Bulgaria

A drone entered Bulgarian airspace on Saturday, exploding near an international gas pipeline close to the Romanian border. Prime Minister Rumen Radev confirmed there were no casualties or damage, but announced that Bulgaria would redeploy anti-drone detection capabilities from its Turkish border to the Romanian border. The incident will be raised at a meeting of the North Atlantic Council.

Europe's rivers, including the Danube, have reached record lows due to drought and heat, exposing ancient mammoth remains and a Nazi shipwreck. The crisis is disrupting energy production, shipping, and tourism as water levels shrink to critical levels.

Fires burned across Europe, an earthquake in Japan killed dozens, a woolly mammoth was discovered due to low water levels in Bulgaria, and tens of thousands attempted to cross into Spain's Ceuta enclave before returning. FRANCE 24 highlighted these key events in its weekly image review.

The Danube River has reached record-low water levels due to a prolonged drought and heat wave in Central Europe, disrupting tourism and industry. In Budapest, the river's level dropped to 23 cm, forcing cruise ships to dock farther upriver and halting cargo operations. A Viking cruise ship ran aground near Bulgaria’s Vidin, stranding 186 tourists, though the company denied reports of food or water shortages.

Two U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft arrived at Bulgaria's Bezmer Air Base to support Middle East operations, prompting Iranian complaints and local protests. Bulgaria, a NATO and EU member, approved the deployment under a 2006 defense agreement, allowing up to eight aircraft and 250 personnel until October 2026. The U.S. Embassy requested the deployment, which Bulgarian officials emphasized is for logistical missions outside Bulgarian airspace.

The first two U.S. military aircraft intended to support operations in the Middle East have arrived at an air base in southeastern Bulgaria. These aircraft are part of efforts to bolster Middle East operations from a southeastern European location.

The first two U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft arrived at Bezmer Air Base in Bulgaria to support Middle East operations, approved by Bulgaria's parliament until 2026. Iran protested the deployment, and Bulgarian residents staged protests, while U.S. President Donald Trump thanked Bulgarian officials despite Iranian threats.

Two U.S. military refueling aircraft arrived at Bezmer Air Base in Bulgaria to support Middle East operations, prompting complaints from Iran and local protests. Bulgaria, a NATO and EU member, approved the deployment under a 2006 defense agreement, authorizing up to eight U.S. KC-135 aircraft and 250 personnel until 2026.

President Trump announced an agreement between the Board of Peace, Hamas, and Israel for Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, with reciprocal steps over seven to eight months. Iran urged Bulgaria to reverse U.S. military deployment approval and criticized Cyprus for potential anti-Iran military bases. Saudi Arabia formed a multinational maritime defense coalition with 14 countries to secure regional shipping routes, while Yemen’s Houthis conducted coordinated attacks on Saudi Arabia. A cyberattack on Minnesota’s water systems is suspected to involve Iranian hackers.

The Danube River has reached record-low water levels due to drought and heat in Central Europe, disrupting tourism and industry. In Budapest, the water level dropped to 23 cm, forcing cruise ships to dock far upriver and halting cargo operations. A cruise ship ran aground in Bulgaria, stranding 186 tourists, while hundreds of boats were marooned in Serbia.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi urged Bulgaria to reconsider allowing U.S. military aircraft at Bezmer air base, according to Iranian state media.

Record-low water levels in the Danube River, caused by a prolonged drought and heat wave, are disrupting tourism and industry across Central Europe. The river has exposed sand bars and shipwrecks, with Hungary's national water authority reporting levels at 23 cm in Budapest, the lowest on record. Cargo ships have halted operations, and a cruise ship ran aground in Bulgaria, stranding 186 tourists.

The Danube River has reached record-low water levels due to a prolonged drought and heat wave, disrupting tourism and industry across Central Europe. The low levels have exposed rocks, shipwrecks, and sand bars, forced cruise ships to dock far from cities, and marooned cargo vessels in Hungary, Bulgaria, and Serbia.

The Danube River has reached record-low water levels due to drought and heat, disrupting tourism and industry across Central Europe. In Budapest, the water level dropped to 23 centimeters, forcing cruise ships to dock far upriver and halting cargo operations. A cruise ship ran aground in Bulgaria, stranding tourists, while hundreds of boats were marooned in Serbia.

A US Treasury license allowing negotiations for Lukoil’s international asset sale expires, covering a Vienna-based holding company with refineries in Bulgaria and Romania. Carlyle is a leading bidder, but a finalized sale requires Washington approval to ensure Lukoil relinquishes control. Operations at the Burgas refinery will continue under a separate license valid until October 29.

The EU agreed to a 21st sanctions package against Russia, locking in a $44 oil price cap for 12 months and targeting energy, financial services, crypto, and trade sectors. The deal included exemptions for Greece and removed proposed measures like a Russian visa ban and fish import restrictions due to member state objections.

Brussels is considering imposing a large fine on Google under the EU’s Digital Markets Act for allegedly favoring its own services in Google Search and restricting app developers' communication with customers. The case has become a point of tension between the EU and Washington, while also touching on EU regulatory actions in Bulgaria and Portugal.

Bulgaria’s Parliament approved allowing the U.S. military to use Bezmer Air Base to support Middle East operations, with 136 votes in favor and 13 against. The deployment includes up to eight U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft and 250 personnel until October 1, under a 2006 U.S.-Bulgaria defense agreement requiring parliamentary approval for new uses. Bulgarian officials emphasized the mission would involve only logistical refueling outside Bulgarian airspace, with no involvement in conflict.

Bulgaria's Defence Committee approved a draft decision to allow U.S. tanker aircraft to support military operations against Iran from Bezmer Air Base. The move follows a U.S. diplomatic request under the 2006 Defense Cooperation Agreement, despite threats from Iranian officials. Parliamentary approval is pending, with political figures suggesting the action could strengthen Bulgaria's position in negotiations with allies.

Iran's foreign ministry warned Bulgaria against allowing U.S. military operations against Iran, as Bulgaria plans to station U.S. tanker aircraft at a military base. The U.S. and Iran have increased strikes following the collapse of an interim ceasefire.

Bulgaria will seek parliamentary approval to station up to eight U.S. tanker aircraft at the Bezmer military facility to support U.S. military operations in the Middle East. Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced the move during a conference of Bulgarian Ambassadors in Sofia.

The U.S. military recovered unidentified remains in Jordan, and another service member died in Iraq. U.S. Army soldiers participated in a NATO joint military exercise in Bulgaria in 2023.

Bulgaria has withdrawn from the 'Coalition of the Willing' and will continue supporting Ukraine through non-military aid, including energy cooperation, according to Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova, who emphasized underused diplomatic options.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated Bulgaria does not belong in the Coalition of the Willing supporting Ukraine, rejecting continued financial and military aid. He emphasized diplomatic solutions over military intervention, aligning with Bulgaria's decision to halt weapon donations to Ukraine.

Bulgaria has withdrawn from the UK- and French-led Coalition of the Willing, with Prime Minister Rumen Radev stating that financial and military aid to Ukraine prolongs Russia’s invasion. The decision follows a broader policy shift after Radev’s election victory in April.

Bulgaria vetoed the EU's sanction lists, leading to the removal of Russia's pro-war church leader and a billionaire linked to Russian oil. The decision followed a shift to a pro-Russian government after the country's April elections.

The article recounts Mexico's 1994 World Cup 'Group of Death' performance, where they advanced via aggregate goals despite a 1-1 draw with Bulgaria in the Round of 16, which Mexico lost on penalties. It highlights Mexico's recurring struggles in advancing past the Round of 16 in subsequent World Cups, including notable losses to Germany, the U.S., Argentina, and Brazil, while emphasizing the fans' enduring hope and humor, exemplified by the '¿y si sí?' chant.

Italy has joined Bulgaria in opposing EU plans to impose a visa ban on Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, citing concerns about sanctioning a Christian denomination leader. The proposal is part of the EU's 21st sanctions package targeting Russia's military-industrial and financial sectors, which also includes disputes over a Russian oil price cap and a ban on former Russian combatants entering the EU.

Italy and Bulgaria have expressed concerns over EU plans to sanction Russia’s Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, citing religious and diplomatic considerations. The EU’s 21st sanctions package, which includes a visa ban for Kirill and measures targeting Russia’s oil exports and military sectors, faces objections from several member states.

EU lawmakers are expected to shield MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk's immunity despite his investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). The EPPO's Bulgarian prosecutor, found guilty of serious misconduct and suspended, is involved in the case, which lawmakers argue may be politically motivated. Prosecutors allege Kyuchyuk violated parliamentary rules by hiring assistants linked to a national party in Sofia.

A Whatnot user received a scam message claiming they won a sneaker giveaway, prompting them to provide personal and payment information. The scammer offered expedited shipping options and insisted on payment via Chime or Zelle before the user blocked the number and confirmed it was a known scam. The user later discovered the scammer's number was linked to Kentucky and a Bulgarian individual on Facebook.

An LOT Polish Airlines flight operated by Electra Airways triggered a false hijacking alert over Turkey, prompting Israeli and Bulgarian military jets to scramble. The flight landed safely in Bulgaria, and the airline attributed the incident to a transponder malfunction.

Bulgaria's national children’s hospital project is at risk due to funding challenges and a severe shortage of medical staff, which experts warn could undermine it even if construction proceeds. The project is described as being on 'life support' amid these concerns.

Bulgarian PM Rumen Radev has vowed to veto the EU's latest sanctions against Russia due to their inclusion of Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill and former Lukoil president Vagit Alekperov. The article explores the reasons behind his opposition.

EU leaders convene in Brussels for a two-day summit addressing economic competitiveness, trade challenges from China, and geopolitical issues including Ukraine and defense. Discussions include Ukraine's EU membership bid, the EU's next seven-year budget, and leadership changes in Hungary and Bulgaria.

Bulgaria opposes the EU’s proposed 21st sanctions package against Russia due to its inclusion of sanctions against Russian Orthodox Church leader Patriarch Kirill. The package, which also includes new energy-related measures, requires unanimous approval from all EU member states.

Bulgaria’s pharmaceutical market, described as 'overregulated,' is set for a comprehensive review by Advocacy Lab. The new government faces pressure to improve access to innovative therapies while addressing hospital debt.

Tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ supporters marched in Romania and Bulgaria's capitals for Pride events, demanding legal recognition of civil partnerships amid rising conservative opposition. Both countries lack same-sex marriage or civil partnership laws, and anti-LGBTQ+ rallies coincided with the Pride marches.

A Scottish 12-year-old was wrongfully vilified and arrested based on the claims of a Bulgarian couple, who have now been found guilty of assault. The child has been vindicated following the legal ruling.

Bulgaria's new government has prohibited state arms supplies to Ukraine. The ban does not impact commercial exports, leading to speculation about the domestic intent behind the decision.