AGP Executive Report

State-Owned Oversight: Rosen Hristov, newly appointed to the State Consolidation Company board, says his job is to stop corruption schemes by drafting clear procedures after an audit of the SCC and subsidiaries. Sofia Culture: The 20th Water Tower Art Fest opens in Sofia with an international contemporary program running until June 15. Kazanlak Tradition: The 123rd Rose Festival wraps with the annual rose-picking ritual near Kazanlak, featuring President Iliana Iotova and a major street parade. Energy Costs: Fuel prices stay high across Europe, with Bulgaria listed among the pricier markets, squeezing household budgets. Road Tragedy in Sofia: A crash that injured 17 has now killed four; two victims were Indian nationals, and investigators say the car drivers were likely responsible. International Security Debate: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sparked backlash in Europe by linking migration to “invasion” language during D-Day commemorations, while locals in France protested his visit. Sports (Local & Abroad): Seef’s Sofia Open 3x3 run ends in the quarter-finals; Bulgarian chess player Antoaneta Stefanova is mentioned in Tokyo’s WR Women’s Chess Tour coverage. Business/Mining: DPM reports a major gold-copper intercept near Bulgaria’s Chelopech mine, including a 713m result.

US-Europe Relations: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used the 82nd D-Day anniversary in Normandy to warn of an “invasion” of Europe by migrants arriving by sea, saying “different European beaches are stormed by different dangerous ideologies” and naming Spain, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria. Justice & Institutions: Acting Prosecutor General Vanya Stefanova outlined priorities for her six-month term, focusing on stronger professionalism in the prosecution service, better coordination with ministries and agencies, and investigations that hold up in court. Antarctica Science: Bulgaria’s 34th Antarctic Expedition wrapped up a reporting camp in Aheloy, highlighting glacier monitoring and a metagenome discovery from Antarctic ice that could support probiotic health applications. Culture & Cross-Border Ties: A folklore festival in Kapitanovtsi brought together performers from Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia to celebrate shared traditions along the Danube-Timok border area. Sports: Bulgarian wrestlers won two silvers at the Ulaanbaatar Open; and in football, Moldova and Bulgaria drew 2-2 in a friendly in Chisinau.

Justice & EU Rule of Law: Justice Minister Nikolay Naydenov told EU officials in Luxembourg that Bulgaria is keeping reform continuity and delivering “tangible results” on judicial reform and anti-corruption, while European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kovesi urged a fast, non-political selection of the country’s next European Prosecutor. Healthcare Politics: The MRF is pushing Parliament to dismiss the full management of the National Health Insurance Fund, while NHIF deputy director Momchil Mavrov rejects the claims and says inspections found no irregularities. Defence & Security: Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov denied Bulgaria supplied Ukraine with naval mines, saying details of military aid are classified. Courts & Extradition: Acting Prosecutor General Vanya Stefanova signed an extradition request for S. M. held in Serbia, linked to the detained former Bulgarian Development Bank executive Stoyan Mavrodiev. Economy & Budget: Finance Minister Galab Donev said the government will avoid short-term tax hikes and instead target long-term spending cuts to keep the deficit within EU limits. EU-Western Balkans: Prime Minister Rumen Radev backed merit-based enlargement and stronger regional security at the EU-Western Balkans summit in Tivat. Sports: Bulgaria beat the Dominican Republic 3-0 in the Volleyball Nations League; Seef advanced in Sofia’s 3x3 tournament. Culture: Eurovision’s TV audience fell to 131 million, down 35 million year-on-year, with Bulgaria’s DARA winning “Bangaranga.”

Economy Watch: Bulgaria’s GDP grew 3.1% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with services still driving most value added (71.8%), while the trade balance for goods and services remains negative. Local Investment Push: Deputy PM and Economy Minister Alexander Poulev says investment will be coordinated at Council of Ministers level, with a new investment coordination unit and a push to integrate Bulgarian suppliers for strategic projects in Sofia and beyond. Energy Prices: Diesel at Bulgarian stations fell to EUR 1.63 per litre, the lowest since late March, as petrol also edged down. Culture & Media: BTA signed a partnership with Kazanlak Municipality to cover the town’s cultural calendar; writer Boyka Asiova received the ABUJET award named after BTA’s Maxim Minchev. Crime & Security: Authorities destroyed a counterfeit euro printing house near Sofia and arrested three suspects. Sports: Gibraltar’s women scored their first competitive goal in a qualifier against Bulgaria; Eurovision’s final drew about 20% fewer viewers than 2025 amid boycotts.

EU Fiscal Pressure on Bulgaria: Finance Minister Galab Donev says the European Commission fully intends to move forward with an excessive deficit procedure, after a mission reviewed the Recovery and Resilience Plan and Bulgaria’s public finances. SME Funding Scrutiny: Deputy PM Atanas Pekanov ordered an extraordinary audit of an SME support procedure over selection concerns, with results expected to be made public once the check is finished. Public Finance Clean-up: The National Audit Office blocked BGN 3.37 bln in accounting errors in 2024 public sector statements and says most issues were corrected. Legal Aid Infringement: The EC is advancing an infringement case against Bulgaria over incomplete transposition of EU legal aid rules for suspects. Justice System Snapshot: An EC justice report finds Bulgaria ranks first in court spending as a share of GDP, while trust in the judiciary remains low. Energy & Infrastructure: Bulgaria says gas corridor works with Greece and Ukraine are on schedule, including capacity upgrades. Culture & Sports: Burgas hosts the Black Sea International Literary Festival opening, while Bozhidar Saraboyukov won Bulgaria’s first Diamond League men’s long jump victory in Rome.

Venice Biennale Fallout: More than 100 artists say the Biennale Foundation ignored requests to remove them from the “Visitors’ Lions” awards ballot, and they’re now moving toward legal action. UK Student Visas: The UK warns student visa applications will be refused if applicants can’t prove they meet strict course-fee and living-cost funding rules. Bulgaria–Moldova Football: ARBOM is offering 80 tickets for supporters from Taraclia to watch Moldova vs Bulgaria in Chisinau on June 5. EU Politics—Huawei: The European Parliament is set to lift immunity for Bulgarian Renew Europe MEP Nikola Minchev and Malta’s Daniel Attard, advancing Belgium’s Huawei corruption probe. Defence & Diplomacy: Bulgaria’s Defence Minister met Lebanon’s counterpart during Hemus 2026, discussing deeper security cooperation and training for Lebanese personnel in Bulgaria. Sofia Sports: Over 400 athletes from 27 countries will compete in the Down Syndrome World Championships in Sofia from June 13–19. Economy & Investment: Parliament adopted changes creating an Investment Coordination Council to steer investment policy and improve investor screening rules.

Climate & Cities: Sofia kicks off its first climate festival, Heat Fest 2026, turning Banski Square into a three-day hub for urban adaptation ideas, with a guest appearance by EU Commissioner Jessica Roswall. Sports & Youth: FIVB opens bidding for the 2027 U19 World Championships and the 2028 U17 and U21 events, with the competition structure expanding from 2026. Public Safety: A Bulgarian tourist in Romania’s Transfăgărășan “bear road” says a bear smashed his car window and tried to pull him out, renewing warnings about feeding wild animals. Crime Crackdown: Europol-led action coordinated with Bulgaria dismantled illegal streaming networks, leading to 29 arrests and removal of over 27,000 piracy links. Defence & Industry: HEMUS 2026 opens in Plovdiv, with Bulgaria’s top officials attending and F-16 Block 70 jets set for a flyover. Weather Watch: NIMH issues yellow/orange heavy-rain and thunderstorm alerts for 13 Bulgarian regions. Energy: Azerbaijan’s Absheron gas deal to Turkey spans 15 years starting in 2029, with final investment decisions expected in 2026. Diplomacy: Bulgaria’s FM Velislava Petrova meets OECD chief Mathias Cormann in Paris, pushing for OECD accession progress in 2026.

EU Fiscal Flexibility: The EU has eased spending rules to help countries absorb the energy shock from the Middle East war, while Bulgaria is added to the list facing deficit scrutiny under EU fiscal rules. Deficit Pressure at Home: Finance Minister Galab Donev says cutting Bulgaria’s deficit from 7.4% to 3% is possible if the public accepts measures like freezing incomes, while the European Commission has recommended opening an excessive deficit procedure. Pensions Debate: Continue the Change leader Assen Vassilev calls the end of a COVID pension supplement “outrageous and unconstitutional,” arguing it will cost retirees about EUR 30 a month. OECD Outlook: The OECD expects Bulgaria’s growth to slow to 2.5% in 2026 and 2.3% in 2027, with inflation risks staying elevated. Sports: Volleyball coach Gianlorenzo Blengini named Bulgaria’s squad for the Nations League opener in Brazil, starting June 10 vs Belgium. Culture & Tourism: Bulgaria’s presence at Bookfest continues, including BTA’s Romanian-language LIK magazine on health and spa tourism, plus a call for Romanian book donations to Sofia University Library.

EU Fiscal Pressure on Bulgaria: The European Commission is set to issue views on member states’ public spending, with Bulgaria expected to be rebuked for breaching deficit rules just months after euro adoption, as debate grows over whether the “excessive deficit procedure” is inevitable. Inflation Watch: Eurostat’s flash data shows Bulgaria among the highest in the euro area, with May inflation estimated at 6.3%, while Cyprus rose to 3.7% and energy remains the main driver. Water and Oil Sector Rules: Parliament advanced amendments to the Water Act to meet Recovery and Resilience commitments, and approved changes to oil and petroleum oversight rules, including judicial review tied to a “special commercial administrator.” Justice and Governance: The Justice Minister vowed to defend free magistrates’ voting in the Supreme Judicial Council election, while Foreign Minister Petrova said any decision on joining the special tribunal for aggression against Ukraine must follow institutional review. Diplomacy: Bulgaria reaffirmed support for Moldova’s EU path and discussed trade and energy links with Armenia as Russia tightens import bans. Local Spotlight: Inspections into alleged illegal construction in Varna’s Baba Alino area will not be restricted, Interior Minister Demerdzhiev said. Business & Jobs: Mega Group plans up to 175 jobs in Dimitrovgrad’s Beles Industrial Zone, and Bulgaria’s new government signals a push to deepen ties with China.

Budget & Debt Clash: Bulgaria’s opposition says the PM’s claim that an excessive deficit procedure is inevitable is contradicted by official stats, arguing last year’s deficit can fall within the 3% limit after EU defence adjustments. Pension & Party Finance: Lawmakers approved pension changes removing a BGN 60 COVID supplement for new retirees from July 1 and cut state subsidies for political parties, while GERB-UDF warned the moves hit vulnerable groups. Fiscal Council Warning: The Fiscal Council says May’s deficit is the highest in 20 years, with preliminary data pointing to a EUR 2.5bn shortfall by end-May. Central Bank Transfer: The BNB transferred EUR 281m to the Finance Ministry to support the state budget. Business & Competition: AmCham Bulgaria opposed proposed amendments to competition and consumer protection rules, while employers met the PM on keeping energy-intensive industry competitive. Justice Reform: The justice minister backed free, transparent election of Supreme Judicial Council members from the professional quota. National Commemoration: Hundreds climbed Okolchitsa Peak to honour Hristo Botev; wreaths and tributes also marked the day in Budapest, Okayama, Skopje and Belgrade. Tourism Win: A Tourism Ministry employee was honoured after reaching Mount Everest’s summit.

Eurozone & Economy: BNB Deputy Governor Karina Karaivanova says Bulgaria’s euro adoption is now about using the Eurosystem to build “trust, competitiveness and resilience,” while the Finance Ministry expects a cash-basis deficit of EUR 2.5bn by end-May. Sports (Bulgaria): FIVB Volleyball Empowerment support is framed as a driver of Bulgaria’s rebuilding for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League, while Bahrain’s Seef are set for an elite Sofia Open 3x3 event this weekend, with winners booking a spot for Spain’s Caceres Challenger. Culture & Film: Karlovy Vary’s 60th edition lineup and jury are unveiled, including competition film “Hijamat” by Nader Saeivar with Jafar Panahi involved. Public Safety/Travel: UN warns of de-escalation needs as Ukraine attacks rise, and Bulgaria’s BG-ALERT system is set to be tested across the country on June 2.

Public Safety: Bulgaria will test the BG-ALERT system on June 2 (11:00–11:30) and activate Day of Botev sirens at 12:00, with a two-minute stop for pedestrians and vehicles. Energy Costs: A survey finds 94% of Bulgarians worry about rising energy prices, while most say the state isn’t doing enough to help households through the energy transition. Health Administration: The Medical Supervision Executive Agency director was dismissed as the ministry pushes faster digitization and tighter oversight; Ivanka Dineva is set to take over. Economy & Finance: Consumer loan rates inched up in April, with the average interest rate reaching 8.81%; claims on loans to the non-government sector rose 16.3% year-on-year. Politics & Social Policy: The ruling party denies plans to cut paid maternity leave, saying any focus is on expanding childcare capacity and adding incentives for early return to work. Security: Authorities seized over 250 kg of marijuana in Yambol and arrested four after finding a helicopter suspected in trafficking. Infrastructure: The Ruse–Giurgiu Danube Bridge will see major repair-related traffic restrictions on June 4–5. National Memory: BTA launched a special archive publication and video marking the 80th anniversary of the Botev March tradition.

Maritime Security: France detained the sanctioned Russian tanker Tagor in the Atlantic on May 31, with Macron saying it violated sanctions and maritime law, while Bulgaria and Romania push a Black Sea shipping “security hub” to track Russia’s shadow fleet routes. EU Work Patterns: Eurostat data shows Bulgaria and Poland clock the longest EU working weeks at 38.7 hours in 2025, with Greece also high at 39.6. Justice & Anti-Corruption: Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said institutions must explain inaction over Varna’s illegal builds, and also commented on the removal of Prosecutor General Sarafov’s deputy role, plus a Plovdiv prosecutor alert alleging pressure and personal favours. Sports (Bulgaria): Stiliyana Nikolova shone at the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Varna, winning one gold and two silvers, as Bulgaria finished with eight medals overall. Missing Person: Police in Nicosia appealed for help locating 17-year-old Ayshe Redzep Ahmed, missing since May 31.

April Uprising Commemoration: Education Minister Georgi Valchev told a Vratsa event marking 150 years since the uprising that today’s Bulgaria still needs the “lesson” of 1876—urging a renewed conversation about Bulgarian dignity and Europe’s recognition. Press Freedom & Values: BTA Director General Kiril Valchev said Bulgaria needs journalism “like Botev’s,” linking modern reporting to shared national values and historical responsibility. Eurozone & Deficit Pressure: Bulgaria is set to face the EU’s excessive deficit procedure after breaching the 3% threshold, with Labour Minister Nataliya Efremova saying social payments are protected while spending discipline and better targeting are reviewed. Flood Aid in North-Central Bulgaria: After May floods, over 220 aid applications were filed and more than 500 inspections carried out; payments up to about EUR 4,000 depend on damage assessments. Rhythmic Gymnastics: Stiliyana Nikolova led Bulgaria’s medal haul in Varna, winning gold in clubs and silver in ball/ribbon, while Russia topped the overall standings. EU Event Planning: Bulgaria has started booking accommodation for Eurovision 2027, with early demand already pushing availability in Sofia. US Military Row: Bulgaria will end US aircraft refuelling/logistics at Sofia Airport by end-June over a visa-free travel dispute.

Eurozone Fallout: Bulgaria could face an excessive deficit procedure after its annual deficit hit 3.5% last year, with the European Commission expected to publish its case on June 3—months after adopting the euro—raising fears of funding freezes and fines. Demography & Children: A Bulgarian NGO is urging the return of a dedicated parliamentary committee for children and family after Parliament merged it into a broader labour/demographic panel. Careers & Return Migration: At the “Bulgaria Across Five Oceans” forum in Sofia, actor Dimitar Marinov and business leaders pushed for Bulgarians abroad to come back, while panels tackled longevity, alumni networks, education, and AI-driven work changes. Tourism Push: The tourism ministry says Bulgaria wants year-round travel and expects Eurovision-driven visibility to keep boosting arrivals. Sports Spotlight: Stiliyana Nikolova won silver in rhythmic gymnastics all-around at the European Championships in Varna. Travel Rules: New EES biometric border checks are already causing longer airport queues, with airlines advising passengers to arrive early.

US Military Deal: Bulgaria will end the right for U.S. military aircraft to stay at Sofia Airport at the end of June, citing no progress on visa-free travel for Bulgarians after talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. EU Finances: Prime Minister Rumen Radev says the European Commission will publish a June 3 report that could trigger an excessive deficit procedure for Bulgaria, with monitoring and possible sanctions. Eurozone Fallout: Radev also warned the deficit is set to be even larger this year, while GERB-UDF pushes back on the government’s claims about public finances. Road Agency Shake-up: Aleksandar Todorov was appointed chair of the Road Infrastructure Agency’s management board, with other board members dismissed. Civil Society Push: Deputy PM Ivo Hristov was named chair of the Civil Society Development Council and also leads the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings. Eurovision 2027: The government set up an organizing committee for Eurovision 2027, chaired by Hristov. Tragedy at Sunny Beach: A hotel fire in Sunny Beach killed two technicians; an investigation is ongoing. Culture & Books: A Romanian translator called Bulgarian literature a bridge between cultures ahead of Bookfest 2026. Sports: Bulgaria’s MMA spotlight grows as Delyan Georgiev is set to face Owais Yaqoob at BRAVE CF 107 in Burgas.