Bulgaria
Majority of Bulgarians don’t want to adopt the euro
New poll shows 57% of Bulgarians are opposed to eurozone entry, as the government gives mixed signals on its euro adoption plans.
Seven bid for Lukoil’s Bulgarian refinery, PM Zhelyazkov says
Lukoil has been actively seeking to sell its Bulgarian assets since December 2023, when Sofia banned imports of Russian crude oil.
Lack of megadeals drags down M&A volume in Emerging Europe
The number of deals in Central and Southeast Europe rose in 2024 but aggregate deal value fell by 31%, finds law firm CMS.
Bulgaria’s new government gives up on January 2026 eurozone entry
Opposition politicians have accused the new government of deliberately sabotaging Bulgaria's adoption of the European single currency.
BALKAN BLOG: Polluted Balkan capitals choke on winter smog
Winter has earned the grim moniker of “choking season” across the Balkans as cities in the region grapple with hazardous levels of air pollution.
Bulgaria’s ruling coalition rejects central bank law changes putting eurozone entry at risk
The new coalition has set the country’s accession to the eurozone by January 2026 as its key priority, but achieving this looks increasingly unlikely.
COMMENT: Europe needs to start the fightback against Trump now
The European centre-right is facilitating the populist attack on liberal democracy.
Analysts expect ‘perfect storm’ of political risks in 2025
Global political risk is set to intensify in 2025 with international trade becoming a geopolitical battleground after Trump’s return to office, said Verisk Maplecroft analysts.
Bulgaria’s consumer protection body seeks to revoke local telcos' licences
CPC will ask to remove three main telecoms operators' licences over “systematic violations” and multiple consumer complaints.
OUTLOOK Southeastern Europe 2025
What is in store for Southeastern Europe in 2025? bne IntelliNews’ annual OUTLOOK: Southeastern Europe 2025
Emerging Europe split between eager anticipation and wary acceptance ahead of Trump inauguration
For some leaders in Central and Southeast Europe, the new Trump presidency is seen as a opportunity; for others it’s a challenge to navigate carefully.
Bulgaria’s new cabinet slammed as ‘Frankenstein’s monster’ by opponents
Gerb to lead four-party coalition of populists and pro-Russian socialists.
BALKAN BLOG: Trump’s annexation remarks risk reigniting Balkan border disputes
Talk of the US annexing Greenland and Panama have already encouraged one far-right leader to propose that Bulgaria annex North Macedonia and parts of Ukraine.
Inspired by Trump, Bulgarian far-right leader wants to annex North Macedonia and parts of Ukraine
Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov says North Macedonia and the Ukrainian part of Southern Bessarabia should be added to Bulgaria.
Kazakhstan’s KazMunayGas reportedly bids for Lukoil’s Bulgarian asset
Lukoil aims to sell Bulgarian refinery and petrol stations after Sofia banned imports of Russian crude oil.
Greeks cross border for cheap clothes, food and fuel after Bulgaria enters Schengen zone
Bulgaria and Romania gained full membership of the Schengen border-free area on January 1.
Bulgaria heading towards new general election as Gerb ends coalition talks
Gerb pulled out of talks after Democratic Bulgaria rejected its proposals for prime minister.
Sales of superluxury cars in Bulgaria reach new record in 2024
Although Bulgaria remains the EU's poorest country, Bulgarians purchased cars costing as much as €2.5mn.
COMMENT: The EU’s Green Deal is a “policy disaster”
Energy analyst Dr Tom O'Donnell has issued a stark critique of the European Union's Green Deal, describing it as a "policy disaster" that requires radical reform to prevent further industrial decline and to bolster energy security.
Bulgaria’s interim PM Glavchev refuses to sign 10-year military support deal with Ukraine
Gerb also backs away from Ukraine deal as it seeks to secure pro-Russian Bulgarian Socialist Party as a coalition partner.