AGP Executive Report

Black Sea Security: Bulgaria is monitoring a damaged, abandoned bulker drifting into its waters and seeking technical help to establish who struck two commercial vessels in its exclusive economic zone. Ten crew members from the sunken Alfa Watan remain missing; Damascus is demanding an independent investigation after Bulgaria called off the search. Sofia says it will summon Russia’s ambassador if evidence confirms Russian involvement, while the government plans to acquire five more air-defence systems. Presidential Campaign: Candidates are debating neutrality, defence readiness and the president’s role ahead of the October 25 vote. The media regulator condemned hate speech by a vice-presidential candidate, and the election commission found an Election Code violation. Regional Ties: Bulgaria and North Macedonia remain far apart on EU accession conditions, though their foreign ministers agreed to continue dialogue. A Sofia conference cast Corridor VIII as a strategic link between the Adriatic and Black seas, tied to European connectivity and security.

Black Sea Security: Bulgaria’s foreign minister says Russia’s ambassador will be summoned if investigators establish Russian responsibility for the drone attack on two commercial ships in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone. The government says the perpetrator remains unknown; President Iliana Iotova has proposed regional talks and a moratorium on Black Sea hostilities. Bulgaria has halted its search for the sunken ship’s crew, prompting Syria to demand an independent investigation into the attack and the rescue decision. Defence: Sofia is seeking help to inspect the wreck with an underwater drone and plans to acquire five additional air-defence systems. Presidential Race: A new poll puts Iotova and running mate Kiril Valchev at 44.9%, ahead of Andrey Gyurov’s ticket at 24.8%; nearly 40,000 Bulgarians abroad have registered to vote. Regional Ties: A ministerial conference in Sofia is pushing for faster progress on Corridor 8, linking the Adriatic and Black seas. Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova also plans to raise Iva Mihaylova’s case with North Macedonia’s counterpart.

Black Sea Security: Bulgaria has ended the search for the crew of the sunken cargo ship Alfa Watan without finding survivors. After drone attacks on two vessels in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, President Iliana Iotova called for an investigation and stronger maritime defenses. Prime Minister Rumen Radev said there is no direct threat to national security and that Bulgaria cannot identify who carried out the strikes without evidence. Political parties disagreed over the council’s statement and whether responsibility should be attributed. Defence: The Cabinet asked Parliament to approve five additional IRIS-T air-defense systems, alongside the first system already contracted, under the EU’s SAFE mechanism. Election Readiness: The Central Election Commission says about 2,000 repaired voting machines are operational ahead of the presidential election; nearly 40,000 Bulgarians abroad have applied to vote. Judicial Oversight: Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee scheduled hearings for Supreme Judicial Council candidates from November 2 to 6.

Black Sea Security: Bulgaria has ended the search for the crew of a cargo ship sunk by a drone strike in its Black Sea economic zone; up to 10 sailors are reported missing, with no survivors found. Kyiv blamed Russia, while Sofia says the attacker’s origin remains under investigation. President Iliana Iotova convened a security council, and Prime Minister Rumen Radev called the attack a breach of international law. Defence Plans: Radev says Bulgaria is seeking air- and sea-based systems to counter unmanned threats. The government plans to approve funding for five additional IRIS-T air-defence systems, on top of one already contracted. Presidential Race: A new poll puts Iliana Iotova well ahead of Andrey Gyurov, 47.8% to 24.6%, as candidates campaign ahead of the October 25 vote.

Black Sea Security: Bulgaria’s PM Rumen Radev condemned drone attacks that hit two commercial vessels in the country’s NATO exclusive economic zone, calling it a “blatant violation of international law.” One ship sank and its crew is missing; the other was damaged and its 18 sailors were rescued, with two seriously injured. Presidential & EU Response: President Iliana Iotova convenes the Consultative Council on National Security to assess maritime risks, while EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen backed Bulgaria and warned attacks on civilian shipping are unacceptable. Ukraine Blame Game: Zelensky said Ukraine’s forces conducted no operations in the area and that the attack was a Russian combined sea-and-air drone strike. Domestic Politics: Opposition MPs criticized the power-holders and pushed for clearer responsibility after the incident. Maritime Fallout: Bulgaria ordered emergency marine pollution checks after the attacks, as insurers and shipping routes face rising uncertainty. Elections Watch: Ten voting machines were drawn for certification ahead of the Oct. 25 presidential vote, and a new poll shows Iotova leading with 47.8%.

Black Sea Security: Bulgarian PM Rumen Radev called Tuesday’s drone attack on two merchant ships in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone “absolutely unacceptable,” after the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan sank and the Palau-flagged Able caught fire; 18 crew were rescued, two seriously injured, and a major search continues for the missing sailors as Bulgaria monitors for possible environmental damage. EU Reaction: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said attacks on civilian shipping are “unacceptable,” warning the Black Sea situation is worsening and expressing solidarity with Bulgaria and other EU states. Presidential Agenda: President Iliana Yotova convened the Consultative Council for National Security on Wednesday to review maritime risks and threats to Bulgaria’s critical infrastructure in the Ukraine war context, after political parties pushed for emergency measures. Digital State Capacity: Innovation Minister Ivan Vasilev said fast, seamless communication with the state is the goal by 2030, including rollout of the EU Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet). Finance Watchdog: Bulgaria’s Fiscal Council warned of a debt spiral risk and interest-rate pressure in the 2027 budget process, urging savings and structural steps to protect room for education and healthcare. Economic Development: Economy Minister Alexandar Poulev presented the new supervisory board of the Bulgarian Development Bank, stressing support for SMEs and investment to reduce regional disparities. Tech & Defence Industry: At Inter Drone Expo 2026 in Sofia, PM Radev linked unmanned systems to both everyday services and defence needs, while the event showcased counter-drone and unmanned platforms from 16 countries.

Presidential Race & Polling: A Myara survey says Iliana Iotova and Kiril Valchev lead a hypothetical October vote with 46.9%, ahead of Andrey Gurov–Georgi Kandev at 25.3%, with turnout intentions at 35.4%. Campaign Messaging: Iotova in Varna pushed for dialogue and a negotiated end to the Ukraine war, while vowing no Bulgarian soldiers sent; Kostadin Kostadinov in Haskovo framed the presidency as unifying rather than dividing; Gurov in Lovech pledged to back security and independence and act as a “balancing factor.” EU Budget Fight: Bulgaria and 16 EU states urged leaders to protect cohesion and CAP funding in the 2028–2034 budget, warning cuts would weaken the EU and public support. Tech & Education Policy: President Iotova opened the Black Sea Technology Forum, calling for “technological sovereignty”; the Education Ministry launched a free platform for schools with ready-made AI and innovation lesson resources. Energy & Foreign Policy: Bulgaria’s gas corridor capacity from Greece rose 30% this year; Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova pushed EU budget cooperation with the Netherlands and announced internships for Bulgarian students at embassies. International Law & Culture: Bulgaria donated a Tryavna-made oak lectern to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague; Bulgaria also marked the return of Tsar Samuel’s remains to Sofia after 60 years in Greece. Black Sea Security: A Turkish-owned cargo ship sank after a fire, with two dead and 11 rescued; Ukraine blamed Russian drones.

Return of Tsar Samuel: Bulgaria welcomed the remains of medieval Tsar Samuel to Sofia after 60 years in Greece, with a state ceremony at St. Sophia and a military flypast, as Bulgaria and Greece also agreed on returning 48 ecclesiastical relics taken from Northern Greece during WWI. Black Sea Security: Romania reported a freighter fire and sinking in the Black Sea near the Bulgarian coast, with 2 dead and 11 rescued; Ukraine blamed Russia for a drone strike on a civilian grain ship. Presidential Race: Alpha Research puts Iliana Iotova/Kiril Valchev on 44.5% among decided voters for the 25 October vote, with a likely runoff ahead of Andrey Gyurov/Georgi Kandev (26.1%). Road Safety Crackdown: Bulgarian police joined ROADPOL, targeting phone use and seat-belt compliance, with tens of thousands of violations recorded since the start of the year. Energy & Tech: Renalfa and Eurowind inaugurated Bulgaria’s Tenevo hybrid storage complex (773 MWh), while INSAIT’s EXPLORER scholarship programme selected 15 young talents. Border Crime Bust: A week-long “Balkan Bridge II” operation seized drugs, weapons parts, counterfeit goods and uncovered migrant smuggling routes across Bulgarian checkpoints.

Defence & Industry: Deputy PM Alexander Poulev says Bulgaria wants a Rheinmetall plant operational within 30 months, stressing full technology transfer and rejecting earlier site proposals lacking basic infrastructure. Public Finance: Finance Minister Galab Donev targets a 2027 deficit of 3.8% of GDP (as close to 3% as possible) to close the excessive deficit procedure, while noting 2026 payments cluster in the final quarter. Border Security: “Balkan Bridge II” ended with seizures across Bulgarian checkpoints, including 58 kg of narcotics, 300,000 unstamped cigarettes, counterfeit goods, and smuggling-linked firearms parts. Justice & Rights: Bulgaria reports 1,000+ applications for free legal aid in 2026, with the National Legal Aid Bureau covering court and administrative representation for eligible groups. Foreign Policy & Law: Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova will visit the Netherlands to donate a Tryavna-made oak lectern to the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague. Energy Strategy: Energy Minister Iva Petrova flags Kozloduy Units 7 and 8 as nuclear priorities, framing new capacity as central to energy security. EU Politics: 17 EU leaders urge Ireland to protect farm and cohesion funding in the next budget. International Science: The US and 16 countries back the “Kyoto Vision for a Golden Age of Science,” with Bulgaria among endorsers.

Tsar Samuel Returns: Bulgaria received the remains of medieval ruler Tsar Samuel from Greece after decades of talks, with a state ceremony in Sofia and a handover in Thessaloniki attended by top leaders; the coffin was flown in with fighter-jet escort and laid at the St. Sophia Basilica, while politicians across the spectrum joined the tribute. Diplomacy & Heritage: The transfer is tied to a broader Greece-Bulgaria protocol: 48 church artefacts are returning to Greece on loan/transfer terms, and both sides framed the deal as a step toward settling long-running cultural disputes. Presidential Campaign: Ahead of Bulgaria’s Oct. 25 presidential vote, candidates Iliana Iotova, Ivan Hristanov, and Andrey Gurov pushed themes of restoring trust in institutions, youth support, and stronger executive accountability. EU Budget Fight: Seventeen EU leaders, including Bulgaria, urged Ireland’s rotating presidency to protect CAP and Cohesion funding from cuts in the next EU budget negotiations. Fact-Checking Row: Russia-linked Global Fact-Checking Network says a Daily Telegraph/Welt am Sonntag probe into a Leipzig/Halle drone incident contains major inconsistencies, including date framing and claims about surveillance.

Tsar Samuel Repatriation: Bulgaria received the mortal remains of medieval ruler Tsar Samuil from Greece after nearly six decades, with a state ceremony in Sofia following a Thessaloniki handover; the coffin arrived on a Spartan transport escorted by MiG-29 and F-16 jets, then was placed in a sarcophagus at St Sophia as thousands watched and officials across parties attended. Cultural Diplomacy: The return was sealed alongside a reciprocal heritage deal: Greece handed over Samuil’s remains while Bulgaria provided 48 church artefacts on loan/exchange terms, with Greek PM Mitsotakis framing it as a shift in how cultural heritage disputes should be handled. EU Budget Fight: Seventeen EU leaders, including Bulgaria, urged the Irish EU presidency to protect Cohesion Policy and the CAP from proposed cuts, warning reductions would weaken the EU budget and undermine support. North Macedonia Talks: President Iliana Iotova said Bulgaria is open to talks with North Macedonia without ultimatums or departures from EU enlargement policy, while pressing for resolution of outstanding issues. Presidential Politics: Vazrazhdane’s Kostadin Kostadinov used the Samuil moment to argue for “dignified” leadership and a stronger presidential role ahead of the Oct. 25 vote.

Tsar Samuel Return Ceremony: Bulgaria received the mortal remains of medieval ruler Tsar Samuel from Greece in a tightly choreographed state event in Sofia, after a Thessaloniki handover where Bulgarian and Greek culture ministers signed protocols in the presence of PMs Rumen Radev and Kyriakos Mitsotakis; the transfer includes the return of 48 church relics to Greece. State Honors & Security: The remains arrived by Spartan military transport aircraft, escorted by MiG-29 and F-16 jets, followed by a 21-gun salute, a procession to St Sophia Basilica, and a specially prepared sarcophagus, with top officials and the Patriarch attending and police security deployed. Diplomacy Through History: Radev framed Samuel as a unifying historical archetype and said the deal strengthens strategic ties; Mitsotakis stressed that monuments and artifacts shouldn’t be treated as spoils of war, while also linking the exchange to broader cultural-heritage disputes. Regional Political Fallout: North Macedonia’s PM Mickoski cited the Bled Agreement and criticized how it’s discussed domestically, while local media linked the transfer to wider history disputes and political pressure on Skopje. Presidential Campaign Rhetoric: In parallel, Vazrazhdane candidate Kostadin Kostadinov urged “dignified, honest” leadership and more direct democracy ahead of the Oct. 25 presidential vote, while Iliana Iotova said she won’t shift convictions for political gain.

EU Infringements: The European Commission issued a reasoned opinion to Cyprus and six other states, including Bulgaria, over incomplete transposition of the waste electrical and electronic equipment directive, warning of possible referral to the ECJ if no action is taken within two months. Security & Intelligence: A joint investigation links a failed Leipzig-Halle Airport sabotage attempt to Russian national Oleg Levushkin, allegedly tied to GRU operations, with reports suggesting explosives may have been brought via Bulgaria and Serbia. Regional Infrastructure: Athens, Sofia and Bucharest signed a €22.8bn action plan for 25 priority transport projects to connect the Aegean, Danube and Black Sea, including rail upgrades and new Danube crossings. NRRP & Budget Oversight: Deputy PM Atanas Pekanov said Bulgaria expects the 5th NRRP payment of €1.8bn by end-December, while Finance Minister Galab Donev said the 2026 deficit target of 5.7% remains on track. Domestic Policy: Rumen Radev said a central electronic food price register is underway; Parliament also backed a plan to revise homemade rakia rules to avoid ambiguity. Justice & Governance: Bulgaria and Germany discussed judicial cooperation and justice digitalization, including safeguards for electing a new Supreme Judicial Council. Local Environment: Plovdiv launches its first low-emission zone from Oct 1, restricting Euro 1–2 vehicles until April 30, 2027.

AI Policy & Energy: Bulgaria’s national forum on AI adoption focused on how data-centre growth could strain electricity supply, with MPs and experts warning the grid may only support limited new capacity. EU Legal Pressure: The European Commission says Bulgaria’s DSA-related telecom amendments still leave two enforcement bodies unempowered and flags non-conforming penalties, restarting the infringement clock and raising the risk of a CJEU referral. Defence & Industry: Parliament ratified an agreement enabling Avionams to repair F-16 Block 70 generators in Bulgaria, with the facility also serving neighbours. Ukraine-Russia Debate: PM Rumen Radev rejected “pro-Russian” labels, arguing Europe must rebalance military, economic and diplomatic tools and keep diplomacy central to peace efforts. US-Bulgaria Ties: US ambassador nominee Douglas Holder told senators Bulgaria is key for regional security and urged closer cooperation on energy, AI and critical minerals, including continued support for Ukraine. Crime & Justice: Interior Minister Demerdzhiev faced MPs over the killing of businessman Iliyan Filipov, saying the suspect who carried out the murder has been detained and investigators are pursuing other possible roles. Transport & Rail Costs: A parliamentary hearing heard claims against the rail infrastructure company top €700m, with indexation funding missing and a new methodology still pending. Culture & Diplomacy: Bulgaria will stage a national stand at the Frankfurt Book Fair and co-host a dialogue event with a Booker-nominated Bulgarian writer and a Greek counterpart.

Parliament Oversight: Bulgaria’s National Assembly will hear Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev on Thursday over alleged corruption in motorway guardrail contracts and the alleged use of funds for flights tied to MRF leader Delyan Peevski, after a prior agenda item was reshuffled following the killing of businessman Ilian Filipov in Plovdiv. Crime & Security: MPs also decided to question Demerdzhiev over the murder of Botev Plovdiv FC president and PIMK co-owner Ilian Filipov, with police saying no safety complaints were found in ministry registers. Budget & Taxes: Finance Minister Galab Donev says the government is preparing a EUR 2.2bn revenue-and-spending package, including EUR 750m from cuts, plus a one-off windfall profits tax—while insisting Bulgaria will keep the flat income tax despite IMF pressure. Diplomacy & Heritage: President Iliana Iotova welcomed the Bulgaria–Greece agreement to return Tsar Samuel’s remains and 48 religious relics, a major diplomatic win that brings the medieval ruler home after more than 1,000 years. AI & Governance: Iotova urged students to assess AI by social benefits, as Bulgaria’s InvestBulgaria appoints Asen Nenchev as executive director to attract more investment. Energy & Defence: Deputy Defence Minister Lyubomir Monov flagged modernization as a NATO commitment, while Bulgaria’s nuclear conference in Sofia spotlights SMR plans and cybersecurity.

EU-Russia Diplomacy & Nuclear Risk: Prime Minister Rumen Radev urged the EU to engage Russia through dialogue to end the war in Ukraine and warned that nuclear escalation risk must be part of Europe’s calculations, criticizing continued arms supplies to Kyiv. Parliament & Rule of Law: Bulgaria’s parliament adopted amendments to the Civil Procedure Code to protect journalists and civil society from SLAPP-style abusive lawsuits, enabling early dismissal of clearly unfounded claims. Presidential Campaign: Market Links polling for the Oct. 25 presidential election puts Iliana Iotova/Kiril Valchev at 41.4% and Andrey Gurov/Georgi Kandev at 21.9%, with 20.4% still undecided. Corruption & Prosecution: “Democratic Bulgaria” says it will file a report with the National Revenue Agency over former acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov’s property holdings. Justice in Practice: The Sofia City Court heard witnesses in the Port fraud case against former Varna mayor Ivan Portnih over a reconstruction project for a non-existent fishing port. EU Funds: Bulgaria submitted its fifth and final RRP payment request to the European Commission for €1.823bn, citing completion of the last 59 milestones. Security & Crime: Police raids across Germany, Belgium, Bulgaria and the Netherlands targeted an international money-laundering network linked to Hells Angels, with €48.6m in assets sought. Economy & Finance: Bulgaria raised €2.25bn via a dual-tranche international bond issue; the banking system’s profit rose 11.3% to €1.4bn by end-August. Culture & Heritage: Bulgaria and Greece move ahead with reciprocal transfers tied to Tsar Samuel’s remains and other relics, with the culture minister calling the return “once every 1,000 years.”