AGP Executive Report

EU Budget Talks: Romania’s President Nicusor Dan met European Council chief António Costa in Bucharest to push for a bigger EU next budget, especially for cohesion, agriculture and competitiveness—while also discussing enlargement, Moldova and security, including Ukraine. Defense Security: Germany is probing a suspected politically motivated arson at a construction site near Rohde & Schwarz in Munich; two Bulgarian nationals were arrested, and investigators are checking links as authorities stay on high alert for attacks on defense and critical infrastructure. NHIF Leadership: Bulgaria’s parliament elected Vladimir Daskalov as governor of the National Health Insurance Fund, with Zdravko Shushkov as deputy governor, after a heated vote. AI in Bulgaria: President Iliana Iotova met Bulgaria’s AI alliance, stressing safer, reliable AI use, education and retraining for jobs likely to be affected. Energy Storage: A report says Bulgaria has surged to 5.4GW of operating battery storage—about 22.8% of installed capacity—putting it top globally by share. Tourism & Coast: Early September beach concessions on the southern Black Sea are cutting sunbed and umbrella prices to extend the season.

Leipzig Drone Fallout: Bulgaria’s opposition parties renewed calls for the Consultative Council on National Security after Germany blamed Russia for a failed drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport, while the government urged patience and said it has only “suspicions” pending final findings. NATO Security Talks: PM Rumen Radev and President Iliana Iotova met NATO’s intelligence and security chief Scott Bray to discuss regional security, including Black Sea guarantees. Energy & Sanctions: The Council of Ministers approved derogations allowing Kozloduy NPP to import Russian iron and steel for safety-critical work, and separate steps for Belene NPP equipment re-preservation. Danube Low Water: Energy Minister Iva Petrova said countries need better regional coordination as low Danube levels affect power output. Elections Prep: Bulgaria’s Central Election Commission met OSCE/ODIHR on strengthening confidence ahead of the Oct. 25 presidential vote, including plans for machine voting and a broader voter information push. Public Oversight: Parliament adopted the Ombudsman’s 2025 annual report, citing a surge in complaints and petitions. Environment: Protesters in Sofia demanded tougher enforcement against poisoning protected species. Tourism: Bulgaria saw a 1.5% drop in tourist numbers in June–July year-on-year, with new ideas floated to boost flights to Northern Bulgaria. Tech Crime: An Europol-backed operation disrupted the long-running Sality botnet, with Bulgarian authorities among those involved.

Top Court Ruling: Bulgaria’s Supreme Court of Cassation says the government must set a legal procedure for trans people to change their name and gender markers on ID documents, aligning practice with an EU court decision. Waste & VAT Politics: Parliament approved first-reading amendments to the Waste Management Act, shifting parts of oversight and changing how recovery organizations operate, while rejecting a proposal to raise the VAT registration threshold to about €84,874. Euro Conversion Deadline: Lawmakers extended the deadline for companies to convert capital from leva to euro from 12 to 36 months, easing pressure on the Commercial Register. Energy & Water: Parliament extended gas-price expectations, with Bulgargaz aiming to keep prices below EU levels; Energy Minister Petrova urged better regional coordination as low Danube levels affect nuclear output. Infrastructure & Tourism: SOF Connect launched a baggage system at Terminal 2 boosting capacity eightfold; Tourism Minister Dimitrov unveiled 2027 reforms, including a new connectivity and promotion fund. Cybersecurity: Bulgaria joined an international operation that disrupted the Sality botnet, active since at least 2003.

Bulgaria in the spotlight at the UN: President Iliana Iotova will represent Bulgaria at the 81st UN General Assembly, meeting youth delegates to discuss peace and security and warning that the EU is missing an active role in conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Court and rights case: In Kočani, the final witness was heard in the Iva Mihaylova crash case, while her treatment dispute could move to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg after Bulgaria’s MPs and diplomats pushed for access to care. Border security push: Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev told Frontex that Bulgaria’s border protection approach can serve as a model for the EU, with 160 Frontex officers deployed under “Bulgaria 2026.” Cost of living: Eurostat data show Bulgaria’s inflation jumped to 5.1% in August, keeping it among the euro area’s highest. Budget watch: The Finance Ministry expects a cash-basis deficit of about EUR 3 billion by end-August, citing heavy NRRP payments. Tourism numbers: EU overnight stays rose 1.7% in H1 2026, but Bulgaria fell 1.7% year-on-year. Food safety: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency blocked 16.3 tonnes of Turkish grapes over excessive pesticide residues. Culture: Plovdiv launched its three-month Autumn Arts Salon, while Sofia opened a UBA exhibition exploring “humanity” through Turkish and Austrian artists.

Bulgaria–North Macedonia Tensions: A Kočani court case involving dual Bulgarian-Macedonian citizen Iva Mihaylova has spilled into Sofia, with Bulgarian MPs attending and Bulgaria asking the EU Commission to monitor it during North Macedonia’s accession process. Pensions Reform: From Sept. 1, people can choose how their second-pension savings are managed under the new multi-fund model starting Jan. 1, 2027, with automatic age-based allocation if no choice is made. Infrastructure Watch: Regional Development Minister Ivan Shishkov says Hemus Motorway construction will speed up toward Veliko Tarnovo, while investigations into alleged illegal 2021 works and 2026 payments continue. Postal Service Overhaul: Transport Minister Georgi Peev says Bulgarian Posts needs better use of equipment, more tech, and higher pay to fix staffing and efficiency problems. Business & Travel: Bulgaria’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry will co-organize an EU–Australia business forum in October, and GullivAir plans winter direct flights Sofia–Yerevan. EU Politics: Eleven EU countries back a “handbook” to curb veto obstruction in foreign and security policy. Sports: Grigor Dimitrov was knocked out of the US Open first round; Ivo Grbić is “very happy” after moving to Ludogorets.

North Macedonia–EU Tensions: Bulgaria’s EU veto is again tied to the Iva Mihaylova road-crash trial in Kochani, where the court heard expert testimony and set the next hearing for September 28, while Mihaylova says she’s being blocked from getting treatment in Bulgaria. Presidential Race: Former caretaker PM Andrey Gurov says he’ll announce his presidential bid Tuesday, with Georgi Kandev expected as vice-president; meanwhile Bulgarian Social Democracy–EuroLeft leader Alexander Tomov also confirmed he’ll run on October 25. Flood Recovery in Strumyani: More than 300 people from state and local services and volunteers are cleaning up and restoring infrastructure after the August 24–25 floods. Environment Reform: The Environment Ministry plans to reorganize regional inspectorates and shift water oversight enforcement to strengthen centralized control. Budget Watch: Bulgaria’s cash-basis deficit narrowed to EUR 2.201 bln (1.8% of GDP) at end-July. Black Sea Security: Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova urged deeper Bulgaria–Romania cooperation for safer, better-connected Black Sea region.

Black Sea Grain Shock: Wheat prices jumped after Russia-Ukraine strikes disrupted Black Sea grain terminals and drought cut output, pushing Chicago futures to a three-year high before easing. Energy Costs Watch: Bulgaria’s natural gas price rises 5.5% in September to EUR 41.60/MWh, while inflation accelerated to 5.1% in August as transport costs surged. Naval Security: Bulgaria’s parliament ratified free transfer of seven tripartite minehunters from Belgium and the Netherlands, with Bulgaria paying up to €42m for repairs to boost Black Sea mine countermeasures. Health & Agriculture: Two sheep/goat pox outbreaks were confirmed in Blagoevgrad and Yambol, triggering protection and surveillance zones. Sofia Science Spotlight: Over 100 researchers gathered in Sofia for EXO-MPS on exoplanets, tied to the EXO-RESTART project. Transport Disruption: Bulgaria warned about long closures on key rail lines from Serbia and Romania that could hit freight flows. Culture & Sports: Children’s embroidered-shirt drawings head to a Sofia exhibition; Bulgaria also won multiple medals in calisthenics and taekwondo.

EuroBasket Qualifiers: Bulgaria opened the second-stage prelims with a convincing 103-86 away win over Romania, led by Aleksandar Vezenkov’s 36 points, plus 9 rebounds and 6 assists; the team next hosts Denmark on Nov. 26. Tourism & Travel: The Bulgarian Tourist Union marked 131 years of organized tourism at Cherni Vrah with hikes and the Vitosha Run, while BTU also unveiled a new “Bulgaria 100” app for maps, routes, weather and tourist discounts. Sports (Tennis): Youth and Sports Minister Encho Keryazov opened an ATP Challenger in Plovdiv, highlighting opportunities for Bulgarian players in the main and doubles draws. Culture (Film): Varna’s Love Is Folly festival crowned “A Hint of Love” with the Golden Aphrodite grand prize. Black Sea / Border: A record flow of vehicles and passengers left Türkiye via Kapıkule–Kapitan Andreevo, with average waiting times down to about 27 minutes. Disaster Watch: Nepal’s authorities say none of the 33 reported missing Britons have been rescued so far as the death toll rises and fears of further flooding continue.

Weather Watch: A yellow code is in force for heavy rainfall in seven Bulgarian regions (Vratsa, Montana, Sofia Region, Sofia City, Pernik, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad), with temperatures mostly 30–35°C. Danube Update: Despite slightly higher water levels, vessel draft limits on the Bulgarian Danube stretch remain, with navigation still restricted and no groundings reported in the last 24 hours. Tourism & Culture: The Bulgarian Tourist Union launched the “Bulgaria 100” mobile app with maps, routes, navigation, weather info, and discounts at BTU facilities; meanwhile, the 131st National Tourist Gathering marked Cherni Vrah’s role in organized tourism. Science Cooperation: Bulgaria and Azerbaijan are exploring expanded scientific ties after talks between their academies, including joint humanities projects. Politics (GERB): GERB elected new members to its Executive Commission and Borissov said the party will compete where it “should come first,” naming Iliana Iotova as its presidential choice. Global Spotlight (Nepal): Nepal’s flash-flood death toll reached 675, with about 3,000 still missing and 261 foreign tourists rescued, including Bulgarians.

Nepal Flood Crisis: Flash floods in Nepal have killed 675 people, with nearly 2,400 still missing as renewed rain and rising water levels keep the Bhotekoshi River basin on high alert. More than 4,400 people have been rescued or evacuated, including at least 261 foreign tourists who were “out of contact” (167 Indians, 40 Chinese, eight Ukrainians, plus smaller groups from Germany, Malta, the US and others). Strumyani Recovery: In Bulgaria, Strumyani municipality is calling for volunteers and donations of bottled water as 20 soldiers help clear mud and debris after torrential rains; water is back on but still unfit to drink. Black Sea Watch: Danube levels have risen along much of Bulgaria’s stretch, with navigation still restricted and draught limits in force. Sports & Culture: Bulgaria’s Erika Karabeleva placed fifth at the World Taekwondo Women’s Open in China, while the Momchilovtsi Yogurt Festival continues to spotlight Rhodope traditions and Bulgarian-Chinese dairy ties.

Interior Ministry Overhaul: A parliamentary committee chair says a brand-new Interior Ministry act is being drafted, aiming to curb political influence with integrity tests, polygraph checks, and fixed terms for senior posts. Flood Response in Strumyani: Bulgarian Land Forces report 20 soldiers clearing mud, debris, and fallen trees as a state of emergency remains in effect in Strumyani and Ilindentsi until Aug 31. Danube Update: Danube levels rose across most of Bulgaria over 24 hours, with the biggest jump near Lom (+9 cm), while navigation restrictions still apply. Presidential Race Watch: The BSP unanimously backs Iliana Iotova’s presidential bid and prepares talks on her running mate. Culture & Heritage: President Iliana Iotova opened the 20th National Thracian Folklore Festival “Bogorodichna Stupka,” celebrating Bulgarian traditions. Sports: Kellie Harrington is named in Ireland’s team for the European Elite Boxing Championships in Sofia next month.

Blood Supply Rules: Bulgaria’s Health Ministry says hospitals can’t make relatives find donors for elective surgery, stressing blood donation must stay voluntary and patients shouldn’t be responsible for supply. Cycling Safety in Sofia: Protesters at NDK demanded connected, safer cycle lanes and fair police checks, after complaints about threats and sanctions against cyclists in parks. Strumyani Police Accountability: Interior Minister Demerdzhiev removed the Blagoevgrad regional police director over actions during the Strumyani flood visit, after an activist was arrested. Poison in Nature Crackdown: Environment and Interior institutions met to tighten prevention and investigations after poison bait incidents in Central Balkan National Park. Strumyani Water Monitoring: The Environment Ministry says tap water quality in the flood-hit village is now safe for drinking (micro tests due Sept 1). Economy Watch: Industrial producer prices rose 13.7% in July, down from 17.5% in May. Sports: Bulgaria’s men’s U-20 volleyball team stayed unbeaten in European qualifiers, beating Belarus 3-0. Black Sea Security: Bulgarian Navy destroyed a drone near St. Ivan Island; officials say found drones were not carrying munitions. International Disaster: Nepal-China floods left hundreds dead and thousands missing, with reports listing Bulgarians among those unaccounted for.

Nepal Floods: Flash floods at the Nepal–Tibet border have killed at least 543 people and left more than 1,500 missing, with rescue teams still searching mud-choked valleys after a suspected glacial collapse. Bulgarian Evacuation: Bulgaria’s embassy in Beijing says it is in constant contact with 15 stranded Bulgarian citizens in Tibet and has arranged permits and a route via Lhasa to Kathmandu, then onward to Sofia; it also says one previously listed missing Bulgarian woman can be removed from the list. Strumyani Crackdown: Bulgarian journalist Gergana Petrova was detained by police during PM Rumen Radev’s visit to flood-hit Strumyani, after she reported on damage and criticized the response. Black Sea Security: The Bulgarian Navy destroyed an unidentified drone near St Ivan Island, following earlier reports of drone wreckage along the coast. Transport Planning: Bulgaria’s transport minister met Romania and Serbia to coordinate major rail works so international freight and passenger links aren’t hit by overlapping closures. Sofia Culture: The “Rivers of Sofia” festival returns for its seventh edition along Perlovska River in South Park, with workshops, tours, music and river-focused events. Schengen Smuggling: Customs near Vidin seized 719,000 cigarettes from a truck leaving Bulgaria, issuing an administrative violation notice.

Black Sea Security: Bulgaria’s parliament approved an agreement to buy three older Tripartite-class mine countermeasure vessels from the Netherlands, with Belgium set to transfer the remaining four—aimed at boosting NATO minehunting capacity where it’s most needed. Himalayan Disaster: Flash floods and landslides along the Nepal–China border have killed at least 359 people and left 1,400+ missing, including hundreds of foreign nationals; authorities warn of fresh danger as temporary lakes formed by debris are at risk of bursting. Danube Water Crisis: Record-low Danube levels are disrupting shipping and raising pressure for long-term fixes on the Bulgarian–Romanian stretch, with calls for EU-backed hydrotechnical projects and renewed dredging plans. Foreign Affairs & Consular Work: Ireland says it is working to account for two Irish citizens missing in Nepal after the floods, while rescue operations continue across remote, hard-to-reach areas. Defense Leadership: Gen. Ivan Malamov assumed command of the South-Eastern Europe Brigade headquarters in Istanbul, marking the unit’s 27th anniversary. Tourism: Germany is planning nearly 100,000 flight seats to Bulgaria for 2027, with the tourism minister pointing to efforts to extend the season.

Nepal Flood Crisis: Flash floods after a Tibet glacier collapse have killed at least 270 people and left 826 missing, with Nepal’s tourism board saying 517 foreigners from 33 countries are unaccounted for; among the missing are Bulgarians and other Europeans, while a Swiss woman was later found alive. Danube Water Woes: Unprecedentedly low Danube levels are disrupting shipping and hitting Bulgarian grain transport, as experts warn the Bulgarian-Romanian stretch lacks infrastructure to regulate water and call for long-term EU-funded projects. Transport Upgrade in Sofia: Alstom’s first electric trains for Bulgaria were presented at Sofia Central Station, with 12 units already delivered and more on the way under the Recovery and Resilience Plan. Energy Prices: Bulgargaz proposed a 5.5% natural gas price rise for September, with the regulator set to decide on Aug. 31. Politics & Society: Parliament approved at first reading a 33% gender target for directors of listed companies, and launched preparations for Media Literacy Month 2026 in September. Economy & Households: Bulgarian bank deposits rose 17.8% y/y to €56.9bn and home loans climbed 25.7% y/y to €19.0bn.

Black Sea Security: Bulgaria’s Navy says drones washing ashore near Varna are reconnaissance or decoys and “unarmed,” after multiple finds and destructions at sea; the Defence Ministry also notes strong winds and currents are likely driving debris to shore. Energy & Water: With persistently low Danube levels, the Environment Ministry is expanding monitoring and says water quality remains within standards while assessing surface and groundwater risks. Judicial Reform Push: Parliament’s quota process for the Supreme Judicial Council is moving fast, with 26 civic nominations submitted and civil society backing candidates for both judges and prosecutors chambers. Defence Procurement: MPs approved ratification tied to Stryker and Javelin deals, adjusting contract values as Bulgaria continues mechanized brigade modernization. Health Policy: Health Minister Katya Ivkova denied a “purge” after Chief State Health Inspector Angel Kunchev sought to step down over planned reforms. Crime & Courts: EPPO reports arrests of five suspected ringleaders in a €20m AirPods VAT fraud scheme involving shell companies across several countries, including Bulgaria. Sports: AEK Athens booked a Champions League spot by beating Levski Sofia 4-0 on aggregate.