian diplomats announced on their Facebook page.

The embassy’s program, titled "Traditions and Their Transformations," highlighted the kukeri custom, presenting it to the local audience through masks and costumes. Teachers, parents, and students from the "Azbuka" Bulgarian School in Dublin took part in the event.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

Mickoski proposes EU participation in North Macedonia's dialogue with Bulgaria

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 14:34:39 GMT

North Macedonia's Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated in an interview with the MIA news agency over the weekend that Skopje is ready to discuss a plan with Bulgaria to protect the rights of minorities and communities in the country, but insists on the participation of an EU representative in the dialogue, BTA has reported. In the interview, he noted that such a process requires trust and a willingness to engage in dialogue from both sides.

The plan is part of the conditions for North Macedonia's European integration path and must include measures against discrimination and hate speech. The European Commission has also pointed to another unmet condition: constitutional amendments to include Bulgarians among the listed communities. This step would pave the way for North Macedonia's EU membership.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

President Iliana Iotova represents Bulgaria at the UN General Assembly

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 14:02:44 GMT

From September 21 to 24, President Iliana Iotova visits New York to represent Bulgaria at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The delegation led by Iotova includes Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova, Minister of Health Katya Ivkova, Minister of Labor and Social Policy Natalia Efremova, and the Chair of the National Assembly's Foreign Policy Committee, Petar Vitanov.

On September 21, President Iotova will participate in the high-level meeting "Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace, and Prosperity," co-chaired by European Council President António Costa, Kenyan President William Ruto, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The President’s address to the UN General Assembly is scheduled for September 23 (around 9:00 PM Bulgarian time). That same day, Iliana Iotova will meet with representatives of the Bulgarian community in the US at the Consulate General in New York.

A number of bilateral meetings are planned for Iotova during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, including with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, as well as with heads of state and government and representatives of international organizations.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

SpaceX invites pilot Nikolay Kalaydzhiev to serve as an astronaut

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 13:22:09 GMT

Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX, has invited Bulgarian record-breaking pilot Nikolay Kalaydzhiev to participate in two of their missions. The company was impressed by the achievement of the Bulgarian, listed in the Guinness Book of Records, of performing 1,021 aircraft takeoffs and landings in 14 hours.

"I have been invited not just as part of the crew, but to be the pilot of the mission, which is a tremendous recognition for me and my team," Kalaydzhiev told bTV. According to him, such an event would provide a massive boost to the development of the Bulgarian space sector. "My manager was in Washington and spoke with SpaceX headquarters and they actually travelled from Los Angeles to see us in action," Kalaydzhiev also said.

Editor: Ivo Ivanov

Saint Sophia Bulgarian Orthodox Church in Des Plaines marks 80th anniversary

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 11:58:01 GMT

The 80th anniversary of the Saint Sophia Bulgarian Orthodox Church of was celebrated at an event attended by members of the Bulgarian community and American friends of Bulgaria in Des Plaines, Illinois.

In a social media post, Consul General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Chicago Svetoslav Stankov thanked Des Plaines Mayor Andrew Goczkowski and Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison for honoring the Bulgarian community with their presence.

The St. Sophia church community was founded and officially registered in 1946 by a group of Bulgarians, BTA recalls. Over the years, the church has become a place of Orthodox worship and a center for preserving the Bulgarian language, traditions and culture among the Bulgarian community in the Chicago area.

Acad. Traykov: Alzheimer’s disease can be diagnosed before symptoms appear

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 11:25:57 GMT

Years can pass between the earliest changes in the brain and noticeable memory loss. Today, medicine has biomarkers, neuroimaging techniques and therapies targeting the underlying disease pathology. Why is early diagnosis becoming increasingly important, and what can we do to protect our brain health?

On September 21, World Alzheimer’s Day, the BNR health-related podcast "At the center of the system" explores why the focus is increasingly shifting from the question, “What should we do when a person starts to forget?” to a much earlier one: “How can we recognise and diagnose the disease process before it has caused significant neuronal loss?”

According to leading Bulgarian neurologist Acad. Lachezar Traykov, head of the Department for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Degenerative and Vascular Dementias at the Clinic of Neurology of Alexandrovska University Hospital, one of the major breakthroughs in modern neurology is precisely the possibility of moving diagnosis to an earlier stage.

Bulgaria has no fully comprehensive and official national statistics on the exact number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease, but according to estimates by the Alzheimer Bulgaria Civic Association and international studies, the number of people affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in Bulgaria is estimated at between 70,000 and 100,000. According to the data of the World Health Organization, 18 million people are affected by the disease on a global scale.

Modern medicine increasingly views Alzheimer’s disease as a biological process that begins before the onset of clinical symptoms. According to updated Alzheimer’s Association criteria, pathological changes may begin while a person still has no noticeable cognitive impairment. Memory is among the functions most commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease, but the clinical picture is more complex.

Cognitive abilities include attention, concentration, memory, language, orientation, planning and decision-making. Consequently, early changes do not necessarily manifest themselves as the classic “forgetfulness”.

“Memory is one of the first symptoms,” Acad. Traikov told BNR, but he also points to another domain that may be affected earlier, namely the "executive" functions.

These are the abilities that allow us to respond appropriately in unfamiliar situations, plan, weigh alternatives and make decisions. As an example, he describes the usual route to work. When the route is familiar, a person follows it almost automatically. But if a street is suddenly closed, they must quickly orient themselves, devise an alternative route and adjust their plans to the circumstances. Such situations can become more difficult in the early stages of cognitive impairment.

“This process of making a decision quickly, in an unfamiliar situation, and arriving at the right decision has proved to be the most vulnerable and one of the earliest indicators to emerge,” Acad. Traykov explains.

Of course, such difficulties alone do not establish the presence of Alzheimer’s disease. They may be associated with anxiety, depression, stress, other neurological conditions or individual characteristics. This is why specialists use a more detailed neuropsychological assessment.

From brief screening to a neuropsychological profile

Brief cognitive tests can be used for screening in clinical practice. They should not, however, be regarded as equivalent to a diagnosis.

“We do not settle for the one-minute screening test performed by GPs. It is only a screening tool. Our psychologists conduct a 40-minute assessment,” Acad. Traykov explains.

The aim is to establish a cognitive profile, identifying which abilities remain intact and which are impaired. This helps distinguish normal ageing from pathological cognitive decline and determine what additional investigations may be required.

Modern diagnostic guidelines also stress that biomarkers should be interpreted in the context of a comprehensive clinical assessment rather than treated as a standalone laboratory verdict.

What happens in the brain years before symptoms appear?

Alzheimer’s disease is associated with the accumulation of pathological proteins, including amyloid-beta and abnormally modified tau protein.

One of the key structures affected in the early stages is the hippocampus, a region that plays a crucial role in the formation and storage of new memories. As the pathological process progresses, neuronal loss and structural changes in the brain occur. These may be detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as atrophy.

“Patients with Alzheimer’s begin to develop atrophic changes. Some areas of the brain responsible for particular functions lose cells, and on scans this appears as a shrinkage of the tissue,” Acad. Traykov added.

MRI, however, is not in itself a specific test for Alzheimer’s disease. It is important for assessing brain structure, identifying atrophy and investigating other possible causes of cognitive impairment. Current diagnostic criteria include MRI among the tools used to assess neurodegeneration and cerebrovascular injury.

“The bad proteins” can now be tracked

One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the advancement of biomarker-based diagnosis. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained through a lumbar puncture can measure biomarkers associated with amyloid-beta and tau pathology.

Another important method is amyloid PET imaging. It uses a radiotracer that binds to amyloid deposits in the brain, making them visible on imaging.

Current criteria identify amyloid PET and certain combinations of CSF biomarkers as core diagnostic biomarkers. A positive result obtained with an appropriately validated test can establish the presence of the biological pathology of Alzheimer’s disease.

The blood test: a major breakthrough, but not a diagnosis “from the laboratory”

Blood-based biomarkers have generated even greater interest. Various forms of phosphorylated tau can be measured in plasma, particularly p-tau217, as well as combinations of other biomarkers. Research in recent years indicates that some of these tests can achieve diagnostic accuracy comparable to that of established CSF tests.

This does not mean, however, that every positive commercial blood test automatically indicates clinical Alzheimer’s disease. On the contrary, scientific criteria emphasise substantial differences between individual tests. Not all blood-based assays currently available have the required accuracy, and their results must be interpreted in light of the clinical picture and the likelihood that the patient actually has Alzheimer’s pathology.

Acad. Traъkov warns of the danger of people without cognitive symptoms ordering such tests themselves and then assuming, following a positive result, that they are already ill. This is particularly important because the presence of biological pathology is not synonymous with the presence of dementia.

Current scientific criteria make precisely this distinction: a person without cognitive impairment who has a positive biomarker is at increased risk of developing symptoms, but this does not mean that they already have a clinical syndrome of dementia.

Amyloid is not the whole story

One of the important conclusions is that the disease cannot be reduced simply to the presence of amyloid. At least two major protein systems are involved in the pathological process, amyloid-beta and tau. Current criteria regard them as reflecting different biological stages of the disease.

Amyloid biomarkers and early phosphorylated tau biomarkers are part of the so-called Core 1 biomarkers, while certain tau biomarkers that emerge later and tau PET are used for further staging of the biological process.

This is also important for treatment: the presence and extent of pathological amyloid and tau changes may be relevant to determining the stage of the disease and whether a particular patient may be eligible for a given therapy.

Premier Radev calls on US companies to invest in Bulgaria

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 10:48:56 GMT

The government’s goal is for Bulgaria to develop as a democratic European country, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said in Sofia at a business breakfast with the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria. He said the government’s program rests on two pillars: dismantling the oligarchic model and accelerating economic development.

“It is time for American investment to come to Bulgaria in areas such as AI factories, high-capacity data centers, robotics, mechatronics, semiconductors, as well as the space and defense sectors”, Rumen Radev said.

Bulgaria is well positioned to achieve sustainable economic growth because it is a member of the EU and NATO, has strong international partnerships and has talented people, Tommy Ver Elst, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria, said in response. According to him, the United States is among the six leading foreign investors in the country, with more than 100 American companies providing over 40,000 jobs.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Heavy truck traffic at the border with Türkiye

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 09:15:32 GMT

Traffic is extremely heavy at the Kapitan Andreevo and Lesovo border crossings for outbound trucks heading to Türkiye, Border Police reported. Traffic is normal at all other border crossings with Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia and Romania.

Three people died and 29 were injured in 22 serious road accidents across the country over the past 24 hours, Traffic Police reported. Since the beginning of the month, 452 serious road accidents have been recorded, claiming the lives of 25 people and injuring 557. Since the beginning of the year, 338 people have died and 4,944 have been injured on the country’s roads. Compared with 2025, the number of road fatalities has increased by 27.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Bulgaria Air included in prestigious international ranking

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 08:34:18 GMT

National carrier Bulgaria Air has been ranked among the top five airlines in Eastern Europe in the 2026 World Airline Awards by the international air transport rating organization Skytrax, BTA reports. The national carrier ranks fourth in the region, marking a significant improvement compared with its position in 2025.

The World Airline Awards are based on passenger ratings from different countries and markets and covers key elements of the overall travel experience—including airport and onboard service, cabin comfort, the quality of services offered, and the attitude of the crew.

The top five airlines in Eastern Europe are led by Latvia’s airBaltic, followed by Air Serbia. Georgian Airways ranks third. The fifth position goes to Romania’s national carrier, TAROM.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Culture Minister: A solution for BNR’s musical ensembles will be found

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 08:28:08 GMT

The Bulgarian government is committed to finding a sustainable solution soon to the financial difficulties facing the Bulgarian National Radio’s music ensembles. This was stated by Bulgarian Culture Minister Evtim Miloshev in an interview with the Bulgarian National Television.

He was commenting on the announcement by a violinist from the Symphony Orchestra of the public broadcaster that she is prepared to go on hunger strike on September 28 if no short-term measures are identified by then to improve the ensembles’ situation.

BNR orchestra violinist announces hunger strike over low pay

“This is something that has deeply concerned me, simply because the Bulgarian National Radio is a primary budget spending unit. There is no administrative hierarchy between us, but in terms of our moral responsibility, our working relationship, and our concern and attention towards artists, I know them personally. They are wonderful orchestral players, musicians and cultural professionals. But I believe that the entire government has a commitment to them.

“We are not far from finding a sustainable solution for the ensembles at the Bulgarian National Radio. I very much hope that things will not come to extremes. I understand that their patience has already been exhausted, but these are extreme measures,” Evtim Miloshev said.

Bulgarian indie band "hug or handshake" puts new spin on Ostava classic

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 14:10:55 GMT

What happens to a song when, instead of sounding in minor as originally recorded, it is played in major? That is what we hear in Hits with 1% Change, a charity campaign by the organisation One Percent Change.

The first song was Avenue duo’s “Escape”, this time in a new version by Molec. The second title in the series is Ostava’s “Fields of Sunflowers”, given a new interpretation by Bulgarian indie band “hug or handshake”. Both the charity idea and the opportunity to take on the iconic 1994 song immediately appealed to the young musicians, as Anton Georgiev of “hug or handshake” explains:

Painful defeat for Bulgaria against Germany at EuroVolley 2026 in Sofia

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 08:17:40 GMT

Bulgaria’s men’s national volleyball team surrendered a 2:0 lead and lost 2:3 (25:21, 25:21, 19:25, 23:25, 12:15) to Germany in the round of 16 of the European Men’s Volleyball Championship, in front of 12,198 spectators in Sofia. The match lasted more than two and a half hours.

The defeat brought an end to Gianlorenzo Blengini’s team’s campaign, while Germany will face European champions Poland in the quarter-finals on September 22.

Bulgaria finished the tournament with four wins and two defeats, but once again failed to reach the quarter-finals, the second consecutive edition in which the team has fallen short of the last eight. Three years ago, Bulgaria, who went on to become world runners-up in the Philippines a year ago, were eliminated by France at the same stage.

Blengini started the match with Simeon Nikolov, Aleks Grozdanov, Aleksandar Nikolov, Iliya Petkov, Asparuh Asparuhov, Denislav Bardarov and libero Zhasmin Velichkov.

Aleksandar Nikolov was the match’s top scorer with 23 points, while Asparuh Asparuhov contributed 13 for Bulgaria. Eriк Röhrs led Germany with 20 points, while Anton Brehme added 14 and Christian Brand 13.

Bulgaria secure place in EuroVolley 2026 knockout stage

Bulgaria starts EuroVolley with a convincing victory

Edited by Iliyan Hristov, BNR Horizon

“Theatre Is Excited” festival in Varna features hit productions

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 07:10:21 GMT

The second edition of the International Black Sea Theatre Festival, organized by the Stoyan Bachvarov Drama Theatre in Varna, will take place from September 23 to 28. The programme features a selection of Bulgarian and international productions in its main programme, alongside workshops, exhibitions, book presentations and themed discussions in its accompanying programme.

The festival, titled “Theatre Is Excited”, aims to showcase contemporary productions by theatre companies from Bulgaria and across Europe. The 2026 programme features six Bulgarian and four international productions.

Bulgargaz proposes nearly 6% increase in natural gas price

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 06:05:42 GMT

The state-owned company Bulgargaz has proposed a natural gas price of EUR 44.08 per megawatt-hour for October, excluding access and transmission fees, excise duty and VAT. The company has submitted its application to the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC). The application has been published on the regulator’s website.

The proposed price is 5.96% higher than the EUR 41.60 per megawatt-hour price approved for September. Natural gas prices rose by 5.5% in September.

The proposed price includes the cost components for natural gas at the entry points of the gas transmission networks and for the “public supply” activity. It also includes a component covering Bulgargaz’s costs for storing gas quantities at the Chiren underground gas storage facility, in accordance with its obligations under the Emergency Action Plan.

The Energy and Water Regulatory Commission will review the application at a public meeting, while the final decision on the October gas price will be made at a closed session.

Edited by Tsvetana Pironkova

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Cyclists to take over Sofia’s Tsarigradsko Shose on September 20

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 10:25:26 GMT

Sofia’s Tsarigradsko Shose boulevard will be cleared of cars for around two hours on September 20 as the Bulgarian capital hosts a cycling parade as part of European Mobility Week 2026.

The event is organised by Sofia Municipality, the Centre for Urban Mobility and the Embassy of Denmark, the municipality said. It follows a similar event on May 10, when 30,000 cyclists took to the major Sofia thoroughfare.

The parade will be led by Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev and will follow part of the route used for the historic finish of the third stage of the Giro d’Italia in Sofia. Cyclists will gather at Narodno Sabranie Square at 9.30 am, with the ride starting at 10 am.

For around two hours, Tsarigradsko Shose will be closed to motor traffic, giving cyclists the chance to experience one of Sofia’s busiest roads without cars.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

Ruse celebrates its famous chocolate and walnut Garash cake

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 07:55:43 GMT

Ruse will celebrate one of its culinary symbols, Garash, a rich Bulgarian chocolate and walnut cake, with a two-day festival on September 19 and 20. The fifth edition of the festival will feature culinary challenges, children’s activities, music and art, as well as opportunities to explore the history of the Danube city, Ruse Municipality said.

The popular Garash Cake originates from Bulgaria

The festival opens at 10 am on Saturday outside the municipal building, when a competition for the best Garash cake also gets under way. This year, contestants will compete in three categories – traditional, non-traditional and homemade. There will also be confectionery demonstrations, with visitors getting a chance to taste the cakes.

A children’s confectionery masterclass with chef Ivan Aleksandrov will run outside the Opera House from 10 am to 4 pm on both days.

Queen Sensation will perform outside the municipal building at 8 pm on September 19, followed by a laser show by Andy Faulkner at 10 pm.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

BNR Symphony orchestra conductor Konstantin Ilievsky: We are fighting to survive

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 07:37:16 GMT

The musical ensembles of the Bulgarian National Radio have been protesting for more than a year over insufficient funding. Midway through the previous season, the Radio Symphony Orchestra suspended its concert activities and continued to work solely on recording projects.

BNR musicians halt concerts in protest over low pay

This week it became clear that the musicians are no longer prepared to wait indefinitely for politicians to find a solution.

First came the news that Galina Koycheva, the orchestra’s concertmaster, was leaving. A little later came an even more alarming announcement:

BNR orchestra violinist announces hunger strike over low pay

“My name is Iva Djadjeva, and I am a musician with the BNR Symphony Orchestra. After a year and a half of agony, I have taken the extreme step of declaring a hunger strike, because our orchestra is falling apart and we simply have no options left. We are desperate. We are pleading for attention!”

We have been forced to resort to these extreme measures, said composer and pianist Antoni Donchev, who served as conductor of the BNR Big Band until July this year.

“This is a problem that has been dragging on for many years, namely insufficient funding, particularly for the musical ensembles of the Bulgarian National Radio, as well as for BNR as a whole."

Slav Slavchev, solo oboist with the Radio Orchestra, outlined the musicians’ demands:

“An additional one-off allocation of €350,000 for BNR’s musical ensembles in the BNR budget for 2026. We would also like to see the Bulgarian National Radio’s budget for 2027 increased by BGN 2 million compared with the 2026 budget, with the funds earmarked exclusively for the sustainable financing and development of BNR’s musical ensembles and the gradual resolution of the structural problems that have accumulated over the years. This comes in the context of the anticipated amendments to the Radio and Television Act, which would change the status of the ensembles and establish a sustainable model for their continued existence. We genuinely expect the draft law to be submitted for public consultation by the end of September, so that we can find out what the new rules for funding public service media will actually be.”

BNR Director General Milen Mitev was adamant that one-off, stopgap measures are not viable solutions. He, too, is counting on the necessary legislative amendments being adopted by the end of September.

“The problem of the extremely low pay of musicians at the National Radio, which is part of the broader problem of inadequate funding for public service media in Bulgaria, is not a recent one. It is a problem that has existed for many years and, unfortunately, has been growing steadily and inexorably worse over time.

At present, a working group at the Ministry of Culture is nearing completion of a proposal for amendments to the Radio and Television Act. One of the envisaged changes is to regulate the status of the National Radio’s musical ensembles, define their activities and include those activities as part of BNR’s work eligible for public funding.

If this bill is adopted, it will make it possible for BNR’s future budgets to be drawn up in a way that also incorporates the activities of its musical ensembles. In my view, this is the right course of action because it will establish a lasting framework for these relations.Short-term solutions involving one-off transfers can always be implemented, but we are seeking a long-term solution. I believe that both the Ministry of Culture and the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture and Media, which are aware of this problem, will find a way to accelerate the process, including through short-term measures that would allow us to wait for the legislative changes that have been discussed and prepared for so long to finally become a reality.

The Ministry of Culture is striving to present the bill for public consultation and subsequent adoption by September 30, so that this change can be enshrined in law.”

In an interview for BNR's Horizon channel, Konstantin Ilievsky, chief conductor of the BNR Symphony Orchestra, said that the musicians were deeply concerned:

Sofia hosts exhibition by participants in Paris Residency Competition

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 07:10:26 GMT

The exhibition of the participants in the competition for a creative residency at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris for 2027 can be visited in Hall 1 of the Union of Bulgarian Artists (UBA) until September 29.

The selected art historians and visual artists will have the opportunity to spend two months in residence next year in the studios of the Cité internationale des arts in Paris. In addition to studios, the Cité internationale des arts complex has exhibition and concert halls and offers a diverse cultural programme.

Troyan and Oreshak invite visitors to the traditional Bulgarian Plum Festival

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 06:05:38 GMT

The town of Troyan and the nearby village of Oreshak are hosting the 33rd edition of the Bulgarian Plum Festival, which runs through September 22, BTA reports. The program features culinary demonstrations, competitions, contests, concerts, exhibitions and traditional crafts. The events in Troyan will kick off on September 19 with a festive procession. The program features performances by folk ensembles and a culinary show.

Bulgarian photographer wins astrophotography contest with Northern Lights image

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:58:44 GMT

Bulgarian photographer and architect Radoslav Sviretsov, who has been living in Iceland since 2025, has won first prize in the Aurorae category of the Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026 international competition, organised by the Royal Observatory Greenwich in London, the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) reported.

His award-winning photograph, The Crown, was taken near a small church in Iceland in January 2026, during a powerful geomagnetic storm, shortly before midnight and far from any city lights.

“The sky was glowing, and the landscape beneath it was illuminated by the power of the Northern Lights. At certain moments, the aurora was so intense that it even lit up the ground beneath us, turning everything white, as though night itself had briefly vanished. In moments like this, I feel nothing but gratitude, simply for having been in the right place at the right time,” the photographer said.

In 2026, Sviretsov also won the international final of EISA Maestro in the single-photograph category with an aerial image taken in Vietnam. His photographs have been published by The Times, Forbes, The Guardian, PetaPixel and Bored Panda.

Edited by Miglena Ivanova

Sunny end to the week, rain moving in from west on Sunday

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:05:18 GMT

Saturday will be mostly sunny, with some passing cloud and a chance of brief afternoon showers over the mountains of western Bulgaria. A light easterly wind will blow. Lows will range from 11°C to 16°C, falling to 7-10°C in some valleys, with highs between 27°C and 32°C. Sofia will see around 11°C in the morning and 28°C during the day.

Along the Black Sea coast, it will be mostly sunny, with highs of 24-26°C. Sea temperatures will be 23-24°C, with waves of up to 2 on the Beaufort scale.

The mountains will also be mostly sunny. Cloud will develop over the western ranges around and after midday, bringing brief showers in places. Winds will be light, from the northeast and from the northwest on the highest peaks. Temperatures will reach around 22°C at 1,200 metres and 14°C at 2,000 metres.

Sunday will remain largely sunny, although cloud will build over western Bulgaria. Showers and thunderstorms will become more widespread there in the afternoon. Lows will be between 12°C and 17°C, with highs of 27-32°C.

Editor: Ivo Ivanov

Bulgaria Today podcast - 18 September 2026

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 18:00:01 GMT

Hello and welcome to Bulgaria Today, the English-language podcast of Radio Bulgaria, on September 18 hosted by Rositsa Petkova.

Coming up, we’ll bring you the latest news from Bulgaria.

In our feature, we turn to one of the great names of 20th-century Bulgarian music, composer Lyubomir Pipkov, and one of his most poignant choral works, Nani mi, nani, Damyancho, inspired by the simplicity and emotional depth of Bulgarian folk poetry.

And, of course, we’ll round off the programme on a musical note with a performance by the BNR Folk Music Orchestra.

Stay with us!

01'59 - News

11'38 - Highlights of Bulgarian Musical Culture: “Nani mi, nani, Damyancho” – Lyubomir Pipkov’s poetry in music

17'17 - Music slot: Shopski igri (Shoppe games) - composer Dimitar Trendafilov, performed by the BNR Folk Music Orchestra

Balkan Developments

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 17:38:58 GMT

From protests to the ballot box: students in Serbia register for the vote

Students who have been holding anti-government protests in Serbia for nearly two years submitted documents to participate in the snap parliamentary elections on October 25, BTA reported. They filed far more than the required 10,000 signatures and a list of 250 parliamentary candidates with the Republic Electoral Commission in Belgrade under the name "Student List – Students Win."

The candidates include professors, doctors, artists, activists, and entrepreneurs. The movement claims they were selected through student plenums based on the principles of direct democracy.

The protests began following the collapse of a canopy at the Novi Sad railway station on November 1, 2024, which killed 16 people and left one person seriously injured. Students organised blockades in over 60 university faculties, blamed the authorities for the incident, and put forward anti-corruption demands. In May 2025, they called for snap parliamentary elections and succeeded in securing them.

Interior minister: Over €5m in diverted road funds paid for Peevski flights

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 17:10:51 GMT

Funds from public contracts for road safety barriers were diverted through a company with no real business activity to pay for 36 flights taken by MP and DPS leader Delyan Peevski, Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said on Friday. The flights cost more than €5 million, Demerdzhiev told a briefing, adding that the Interior Ministry would send its findings to prosecutors and partner services.

According to the ministry, the company that paid for the flights is owned by the father of Bulgaria’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. A plane used by Peevski was also bought through owners of companies that had received public funds for replacing road safety barriers.

Prime Minister Rumen Radev asked the Foreign Ministry to prepare the ambassador’s recall from the UAE. He said prosecutors would decide whether to seek the lifting of Peevski’s parliamentary immunity.

Peevski denied the allegations, saying he had documents showing that the flights had been paid for by him and his family.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

Education Ministry proposes new approach to school discipline

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:58:12 GMT

Bulgaria’s Ministry of Education is proposing a new approach to school discipline, with greater emphasis on identifying and addressing problems before they escalate. The model will focus on recognising difficulties early, working with families and preventing pupils from dropping out of school, the ministry said.

The proposed measures include an electronic personal development record for every pupil, covering behaviour, social skills, individual achievements and talents. Schools would work more closely with social and health services, municipalities and police, while each school would appoint a specialist responsible for pupils’ personal development.

DB points to radicalization of minors following brutal murder in Plovdiv

The ministry is also proposing a common system of rewards, warnings and sanctions, with punishment used only as a last resort. The aim is to tackle problems early, allow teachers to concentrate on teaching and provide pupils with a calmer learning environment. The proposals will now be put out for public consultation.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

Former minister Borislav Sandov charged over NGO linked to Petrohan lodge

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:54:11 GMT

The Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office has charged former environment minister Borislav Sandov with abuse of office over an agreement granting an NGO oversight functions in protected areas near the Petrohan mountain lodge. The prosecution did not name Sandov in its statement, but said the alleged offence was committed on February 8, 2022, when the accused was serving as minister of environment and water.

Prosecutors say he exceeded his authority by signing a cooperation agreement that gave the NGO National Agency for Control of Protected Areas powers to monitor and oversee measures in protected areas.

The organisation came under public scrutiny in February 2026, when three people were found dead near the burnt-out Petrohan lodge. Three more bodies, including that of a 15-year-old boy, were later found in a camper van below Okolchitsa Peak. Five of the six dead were members of the organisation.

The deaths are being investigated separately and Sandov has no connection to that case.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

“Nani mi, nani, Damyancho” – Lyubomir Pipkov’s poetry in music

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:45:55 GMT

One of Bulgaria’s great composers of the 20th century, Lyubomir Pipkov holds an important place in both Bulgarian and European music. He was particularly gifted at turning words into music. Few figures in the Bulgarian school of composition could match his cultural and literary range or his poetic sensibility. Pipkov approached words both as a musician and as someone with a deep affinity for poetry.

This can be heard throughout his work, especially in his songs. Scholars have explored the different ways in which he interpreted a text and shaped the relationship between words and musical expression. Pipkov himself considered the choral song one of the central genres in his work. Among his masterpieces are Na nivata (In the Fields), Proleten vyatar (Spring Wind), Zhalta peperuda (Yellow Butterfly), Tsarevitsa ranna (Early Corn), and the cycles Four Madrigals and Muted Songs. They remain an important part of the Bulgarian choral repertoire today.

Among them, “Nani mi, nani, Damyancho” holds a special place. Written in 1948 for mixed choir to a traditional folk text, it brings together the directness of Bulgarian folk poetry and Pipkov’s skill as a composer to remarkable effect.

Security Council sets out measures to protect Bulgaria’s strategic sites

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:58:21 GMT

Bulgaria has set out measures to strengthen security at strategic and critical infrastructure sites, Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov and Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said after a meeting of the Security Council under the Prime Minister. The measures include plans for additional counter-drone systems and improved video surveillance, as well as increased police patrols and inspections of facilities where explosives and ammunition are produced or stored.

Stoyanov said additional funding was needed to purchase counter-drone systems and upgrade security systems at Defence Ministry facilities. Measures to modernise their protection had been identified, he added.

Demerdzhiev said police and security services would inspect facilities producing or storing explosives and ammunition and issue recommendations on improving their protection. Police patrols around the sites will also be stepped up.

Editor: Ivo Ivanov

Silviya Stanoeva takes on the role of Miranda in “Magic for the Tempest” in Rome

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:22:29 GMT

"We are such stuff as dreams are made on," Shakespeare wrote. It is precisely along this fragile boundary between dream and reality, between magic and truth, that the theatrical production “Magic for the Tempest” (based on Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”) unfolds. Directed by Viviana di Bert, it is original and energetic and keeps the audience constantly engaged. "Since September 15, the production has been part of the repertoire at Teatro Tordinona in Rome - a stage where Shakespeare’s world continues to connect with contemporary audiences in a vivid, immediate, and impactful way," Veneta Nenkova, head of Parallel 43 Association in Rome, told Radio Bulgaria.

The role of Miranda is played by Bulgarian actress and playwright Silviya Stanoeva - an artist whose name has been associated with terms like "theatrical discovery" and "undeniable talent" since her student days. Early in her professional career, she attracted critical attention and earned acclaim for her striking stage presence.

Silviya Stanoeva presents her Diary of the War in Rome

Government to waive gas excise duty and introduce “fuel inflation checks”

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 10:48:25 GMT

More than 550,000 vulnerable Bulgarians whose incomes are below the poverty line and who receive social assistance will receive a one-off EUR 50 “inflation check” in October. The total EUR 30 million package will compensate recipients for high fuel prices, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Poulev said, as reported by BTA. The excise duty on LPG will also be removed for three months. The measure, which will cost EUR 15 million, will lead to lower prices and support both households and industry, Alexander Poulev added.

At this point, no measures are planned regarding excise duties on petrol and diesel. Support will also be provided for intercity transport, school transportation and emergency medical services. Farmers will receive assistance of nearly EUR 0.44 per liter of fuel, Minister of Agriculture and Food Plamen Abrovsky said.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Electric vehicles to be assembled in Bulgaria from January 2027

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 09:58:09 GMT

Bulgaria will once again have a factory for Chinese cars, with production expected to begin as early as 2027, specialized website DizzyRiders.bg reported. The plant will be located near Lovech, again in the village of Bahovitsa, in the facilities where models of Great Wall Motor (GWM) were assembled years ago.

Bulgarian Automotive Industry, a partner of Chinese automotive giant GWM, announced that the facility in Bahovitsa will be used to assemble Great Wall electric and hybrid vehicles.

Initially, one electric model will be produced, with additional models planned for a later stage, including two larger plug-in hybrids. The first vehicle to roll off the assembly line will be the electric version of the new Ora 05.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Truck traffic towards Türkiye is heavy

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 09:10:00 GMT

Traffic is heavy at the Kapitan Andreevo and Lesovo border checkpoints for outbound trucks heading towards Türkiye, Border Police report. Traffic is normal at all other border checkpoints and crossings into Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia and Romania.

Thirty-four people were injured in 31 serious road accidents across the country over the past 24 hours, Traffic Police report. Since the beginning of the month, 17 people have died and 481 have been injured in road accidents. Since the beginning of the year, 330 people have died and 6,058 have been injured in road accidents.

A total of 137 fires were extinguished across the country over the past 24 hours, the Directorate General Fire Safety and Civil Protection reported.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov

President Iotova to raise the issue of Black Sea security at the UN

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 08:49:02 GMT

President Iliana Iotova told bTV that she will raise the issue of Black Sea security in her address to the United Nations General Assembly: “This is now one of the biggest stakes for the security of Europe as a whole, while at the same time we are already facing major problems. The latest drone that fell was just 40 kilometers from the beaches. Shipping has been disrupted, and insurance companies are already refusing to insure vessels sailing in the Black Sea. It could get to the point where, one day, there will be no one to arrive at our ports”, Iliana Iotova said.

The head of state will participate in the general debate of the 81^st session of the General Assembly, which will take place from September 22 to 28 in New York.

She mentioned that Russia began its “invasion” five years ago, but stressed that “we have the greater task of stopping the war at any cost”. Asked whether Ukraine should give up territory, Iotova said that “this is a matter for negotiations”.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov

125 years of Ivan Tabakov - the forgotten classic of Bulgarian painting

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 07:05:24 GMT

September 18, 1901, is the birthdate of Ivan Tabakov, one of Bulgaria’s major painters. His refined sensibility and distinctive ability to recreate the visible world were nurtured from an early age in an atmosphere steeped in classical art. This combination of artistic sensitivity and musical culture would go on to shape his perception of colour, light and the human figure.

Sea of Rhythms takes place in Balchik

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 06:40:28 GMT

From September 18 to 21, Balchik hosts the 16th "Sea of Rhythms" International Folklore Festival. Organized by "For Balchik" Association, the event includes over 1,000 performers from Bulgaria and Romania.

The folklore celebration kicks off on September 18 at 5:00 PM with a colorful parade from Ribarski Square to 21st September Square. The official opening ceremony takes place at 5:30 PM, followed by a concert at 6:00 PM. On September 19 and 20, the competition program featuring the participating groups will be held in front of the Balchik Municipality building from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

The participants' closing parade will take place on September 21 at 9:30 AM, followed by the official awards ceremony and the winners' gala concert starting at 10:00 AM.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

Old Plovdiv presents video art under the stars

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 05:35:35 GMT

The "Facade Video Festival" is transforming the Lapidarium in Plovdiv’s Old Town into a storytelling screen, according to the organizers from the Art Today Association. During the event, taking place on September 18 and 19 at 8:30 PM, 31 video works from 14 countries will be screened outdoors.

The Facade Video Festival brings together the richness of contemporary video art, ranging from experimental and visually bold pieces to films exploring humanity, technology, nature, and the world we inhabit, the organizers say. While the themes, languages, and approaches vary, the works share common traits: high quality and a powerful visual impact, BTA reports.

The project is funded by the Municipality of Plovdiv, and admission to the events is free.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

Translator Lubov Tsai: I taught myself literary Bulgarian

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 20:00:50 GMT

Lubov Tsai is a Taurida Bulgarian, born in the Bulgarian village of Petrovka in Ukraine’s Azov region. She is married to a Korean, hence her surname.

Tsai graduated in mathematics in Donetsk, making a home in Luhansk for 40 years. In 2014, she and her family moved to Zhytomyr. So they travelled nearly 1,000 km from the far east of Ukraine to the north-western part of the country, stayed there for some time and eventually settled in a village near the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.

Warm and sunny autumn weather continues

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 20:00:47 GMT

On Friday, the lowest temperatures will be between 9°C and 14°C; Sofia is expected to see a low of 10°C. During the morning hours, low clouds or fog will occur in some eastern regions. The day will be predominantly sunny but cloud cover will increase temporarily in the afternoon. No precipitation is expected. There will be light to moderate easterly wind. The highest temperatures will range from 26°C to 31°C; In Sofia - around 27°C.

Along the Black Sea coast, low-level clouds or fog will appear in some areas. The day will be mostly sunny, with a light to moderate easterly wind. Maximum air temperatures will range from 24°C to 26°C and the sea water temperature will be 23–24°C.

In the mountains it will be predominantly sunny. Cloud cover will increase temporarily in the afternoon, but there will be no precipitation. There will be light to moderate wind from the northeast. The highest temperature at an altitude of 1,200 meters will be around 21°C, while at 2,000 meters it will be around 14°C.

Editor: Ivo Ivanov

Bulgaria Today podcast - 17 September 2026

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 18:00:24 GMT

Welcome to Bulgaria Today, the English-language podcast of Radio Bulgaria, on September 17 hosted by Kostadin Atanasov.

We start with a summary of the leading news stories from Bulgaria and the weather forecast for tomorrow.

Next on the show– 20-year-old Desislava Marinova creates authentic Bulgarian folk costumes.

Finally, in our music slot, we bring you the piece ''Po Graovski'' to the rendition of Peyo Peev and the Bulgarian National Radio Folk Orchestra.

Have an enjoyable listen!

01’31 – News

12’29 – 20-year-old Desislava Marinova creates authentic Bulgarian folk costumes

17’16 –‎‎ Music slot – ''Po Graovski''

Bulgaria expects to receive a significant portion of RRP funding

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 17:46:26 GMT

''We expect to receive a significant portion of the funding under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP)'', Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov said during a hearing before the parliamentary Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds. According to him, the losses will be very limited.

Atanas Pekanov said that the request for the fifth payment under the RRP must be submitted by September 30. The payment is worth a total of EUR 1.8 billion and covers 49 investments and 10 reforms. According to him, ''huge progress'' has been made in recent months, with the targets related to the fifth payment largely completed.

He noted that it was not possible to say in advance how much would actually be paid, as this depends on the European Commission’s assessment, BTA reported.

Edited by Miglena Ivanova

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov

BNR orchestra violinist announces hunger strike over low pay

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 17:34:43 GMT

Violinist Iva Djadjeva from the Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra announced today that she plans to go on hunger strike on September 28 in connection with the ongoing protests by musicians from the radio’s ensembles over their low pay.

“After a year and a half of agony, I am simply taking the extreme step of announcing a hunger strike because our orchestra is falling apart and we simply have no more options. We are filled with despair. We are asking for attention”, the musician said.

She explained the reasons for her decision in a letter to Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova, Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Minister of Culture Evtim Miloshev, as well as to the chair and members of the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture and Media, BNR Horizont reported.

The Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1948. It has performed in numerous countries, while its roster of soloists and guest conductors has included countless internationally acclaimed Bulgarian and foreign musicians.

On March 6, the musical ensembles of the Bulgarian National Radio announced a warning suspension of their concert activities in protest. At the time, then caretaker Minister of Culture Nayden Todorov pledged to explore ways of incorporating the orchestras into the country’s cultural institutions, thereby securing additional funding.

BNR musicians halt concerts in protest over low pay

To date, however, there has been no change in the status of the ensembles.

Edited by Miglena Ivanova
Translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Festival of Bulgarian Folk Ensembles Abroad opens in Burgas

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 17:13:48 GMT

From September 18 to 20, the “Great Bulgarian Wave” will sweep into Burgas. That is the announcement for the 2^nd Festival of Bulgarian Folk Ensembles Abroad. And the wave is indeed a big one, with more than 300 participants from 10 countries and 21 folk ensembles coming to Bulgaria.

Held under the motto “Burgas Brings Us Together” the three-day festival opens on September 18 and will feature three concerts at the city’s Summer Theatre, a parade, and a grand Bulgarian horo on September 19.

Over the three festival days, Bulgarian dancers, singers and musicians from Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Norway, Moldova, Switzerland and Cyprus will showcase the richness of Bulgarian folklore and traditions preserved by Bulgarians living abroad.

The official opening will take place on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Summer Theatre Burgas. On September 20, a colorful parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. in front of Burgas Municipality and continue toward the Sea Garden. The festival will conclude with a gala concert featuring all participating ensembles, as well as an awards ceremony honoring outstanding groups and performers. The event will take place on the Summer Theatre stage on Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

The second edition of the festival is organized by the Association of Bulgarian Folklore Ensembles Abroad and the popular literary project “Mailbox for Stories”, with the support of Burgas Municipality and the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad.

Edited by Gergana Mancheva

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Bulgaria is guest of honor at international business exhibition in Serres

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:52:16 GMT

Bulgaria is the guest of honor at the 11th edition of the international business exhibition SEREXPO 2026, which opened in the Greek city of Serres, Greek media reported. More than 150 enterprises and organizations are taking part in the forum, which runs until September 20, the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) reported. Athanasios Malliaras, chairman of the Serres Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the aim is to strengthen international presence and create opportunities for direct contacts and bilateral meetings between Bulgarian and Greek companies.

The decision for Bulgaria to be the guest of honour was formalized in July during a meeting in Sofia between Malliaras and Savvas Karafilidis, chairman of the Bulgarian-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Karafilidis noted that there is growing interest among Bulgarian enterprises in cooperating with Greek companies, particularly with businesses in the Serres region.

In August, it was announced that Bulgarian companies could present their activities free of charge at the chamber’s exhibition stand.

Edited by Miglena Ivanova

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov

2026 Presidential Election: Radev calls on Interior Ministry to ensure fair vote

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:24:30 GMT

The Ministry of Interior must ensure transparent and fair elections. This was stated by Prime Minister Rumen Radev at a national meeting of the ministry regarding the upcoming presidential elections on October 25. He urged law enforcement officers to be uncompromising but to act within the law.

"The Ministry of Interior cannot be a party to the political process. Its primary task is to guarantee that every Bulgarian citizen can freely exercise their right to vote," he said, as quoted by reporter Nikolay Hristov. The Prime Minister also pointed out the fight against drug trafficking. He further stated that he expects police officers on the street to look presentable and possess English language skills. "When I visit other countries, I always look for this, and I can tell you that where there are truly disciplined and capable police officers who speak foreign languages, the overall crime rate is lower," the Prime Minister said.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova