Presidential Race: Former caretaker PM Andrey Gurov and former Interior Ministry chief secretary Georgi Kandev officially entered Bulgaria’s presidential bid, with political reactions split between calls for calm and pro-European backing. EU Border Security: Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev met Frontex chief Hans Leijtens, praising Bulgaria’s border security and pushing for stronger Frontex support against illegal migration and drone threats. Ukraine Support: Deputy Defence Minister Lyubomir Monov told EU defence ministers Bulgaria has provided consistent support to Ukraine since Russia’s aggression began. Inflation Watch: Eurostat data put Bulgaria’s August inflation at 5.1% (from 4.4% in July), keeping it among the euro area’s highest. Budget Update: The Finance Ministry expects a cash-basis deficit of about EUR 3 bln by end-August, pressured by NRRP payments. Election Tech: The CEC says an upgraded eProtocol app with a machine-voting practice simulation should launch by end-September. Tourism: EU overnight stays rose 1.7% in the first half of 2026, but Bulgaria fell 1.7% y/y. Regional Tensions: A Bulgaria–North Macedonia dispute over a dual citizen’s crash case is drawing attention as Bulgaria asks the EU to monitor it. Sports & Culture: Volleyball coach Dimo Tonev sees progress after Euro 2026; tourism minister Ilin Dimitrov presented Stiliana Nikolova with a “Golden Rose.”