Bulgaria
National news — politics, economy, society, security, and key developments in the country.
Sofia Airport recorded record passenger numbers in 2025.
Sofia "Vasil Levski" Airport expects to serve nearly 8.5 million passengers in 2025, which represents a 20% increase compared to the pre-pandemic 2019. The passenger flow is expected to reach record levels, with the number of served destinations also expanding.
Cross-border cooperation Bulgaria-Serbia: Investments to improve services and disaster preparedness
The Cross-border Cooperation Programme (INTERREG V-A) Bulgaria - Serbia 2021-2027 provides nearly 12 million euros for the modernization and expansion of small and medium-sized businesses in border regions. Additionally, over 4.6 million euros will be allocated for the development of new or improvement of existing public services. At the same time, nearly 7.3 million euros are invested in preparing the population and professional teams to respond to natural disasters and emergencies in the cross-border region.
The elite counter-terrorism unit of Bulgaria marks 45 years since its establishment.
The Secretary General of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Miroslav Rashkov, congratulated the Directorate of Special Operations and Counterterrorism (DSOCT) on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the first gathering of its personnel. He emphasized the difficult task of DSOCT to protect the security and lives of citizens by preventing and suppressing terrorist actions, freeing hostages, and neutralizing dangerous criminals.
Great Turnovo: A large-scale police operation checks over 400 vehicles and 460 drivers
Employees of the ODMVR - Veliko Tarnovo and GDNP carried out a two-day large-scale police operation, during which over 400 vehicles and over 460 citizens were checked. Despite the violations found, no drivers were found to have consumed alcohol, but a case of drug use was established.
Prevention of forest fires - a call for increased vigilance and responsibility
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Executive Forest Agency call on citizens to be more vigilant and strictly comply with fire safety measures in forest areas. A fire hazard season has been declared, and control over movement in forests has been strengthened. Specialized fire-fighting teams are on standby, but prevention of incidents is of key importance.
The Danube Bridge near Ruse is undergoing a comprehensive repair.
The ongoing major renovation of the Danube Bridge near Ruse has seen the dismantling of barrier systems, parapets, and lighting columns along a 320-meter section. The works are being carried out daily, with traffic flowing alternately on one carriageway while the other is under construction.
Summer fairytale of events, entertainment and art in the heart of the city
The beginning of June offers a vibrant palette of exciting experiences in Sofia - from interactive quizzes and karaoke parties to captivating exhibitions and acoustic music performances. The diversity of events organized by "BuleVART - Network of the Senses" is a true invitation for unforgettable experiences that will energize and uplift the mood throughout the entire month.
Increased road control on the Botevgrad - Vidin route due to repair work
The Road Vehicle Administration Agency is introducing 24-hour control on the road between Botevgrad, Pleven, Vratsa, Montana and Vidin. The measure has been taken due to the increased freight traffic in the region, caused by repair activities on the Botevgrad - Mezdra road section.
Citizens of Omurtag block the Sofia-Varna road due to water supply problems
Residents of Omurtag are protesting against the ongoing water supply problems in the city, despite the provision of an alternative water source. They insist on an immediate inspection of the repair work carried out, which they suspect of irregularities.
A winter storm is striking the Rila and Pirin mountains, blanketing the mountains with snow.
A powerful snowstorm is sweeping through the mountainous regions of Southwestern Bulgaria, covering the Rila and Pirin mountains with a thick layer of snow. Meteorological forecasts predict the continuation of heavy precipitation over the next 48 hours, with a red code warning issued for the regions of Blagoevgrad, Smolyan, and Pazardzhik.
The capital with the most dangerous urban environment for children in Europe
New international study of "Clean Cities" ranks Sofia as the riskiest city for children's mobility in Europe. The main criteria are the condition of streets, bike lanes, and vehicle speeds around schools.
The mayor of Stara Zagora ordered urgent inspections of the damages from the hailstorm in the villages.
Teams from the municipal administration and the Social Assistance Agency will conduct on-site inspections on May 27, 2025 in the villages in Stara Zagora region most affected by the hail. The aim is to assist the local population in preparing documents for claims to insurance companies and for receiving one-time financial assistance from the Social Assistance Directorate.
Military exercises "Bulgarian Defender - 25" gather forces from across the country at the "Koren" training ground.
The Ministry of Defense announces that military equipment and personnel from various garrisons in Bulgaria will move to the "Koren" training ground to participate in a series of exercises under the name "Bulgarian Defender - 25". This is part of the larger exercise "Defender-25" of the United States Army Command in Europe and Africa.
The local residents oppose the opening of a marble quarry near Asenovgrad.
The residents of several villages in the Asenovgrad region are protesting against plans to open a new marble quarry, which they claim threatens the water supply and the environment. The Asenovgrad Municipal Council rejected the proposal to change the status of the land, which falls within a protected area, but the investor claims that the project is legal and safe.
The capital's police is taking strict safety measures before the final match for the Bulgarian Cup.
The Sofia Directorate of Internal Affairs (SDIA) is taking the necessary steps to ensure public order and safety during the upcoming final for the Bulgarian Cup between PFC Ludogorets and PFC CSKA. Police officers will monitor to prevent incidents, and a private security company will assist in securing the stadium.
