AGP Executive Report

Bulgaria–NATO Defence Policy: Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov told MPs Bulgaria will not join NATO’s anti-drone initiative, saying it would duplicate an existing EU project and strain limited defence budgets. Presidential Politics: Continue the Change demanded President Iliana Iotova explain her 2022 pardon of convicted drug dealer Ognyan Atanasov (“Bulgarian Escobar”), while Yes, Bulgaria and DSB backed Andrey Gyurov and Georgi Kandev for president/vice president. Social Policy: Labour Minister Natalia Efremova said a “family package plus” is being prepared, including higher maternity incentives and one-off child benefits plus tax relief for working parents. Public Security & State Institutions: President Iotova marked the 147th anniversary of the National Service for Protection, while the service held its own ceremony underlining duty and non-partisanship. Energy & Infrastructure: Energy Minister Iva Petrova said Sofia’s winter district heating supply is secured for now, but a long-term fix needs commitments from the municipality; separately, Bulgaria is pushing to accelerate Kapitan Andreevo North border crossing construction with Türkiye. Regional/International Defence: Turkish military personnel and equipment will transit Bulgaria on Sept 13-14 en route to Romania; Germany charged seven suspected Hamas members over a planned Berlin/Vienna attack around the Oct. 7 anniversary. Economy & Tech: Lexroom acquired French and Bulgarian legal AI firms Query Juriste and Praven Intelekt; Sofia Tech Park appointed a new three-member supervisory board for the BRAIN++ AI factory push. Culture & Society: BNT rejected attempts to politicize a History.BG presenter decision; UNICEF’s representative visited Pernik amid its 2029 European Youth Capital bid.

Presidential Race Turns Geopolitical: President Iliana Iotova says Bulgaria should avoid being pulled into Ukraine’s war and push a peace coalition, while Andrey Gyurov vows to protect Bulgaria’s EU path and keep the country aligned with EU and NATO. Civil Aviation Security: EU defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius warned that incidents involving Zelensky’s plane show growing danger for civilian aviation, citing drone and navigation-jamming risks across the eastern flank, including Bulgaria. Judicial Council Pressure Claims: Justice Minister Nikolay Naydenov denied attempts to influence the election of the new Supreme Judicial Council, urging reports to his ministry and insisting the vote should happen by mid-November. Media Independence Row: Bulgaria’s electronic media regulator will hold a hearing over BNT’s removal of long-time anchor Georgi Angelov, as opposition parties say it may reflect political pressure. Energy Links in Focus: Bulgaria is tied into a wider Azerbaijan–Türkiye electricity push, with plans for an “electric version of TANAP” linking Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye and Bulgaria, alongside EU moves to streamline cross-border energy infrastructure rules. Cyber Compliance for SMEs: A European open-source platform backed by Bulgaria’s Digital Innovation Hub Trakia helps firms prepare for the EU Cyber Resilience Act obligations starting in 2027. Security Alarm in the Black Sea: A new assessment says discoveries of drones and unexploded ordnance along NATO’s eastern waters jumped 208% in six months, with Bulgaria among the most affected. Budget Rules Shift: Government proposals would drop some national deficit/debt corrective mechanisms, relying more on the EU’s newer, more flexible fiscal oversight framework. Border Traffic Pressure: Türkiye and Bulgaria plan a new border gate north of Kapıkule to ease congestion and increase capacity for cross-border traffic.

Boyana Studios Privatization: Bulgarian filmmakers protested outside Nu Boyana Film Studios over what happens when a key privatisation restriction expires on 17 November, while the studio insists conditions were met and it will keep developing as a film hub. Judicial Overhaul: Parliament is set to elect a new Supreme Judicial Council by mid-November, with four parties submitting nominations and the Justice Minister linking the timing to a future Prosecutor General vote. Media Independence Row: The Council for Electronic Media will hold a hearing after BNT removed long-time anchor Georgi Angelov, with the Culture Minister refusing to comment and critics alleging political retaliation. Fuel Costs Politics: “Continue the Change” renewed calls for a fuel price discount after oil topped USD 100, arguing current pricing is hitting consumers harder than in 2022. Quick Loans Crackdown: A proposed Consumer Credit Act would change how interest caps rise for quick loans up to €1,860, drawing opposition warnings about consumer harm and sector squeeze. Space & High-Tech Diplomacy: Prime Minister Rumen Radev backed an EnduroSat–Arianespace memorandum in Paris, while Bulgaria and France signaled deeper cooperation in space and high technology. Hemus Highway Push: Regional Minister Ivan Shishkov said construction of the Hemus motorway will resume immediately, aiming for Veliko Tarnovo in 2.5 years. Security & Drones: Bulgaria showcased a drone detection and counter-UAV system at Samokov, aimed at protecting military and critical sites. EU Ukraine Assets: Over 100 MEPs urged the EU to restart talks on using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, despite legal and political objections.

Judicial Reform Timeline: Justice Minister Nikolay Naydenov says Bulgaria’s new Supreme Judicial Council should be elected by mid-November, with a prosecutor general expected by early spring 2027, aiming for a more transparent process with wider civil society and journalist participation. Presidential Race Signals: GERB leader Boyko Borissov says the party will not offer unsolicited support in the Oct. 25 presidential vote and will not field its own candidates, while also questioning the Gurov/Kandev nomination committee. Media Independence Clash: The Council for Electronic Media will hold a hearing over BNT’s removal of long-time anchor Georgi Angelov from History.BG; Democrats for Strong Bulgaria says it’s political pressure, while BNT cites programming changes and permanent presenter policy. SLAPP Crackdown: Parliament adopted amendments to curb abusive lawsuits targeting public-interest voices, adding early dismissal rules for manifestly unfounded claims under EU anti-SLAPP standards. Security Services Under Pressure: Democratic Bulgaria MPs demand hearings with SIA and SANS after a leaked intelligence report alleges Western special forces veterans trained Russians at private facilities in Bulgaria, including the Alfa-Metal center. Energy & Infrastructure: Sofia Airport has started building a 5 MW solar plant for its own consumption, and EnduroSat signed an MoU with Arianespace in Paris to use Ariane 64 launch services from 2029. Space/Tech Diplomacy: PM Rumen Radev links Bulgaria-France cooperation to a stronger European space ecosystem after the EnduroSat-Arianespace deal. Crime & Justice Debate: A “Justice for Georgi Kuzev” initiative proposes allowing minors to receive effective prison terms of 8–15 years, with courts required to assess maturity and intent case-by-case.

Velichie Presidential Race: The extra-parliamentary party Velichie nominated Ivelin Mihaylov for President and Yuliana Mateeva as running mate, after an internal survey where the pair won over 90% support. Moldova-Bulgaria EU Track: Deputy PM Ivo Hristov met Moldova’s FM Mihai Popsoi to deepen ties, with both sides stressing support for Moldova’s EU path and protection of the Bulgarian community in Taraclia. Taraclia Status: Popsoi said Taraclia will keep separate administrative status and become a municipality, framed as key to preserving the region’s Bulgarian identity. Education Shock: The National Network for Children urged a national education plan after PISA 2025 showed 58% of Bulgarian 15-year-olds below minimum reading proficiency and 57% below minimum in maths. Health Insurance Deal: NHIF and the Bulgarian Medical Association signed the 2026–2028 framework agreement, with outpatient prices up around 4.4% and hospital activities up to 10% on average. Judicial Appointments: Progressive Bulgaria submitted its Supreme Judicial Council nominations for the parliamentary quota, saying it is seeking candidates with integrity and no corruption links. Wildlife Poisoning Crackdown: An interagency mechanism is planned to stop illegal poisoned baits in nature, after last month’s vulture poisonings in the Central Balkan National Park. Road Safety Push: The government adopted an action plan to reduce serious road accidents, focusing on clearer responsibilities and risk-based management. Security Allegations: A leaked intelligence memo claims Western SAS and other veterans trained Russians at private camps in Bulgaria and Serbia; the training firm denies the allegations. Tourism Spotlight: Sofia and Sandanski reached the finals of the European Capitals of Tourism 2027 competition.

Education Reform: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said Bulgaria’s PISA results show “encouraging progress” in science (+5 points) and digital skills, but declines in math and reading, warning that the widening gap between small and large schools should push authorities to keep modernizing education rather than letting politicians speculate. Presidential Election Prep: The Central Election Commission says preparations for the 25 October vote are on schedule, with regional commissions operational, polling abroad set for 100 embassies/consulates, and key deadlines including candidate registration by 22 September. Election Campaign Politics: MECH submitted documents to the CEC to run in the presidential election, while an initiative committee backed Iliana Iotova and Kiril Valchev as candidates for president and vice president, with Valchev stressing consensus through dialogue. Bulgaria–Moldova Ties: Moldova’s administrative reform granted Taraclia District a municipality status, with Bulgaria’s foreign minister Velislava Petrova calling it recognition of the Bulgarian community; separately, Moldova’s deputy PM and foreign minister Mihai Popsoi is visiting Sofia for talks on bilateral cooperation and Moldova’s EU path. Regional Diplomacy: North Macedonia’s foreign minister said Skopje is ready to share EU accession experience with Ukraine, while also rejecting intimidation or unilateral concessions during the process. Transport & EU Funding: BDZ put its first Alstom Coradia Stream EMUs into regular service, alongside the earlier Škoda RegioPanter fleet, as Bulgaria accelerates rolling-stock renewal ahead of EU funding deadlines.

Presidential Race: Bulgaria’s Central Election Commission says preparations for the 25 October vote are on schedule, with regional commissions already operational and 100 embassies/consulates listed as polling stations abroad; meanwhile, new political players are filing in—MECH submitted documents to run, Velichie delivered nearly 7,000 signatures, and an initiative committee has been set up to back Iliana Iotova and Kiril Valchev. Education Watch: Bulgaria’s PISA 2025 results show a sharp drop, with 58% of 15-year-olds below basic reading proficiency and major declines also in mathematics. Economy & Industry: Deputy PM/Economy Minister Alexander Poulev met China’s vice president in Xiamen to push expanded trade and investment, while Rumen Radev backed new healthcare manufacturing near Plovdiv and highlighted road concessions as a priority for 2027. Public Policy: The National Network for Children urged lawmakers to curb gambling advertising after a deadly case in Isperih. Culture & Oversight: The Culture Ministry says no breaches were found in Boyana Studios’ privatization obligations through 2024, while it continues monitoring.

Budget Integrity Clash: GERB-UDF MP Temenuzhka Petkova alleges the government is shifting 2026 spending into 2025 to manipulate the deficit numbers, pointing to the Ministry of Finance and the Road Infrastructure Agency and warning of possible backdated certificates ahead of an extraordinary National Audit Office review. Diplomatic Visit: Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi is set to visit Sofia on Sept. 9, meeting Bulgarian counterparts and President Iliana Iotova, with talks focused on bilateral cooperation and Moldova’s EU path. Aviation & Tourism: Wizz Air will add a fourth aircraft to its Yerevan base in December and launch new routes from Yerevan to Basel, Varna and Valencia, while increasing frequencies to Prague and Memmingen—boosting travel links including to Bulgaria. Hybrid Security Watch: Moldova reports intensified recruitment of citizens via social media for sabotage activities, with Russian intelligence linked to “simple tasks” that can escalate into attacks across Eastern Europe, including Bulgaria. Film Industry Pressure: Bulgarian filmmakers protest outside Nu Boyana Film Studios over fears production could stop when the privatization restriction expires on Nov. 17, demanding clarity on whether obligations were met and what happens next. Public Health Alert: Anthrax has been confirmed in cattle in Ezerche, Razgrad region, triggering preventive measures, safe handling of carcasses, and medical observation for people with contact.

Presidential Election Setup: Bulgaria’s Central Election Commission says five parties and five nomination committees filed registration documents for the Oct. 25 presidential vote, with deadlines also set for committee registration (Sept. 14) and candidate registration (Sept. 22). Foreign Policy & Security: Russia ordered the closure of Germany’s consulate in St Petersburg in a tit-for-tat move tied to Germany’s actions over consulates and cultural centres, as sabotage concerns keep rising across Europe. Energy & Industry Diplomacy: Deputy PM and Economy Minister Alexander Poulev met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Xiamen, pushing investment and cooperation—especially in automotive and green technologies—while Bulgaria also courts Chinese firm King Long for investment talks. Public Health: Anthrax has been confirmed in cattle in Ezerche, Razgrad region, triggering preventive measures and medical observation for people with contact. Culture & Governance: Filmmakers protested outside Boyana Film Studios over fears production could stop after the privatization deal expires this autumn, demanding clarity from the culture ministry. Local Politics & Society: Sofia’s Book Alley opened at NDK, with Education Minister Georgi Valchev urging Bulgarians to return to reading beyond phones and ads. International Politics: US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner discussed Russia-Ukraine talks with Putin and then with Zelensky, while the war’s continuation remains the backdrop.

Unification Day & Dobrich commemorations: Bulgaria marked the 141st anniversary of the Unification with major ceremonies in Plovdiv and Sofia, featuring President Iliana Iotova, PM Rumen Radev and military displays, while officials also marked the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Dobrich and the 86th anniversary of the Treaty of Craiova, framing the events as a long road to “freedom” for Southern Dobrudzha. VAT fight in tourism: Restaurateurs again pushed for lower VAT, criticizing Deputy PM Atanas Pekanov after he said no reduction is planned, arguing the debate ignores Bulgaria’s full tax and cost burden versus EU peers. Healthcare reform push: Health Minister Katya Ivkova said a healthcare quality assessment system is expected by year-end, stressing transparency and action against substandard care amid high out-of-pocket payments. Security & defense cooperation: Bulgaria and Azerbaijan held talks under their 2026 defense cooperation plan, focusing on cultural and social support for military personnel. International spotlight: Ratko Mladić’s coffin was displayed in Belgrade ahead of his Sept. 7 burial, with Serbian officials and family urging a “peaceful” farewell. Regional politics: A Sofia–Skopje dispute resurfaced around a crash case involving a Bulgarian passport holder, with questions raised about treatment access and the fairness of the process.

Unification Day Coverage: Bulgaria marked the 141st anniversary of the 1885 Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia with ceremonies across the country, led by a main event in Plovdiv attended by President Iliana Iotova, PM Rumen Radev, Defence Chief Emil Eftimov, and church leaders; President Iotova and other officials framed September 6 as a lesson in unity and national self-determination. Local Politics & Civic Tone: Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev called the holiday one of Bulgaria’s brightest dates, while Metropolitan Nikolay of Plovdiv linked unification to peacemaking and urged public figures to act as unifiers. Interior Ministry & Public Order: The Interior Ministry reported a Black Sea coast operation that seized over 4,000 pairs of counterfeit sports shoes and initiated pre-trial proceedings. Healthcare Policy: Health Minister Katya Ivkova said a healthcare quality assessment system is expected to be adopted by year-end, with plans to consult the medical community and tackle high out-of-pocket payments. Presidential Race Signals: GERB leader Boyko Borissov said a GERB presidential nomination would be “the greatest favour” to incumbent President Iliana Iotova, with a decision expected after September 8. Economy & Tourism: Deputy PM Atanas Pekanov said VAT for the tourism sector will not be cut, arguing the sector already received concessions and raised prices after euro adoption. International Context: Slovakia’s PM Robert Fico again argued Ukraine’s war has no military solution and criticized Western support for Kyiv, referencing his recent talks in Sofia.

Unification Day Politics: Prime Minister Rumen Radev marked Bulgaria’s 141st Unification Day saying unity lets Bulgarians “change history” and shape their destiny, while Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev framed September 6 as a lesson that unity behind a national goal makes people “invincible.” Public Commemorations: The main events are in Plovdiv with President Iliana Iotova attending the ceremonial tattoo and troop review, plus services, wreath-laying and reenactments; Sofia will also hold ceremonies at Prince Alexander of Battenberg’s mausoleum. Tourism & Prices: Deputy PM Atanas Pekanov said there will be no VAT cutback for the tourism sector, arguing prices rose too much after the euro and urging nominal price cuts for the next season. Crime & Borders: Interior Minister Demerdzhiev said cooperation across Schengen is working, after a Bulgarian influencer who breached house arrest was detained in Valencia under a European Arrest Warrant; he also highlighted improved interagency action after major drug seizures near Burgas. Minimum Wage: Labour Minister Natalia Efremova told bTV that Bulgaria’s 2027 minimum wage could rise by EUR 40–50, with a Christmas supplement for low-income groups. International Economy: Bulgaria’s Deputy PM and Economy Minister Alexander Poulev will lead the Bulgaria-China joint commission meeting in Beijing on Sept 10, focusing on investment, transport, energy and green technologies.

Court Ruling on Gender Documents: Bulgaria’s Supreme Court of Cassation orders legal gender changes on ID documents, aligning practice with the EU Court of Justice “Shipova” decision and ending a decade-long fight. Drug Trafficking Crackdown: Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev says interagency cooperation is improving after a Burgas seizure of hundreds of kilos of cocaine and marijuana. International Arrest in Schengen: A Bulgarian influencer who breached house arrest was detained in Valencia after a European Arrest Warrant was issued. Minimum Wage Outlook: Social Affairs Minister Natalia Efremova says Bulgaria’s 2027 minimum wage could rise by EUR 40–50 to around EUR 660–670, with a Christmas supplement for low-income groups. EU Security & Ukraine War Debate: PM Rumen Radev warns military attempts to resolve Ukraine raise escalation risks and calls for diplomacy, while also discussing sanctions’ impact on Bulgaria’s interests. Bulgaria–China Economic Talks: Deputy PM and Economy Minister Alexander Poulev leads a Bulgaria-China commission meeting in Beijing on Sept 10. Sunny Beach Infrastructure: Regional Minister Ivan Shishkov pushes for transferring Sunny Beach AD streets and water/sewer assets to Nessebar Municipality and the Burgas utility. Judicial Appointments: New judge-quota nominations for the Supreme Judicial Council were published. Agriculture Learning Trip: Bulgarian Farmers Union chief Georgi Stoyanov visits China to study rural development and long-term planning. Sports & Culture: Bulgaria places top 16 at the Pickleball World Cup debut; 9,000+ attend Teodor Salparov’s benefit match in Sofia.

Supreme Court Ruling on Gender Documents: Bulgaria’s Supreme Court of Cassation ordered the state to allow transgender-identifying people to change name and gender markers on ID documents, aligning practice with an EU Court of Justice decision in the “Shipova” case and reigniting calls for a clear national legal procedure. Minimum Wage Talks: Labour Minister Natalia Efremova said Bulgaria’s 2027 minimum wage could rise by EUR 40–50 from EUR 620.20, with a Christmas supplement likely for 450,000–500,000 low-income people. Ukraine War Spillover: Russia hit Teva and a WHO medical supply warehouse in Ukraine, expanding strikes into storage and distribution for medicines. Judicial Appointments: The Supreme Judicial Council published new nominations for its judges’ quota and documents for prosecutors’ quota candidates, as the SJC election process continues. Healthcare Reform Clash: Continue the Change’s floor leader Nikolay Denkov demanded Health Minister Katya Ivkova resign over proposed healthcare changes and funding priorities. Sunny Beach Governance: Regional Minister Ivan Shishkov said Sunny Beach AD infrastructure should be transferred to Nessebar Municipality and the Burgas water utility, calling the current setup unlawful. Bulgaria–China Economy: Deputy PM and Economy Minister Alexander Poulev will lead a Bulgaria-China commission meeting in Beijing on Sept 10, focusing on investment, transport, energy, agriculture and digital transformation. Bulgaria–Slovakia Defence & Energy: Defence ministers discussed F-16 Block 70 cooperation and SAFE projects, while PM Rumen Radev and Slovak PM Robert Fico pushed energy and nuclear as key to climate neutrality. Money-Laundering Exit: Radev met FATF and MONEYVAL experts ahead of a final October decision in Paris on Bulgaria’s removal from the grey list. Drugs Seized Near Burgas: Border police detained a lorry with over 100kg of cocaine and about 200kg of cannabis, a case prosecutors say could be worth €12m.

Local Governance & Infrastructure: Regional Minister Ivan Shishkov says Sunny Beach AD’s resort streets and alleys should be transferred to Nessebar Municipality, while water and sewerage assets should go to the Burgas utility—calling the current setup “completely unlawful” and rejecting any idea of taxpayers funding assets that should be publicly managed. Judicial Appointments: The Supreme Judicial Council published documents for seven prosecutors’ quota candidates and added four more judges nominated for the SJC election, with the registry open on Sept 5-7. Healthcare Politics: Continue the Change floor leader Nikolay Denkov escalated pressure on Health Minister Katya Ivkova, arguing the healthcare reform is experimental, unclear on finances and staffing, and risks worsening care. Security & Law Enforcement: Bulgaria’s border police detained a lorry near Burgas with over 100kg of cocaine and around 200kg of cannabis; one driver was arrested. Anti-Money Laundering: PM Rumen Radev met FATF and MONEYVAL experts on Bulgaria’s progress toward leaving the grey list, with a final decision expected in Paris in October. Foreign Policy & Defence: Radev warned that military attempts to end the Ukraine war raise escalation risks, while Bulgaria and Slovakia pushed deeper energy and defence cooperation, including plans for a joint nuclear energy commission. Energy Connectivity: Greece, North Macedonia and Serbia signed to extend the Vertical Gas Corridor, with Bulgaria’s energy ministry involved in the regional push. Food Regulation: Agriculture Minister Plamen Abrovski says new rules will close loopholes allowing imitation dairy to be sold as “white cheese” or “kashkaval,” with amendments prepared by a working group. Public Debate on EU Budget: Trade unions and opposition voices criticized the government programme’s income and consumption approach as EU budget talks intensify around new “own resources.”

Hybrid Security & Sabotage: Bulgaria’s PM Rumen Radev says Sofia stands with Germany after the Leipzig/Halle airport drone incident, noting Bulgaria has not yet received specific security-service facts but calling Russia’s alleged role “reckless” and “extremely worrying.” EU Budget Fight: Radev told MPs the EU budget is a “major challenge,” arguing defence and competitiveness must not crowd out cohesion and agriculture as EU Council President António Costa pushes agreement on the 2028–2034 framework. Security Services Overhaul: Radev says a “deep” transformation of Bulgaria’s security services is underway to boost efficiency, while staffing gaps at the State Intelligence Agency remain a concern. Presidential Politics: President Iliana Iotova named BTA Director General Kiril Valchev as her vice-presidential running mate and rejected opposition calls to turn the Consultative Council on National Security into an election arena. Judicial Appointments: Five judge nominees were published for the Supreme Judicial Council’s judges’ quota. Flood Recovery: Bulgarian Land Forces continue recovery work in Strumyani after the floods, with servicemen coordinating with local authorities and volunteers. Energy & Neighbours: Radev and Slovakia’s PM Robert Fico focused on energy security and nuclear cooperation, while Bulgaria also reiterated that lifting sanctions on Russian oil requires an EU-wide decision. Migration & Borders: Interior Minister reports a downturn in illegal migration, while Bosnia detained Afghan migrants attempting illegal entry.