AGP Executive Report

Eurovision Afterglow Meets Fiscal Reality: President Iliana Iotova says Bulgaria has the “resources and ambition” to host Eurovision 2027, while PM Rumen Radev warns taxpayers will pay for “unpaid bills” and past advance payments, as his government tightens spending ahead of a Berlin visit. Hosting Push: BNT and the Culture Ministry held their first operational meeting on preparations, and Sofia is set for an open-air “Bangaranga” celebration as hotel bookings and web traffic spike. Big Court Win for the Environment: Bulgaria’s Supreme Administrative Court revoked an emissions derogation for Maritsa East 2 after challenges by For the Earth and Greenpeace. Water Watch: Reservoirs are about 80% full, with some already overflowing, prompting flood-risk plan reminders. Labour Rules Under Fire: The Retail Association calls for urgent changes to hiring procedures for third-country workers, saying delays are hurting businesses. Travel Update: Bulgaria Air resumes seasonal Sofia–Burgas service from June 5. Security Angle: Europol-led action targeted 14,200 IRGC-linked posts online, with Bulgaria among participating countries.

Eurovision Fallout: Belgium’s VRT says it’s unlikely to send an act to Eurovision 2027 unless the EBU issues a clear, rights-based framework after the Israel-related backlash that marred Vienna. Bulgaria’s Sports Push: Wrestling federation chief Stanka Zlateva points to a new generation after Bulgaria’s young wrestlers won gold and silver at the European Cadet Championships in Samokov, while boxing boss Krasimir Ininski says Gennadiy Golovkin will attend the Sofia European Championships this September. Community & Culture: Sports Minister Encho Keryazov and Olympic Committee president-elect Vesela Lecheva opened a National Morning Exercise Festival in Yambol for 1,000+ youngsters. Security: Bulgaria seized nearly 48 kg of cocaine worth about $5.1m at Kapitan Andreevo on a truck route from Belgium to Türkiye. Next Steps for Hosting: Culture Minister Evtim Miloshev says Bulgaria will host Eurovision 2027, with Sofia leading the venue race.

Eurovision Afterglow: Bulgaria is basking in its first-ever Eurovision win as Dara returned to Sofia to a cheering crowd, waving the trophy after “Bangaranga” beat Israel in a politically charged final and delivered a huge 516-point total. Next-Host Talk: Bulgarian National Television’s director general Milena Milotinova says the world is talking about Bulgaria and hints Eurovision 2027 could be in Sofia, with other cities also interested. Cultural Milestone: The week also marked 70 years since Bulgaria joined UNESCO on May 17, 1956—an anniversary now getting fresh attention alongside the pop-culture spotlight. Public Safety Note: A bear killed a man near the capital in the Vitosha area, with police saying a female bear with cubs likely caused the fatal attack. Health & Security Abroad: WHO declared an Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a global emergency, while AP also flagged renewed war risks after a drone strike hit the UAE’s nuclear plant.

Eurovision Shockwave: Bulgaria’s DARA won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with “Bangaranga” (516 points), beating Israel’s Noam Bettan (343) in a final overshadowed by protests and a boycott over Israel’s participation. Political Fallout: The row didn’t stay in the arena—Israel’s defence minister attacked boycotters, while several countries refused to broadcast or attend, and the Netherlands is now weighing a possible repeat boycott for 2027 in Bulgaria. Local Pride & Diplomacy: Bulgarian leaders moved fast to celebrate the win, and President Iliana Iotova arrived in Azerbaijan for UN World Urban Forum talks. Culture Abroad: Bulgarian folklore fans gathered in Munich for “The Great Bulgarian Horo,” bringing dancers from 21 countries together. Sports Note: Bulgaria’s Bozhidar Saraboyukov took silver in the Diamond League long jump, while Uzbekistan’s Anvar Anvarov won bronze.

Eurovision Shockwave: Bulgaria just pulled off a historic upset in Vienna. Dara won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with “Bangaranga,” scoring 516 points—Bulgaria’s first-ever win—while Israel’s Noam Bettan finished second with 343 and Romania took third with 296. The finish was tense and politically charged: five countries boycotted the event over Israel’s participation amid the Gaza war, and protests followed the show. Bulgaria’s Moment: Dara, 27, wasn’t a pre-show favorite, but her high-energy staging and catchy chorus carried both juries and viewers. After the Music: Australia’s Delta Goodrem ended up fourth with “Eclipse,” and the UK’s “Look Mum No Computer” finished last with just one point. Local Culture: Kazanlak also crowned its 58th “Rose Queen,” Denitsa Malcheva, as the Rose Festival kicks off.

Eurovision Countdown: The 2026 Eurovision Grand Final is tonight in Vienna with 25 countries competing at Wiener Stadthalle, and the betting picture is tightening fast: Finland’s Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen still lead at 11/10, but Australia’s Delta Goodrem has surged to 13/5, while Greece and Bulgaria sit close behind (13/1 and 14/1). Boycott Backlash: Several countries are boycotting and even refusing to broadcast the show over Israel’s participation, including Spain, Ireland and Slovenia, while protests continue in Vienna. Security Watch: A Czech analyst warns Russia could try to “test NATO’s unity” in the Black Sea region, pointing to Bulgaria as a possible weak spot. Bulgaria Abroad & Culture: Bulgarian folklore events in Munich continue, and BTA signed new partnership deals with Lyon’s Ot Izvora and the Association of Bulgarian Folklore Ensembles Abroad. Ratings Boost: S&P Global upgraded Bulgaria’s economic outlook to positive, citing improved stability and EU-fund momentum.

Eurovision Boycott Fallout: Spain, Ireland and Slovenia have confirmed they won’t televise Eurovision 2026 in protest over Israel’s participation, with Ireland citing the Gaza humanitarian crisis and Slovenia replacing the broadcast with a week-long “Voices of Palestine” programme. Final Countdown in Vienna: Despite the boycotts, the Grand Final is set for Saturday in Vienna with 25 acts competing; the running order has been published and fans are already debating who benefits from the draw. Inflation Pressure at Home: Deputy PM Atanas Pekanov says April brought Bulgaria the highest inflation in the eurozone and backs stronger government regulation to stop prices rising. Local Culture Spotlight: Kazanlak crowned its new Rose Queen, with the rose festival’s big programme coming June 5–7. Tech & Payments: Bulgaria joined the European Payments Alliance, paving the way for instant transfers via blinkP2P across more countries.

Eurovision Buzz: Bulgaria’s DARA opened the Eurovision 2026 second semi-final in Vienna with “Bangaranga” and then qualified for Saturday’s Grand Final, with the song already tipped by multiple fan platforms. Price-Pressure Politics: Prime Minister Rumen Radev says the state won’t intervene in the market, but cabinet talks are now focusing on long-term measures to curb rising prices, boost pricing transparency, and tackle unfair trade practices. Eurozone Step Forward: Parliament’s ad-hoc budget committee backed ratification for Bulgaria’s accession to the European Stability Mechanism, with an initial contribution expected to exceed €600m. Investment Lift: Foreign direct investment jumped 87% year-on-year after euro adoption, reaching over €809m, driven largely by reinvested profits. Justice & War: 36 countries signed up for a special tribunal to prosecute Vladimir Putin for the crime of aggression, described as a “point of no return.” Energy Corridor: Bulgaria is set to commission the Greece-to-Bulgaria Vertical Corridor on 1 July, boosting gas transmission capacity.

Murder Probe Over EU-Funds Claims: Bulgarian police are investigating the rape, beating and killing of 30-year-old TV reporter Viktoria Marinova near the Danube in Ruse, after she reported alleged misuse of EU funds; journalists and international media-freedom officials are pushing for a full, possibly independent international inquiry, while the interior minister says there’s no proof the killing is linked to her work. Eurovision Shockwaves: In Vienna, Bulgaria’s Dara booked the grand final with “Bangaranga,” and the final lineup is now set after the second semi-final—Australia’s Delta Goodrem also qualified with “Eclipse,” while Cyprus made it through with Antigoni’s “Jalla.” Prices & Food Policy: Government talks on curbing unjustified price hikes continue, with a one-week extension requested for debate on consumer and competition measures. Culture on the Move: Bulgarian folk groups and young performers are set to showcase new works at Munich’s Expats Join Hands festival. Crypto Crime Crackdown: Tether’s T3 FCU says it has frozen over $450M in illicit USDT linked to criminal activity, including work with authorities in Bulgaria.

Eurovision Tonight: Bulgaria is back after three years away, with Dara’s “Bangaranga” opening Semi-Final 2 in Vienna and chasing one of the 10 final spots. Broadcast Shake-Up: BBC Eurovision coverage shifts prime-time TV—MasterChef moves to BBC Two at 8pm while the contest airs on BBC One/iPlayer. Airport Upgrade: Sofia Airport has secured EUR 450m for Terminal 3 and infrastructure modernization, aiming for 34 gates and 20m passengers by 2031. Consumer Protection Push: Parliament passed first-reading amendments to curb unjustified price hikes, with daily pricing transparency rules for high-turnover retailers and a “fair price” concept. Business Finance: Fibank closed a record EUR 310m international bond placement. Culture on Tour: Bulgarian “Rose” and other folk ensembles are set to perform in Munich’s Expats Join Hands festival (May 15–17). Sports: Sveti Vlas hosts the Beach Pro Tour Futures with 85 teams from 28 countries.

Eurovision Buzz: Bulgaria is set to perform in Semi-Final 2 in Vienna, with UK act Look Mum No Computer also taking the stage; several countries are boycotting the contest over Israel’s Gaza actions, while Israel’s Noam Bettan advanced after a mixed, booed reception. Folk Culture on Tour: Bulgarian dance groups are in Munich for the Expats Join Hands festival (May 15–17), including Oslo’s I-HA (Shopsko), Madrid’s Divna Bulgaria (original stage story), and multiple Bulgarian ensembles from Europe—turning Bulgarian folklore into a big international stage event. Local Pride: Karlovo signed a sister-city deal with Japan’s Ina, and Burgas launched a citizen photo-video campaign to preserve Giro d’Italia memories. Security Focus: Eastern NATO allies, including Bulgaria, backed stronger air defence after repeated airspace breaches, while Zelenskyy says Bucharest Nine produced new drone and defence cooperation agreements.

NATO Eastern Flank: Leaders of 14 eastern and northern allies met in Bucharest and warned that Russia’s repeated drone and airspace breaches make stronger NATO air and missile defence “urgent,” while also pushing deeper defence-industry cooperation. Bulgaria Security: Bulgaria’s Security Agency ended state-funded protection for ex-PM GERB leader Boyko Borissov and sanctioned oligarch Delyan Peevski, with officials saying they can hire private security. Gaza Diplomacy: In Jerusalem, Nickolay Mladenov said Hamas disarmament remains “not negotiable,” but argued Hamas could still play a role in post-war Gaza if it hands over weapons. Eurovision Buzz: Vienna’s Eurovision build-up stays tense over Israel participation and boycotts, while Bulgaria’s Dara is set for the next semi-final rehearsal coverage. Healthcare Pressure: Patriarch Daniel marked Nurses’ Day by rejecting euthanasia and urging compassion for medical workers on the “front line,” as staffing shortages and low pay continue to weigh on Bulgaria’s nursing system. Tourism & Health: Bulgaria is among recipients at European Spas Association innovation awards, with a longevity forum running in Varna.

Giro d’Italia Shockwave: Jhonatan Narváez delivered a huge Stage 4 win for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, sprinting past Orluis Aular after the race’s brutal Bulgaria start left the team decimated by crashes—while Giulio Ciccone took the pink jersey. Eurovision Tension: In Vienna, Israel and Finland advanced to the final alongside Sweden and others, as boycotts over Israel’s participation continue to shadow the contest and fans complain about BBC graphics changes. Trade & Prices: Progressive Bulgaria’s Yavor Gechev backed competition-law amendments aimed at fairer conditions for Bulgarian products, while customs agents say “unaligned practices” at checkpoints are delaying shipments by 24–48 hours. Tech & Investment: GERB-UDF’s Tomislav Donchev said Bulgaria has three data-centre deals on the table, and Blackstone agreed to buy Greece’s Skroutz from CVC—expanding into Bulgaria. Health & Science: A Bulgarian study reports mRNA COVID-19 vaccinated cancer patients lived longer than unvaccinated peers. Culture & Tourism: Bulgaria won an innovation award at the European Spas Association ceremony, and the Zsolnay Light Festival returns to Hungary with a Vasarely tribute.

Eurovision Boycott Fallout: As Vienna hosts Eurovision 2026 amid protests, multiple countries refusing to air the contest are also staying off TV screens, keeping the Israel-related boycott controversy front and centre. Parliament Price-Controls Push: In Sofia, the ad hoc budget committee backed first-reading changes to competition and consumer protection rules targeting “excessively high” and unjustified price hikes, with tougher fines and extended inspections until August 2027. Fiscal Watch: Bulgaria’s Fiscal Council says the country’s fiscal position is sustainable after the Eurozone entry, but warns political instability and budget delays still pose major medium-term risks. New Energy Leadership: Iva Petrova was appointed Bulgaria’s new Minister of Energy, stressing energy security via nuclear, renewables, storage and grid infrastructure. Culture & Arts: President Iliana Iotova handed out the Badge of Honour for education and the arts, while a kilims exhibition opens in Veliko Tarnovo and Valko Tsenov’s “Between Matter and Metaphor” debuts in Sofia. Sports: Giro d’Italia continues to be hit by crashes, with Wilco Kelderman forced to abandon stage 4.

Price War in Parliament: Progressive Bulgaria submitted two bills to curb unfair trade practices and speculation, with opposition calling them a “good start” but insufficient—MRF wants stronger focus on producers and social support, Democratic Bulgaria says fuel-price speculation isn’t tackled enough, and Vazrazhdane dismisses the plan as “palliative.” Euro Adoption Push: Progressive Bulgaria also plans a one-year extension of the Euro Adoption Act, keeping dual pricing and tougher fines for retailers. Finance Team Changes: Lyudmila Petkova and Rositza Velkova-Jeleva were appointed deputy finance ministers under PM Rumen Radev. Security & Training: Bulgaria hosted Beyond the Horizon 26, a multinational military police exercise at Novo Selo. Culture & Education: St John of Rila Awards went to top school principals; BTA events promoted contemporary Bulgarian literature ahead of May 11. Diplomacy: Rumen Radev’s first foreign visit is set for Berlin, after talks with EU partners in Brussels. Economy Watch: Bulgaria raised EUR 210m in a 10-year bond auction but hit the borrowing ceiling under an extended budget.

Price Crackdown: Progressive Bulgaria has filed draft amendments to tighten consumer and competition rules, forcing big retailers to share digital data to justify price hikes and proposing a “fair price” indicator, plus fines for unjustified increases. EU Border Relief: Greece says it will pause the “bureaucratic burden” for British travellers by using manual passport stamping for the Entry/Exit System rollout. Giro d’Italia Fever: Bulgaria is still riding the wave—thousands turned out for stages and parades, while the race also brought serious crashes, including Adam Yates withdrawing with concussion symptoms and multiple riders injured near Merdanya. Water Watch: Reservoirs are at their highest in nine years, with several overflowing as the ministry urges preventive releases ahead of thunderstorms. Energy Storage Push: Balkan Battery Day 2026 in Athens spotlights rapid growth of battery storage across Greece, Romania and Bulgaria. Eurovision Spotlight: Bulgaria’s DARA hit Vienna’s turquoise carpet and will perform in the second semi-final on 14 May.