AGP Executive Report

Bulgaria-Ukraine Solidarity: Tourism Committee chair Rositsa Kirova says Bulgaria must “stand firmly” behind Bulgarians in Ukraine, stressing support that also respects other local nationalities. Black Sea Security & Connectivity: Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova tells Romania Bulgaria is ready to cooperate on safer seas, countering hybrid threats and improving transport links, including the Black Sea Maritime Security Hub. Courtroom Rights Case: In North Macedonia, Iva Mihaylova’s trial over a fatal crash resumes Sept. 28; Bulgarian MPs and supporters argue she’s being blocked from medical treatment in Bulgaria and demand a fair process. Migration Enforcement: Haskovo police received four drones under a Bulgaria–Türkiye Interreg project to track illegal migration routes, plus specialized off-road vehicles. Public Finance Watch: Bulgaria’s budget deficit narrowed to EUR 2.201 bln (1.8% of GDP) at end-July, with the fiscal reserve at EUR 8.525 bln. Economy & Prices: Inflation accelerated to 5.1% in August, driven by higher transport costs. Energy Costs: The EWRC set September natural gas at EUR 41.60/MWh, up 5.5% from August. Culture & Science: Sofia hosts an international solubility symposium through Sept. 3, while Burgas pitches its European Capital of Culture 2032 bid at Apollonia. Sports: Swiss cyclist Guillaume Haldimann won stage 3 of the Tour of Bulgaria; Bulgaria also won major honors at calisthenics worlds in Riga.

Road Infrastructure Check: Regional Development Minister Ivan Shishkov will inspect motorway works in Ruse (Ruse–Veliko Tarnovo) and Pleven (Hemus motorway Section 4) on Aug 31–Sep 1 as part of the “Regions Speak” push to spot problems on the ground. Energy Debate: A new analysis argues Bulgaria’s EU-funded energy-efficiency push is not cutting electricity use as intended, citing ESO data showing higher consumption in early 2026. Presidential Race Watch: With Bulgaria’s Oct 25 vote approaching, commentary says the real fight is who can challenge President Iliana Iotova and represent opposition to the Rumen Radev government. Tourism Tools: The Bulgarian Tourist Union launched a “Bulgaria 100” app with maps, routes, navigation, event info and discounts at partner sites. Sports (EuroBasket 2029): Bulgaria opened the second-stage qualifiers by beating Romania 103-86 away, led by Aleksandar Vezenkov’s 36 points. Weather Alert: A yellow code for heavy rain is in force in seven Bulgarian regions. EU Travel Timing: The EES biometric pause for crowded borders is set to end on Sep 6, raising the risk of longer queues again. Disaster Abroad: Nepal’s flash-flood crisis continues, with hundreds of foreign tourists rescued and many still unaccounted for, including some from Bulgaria.

Severe Weather & Rescue: A yellow code for heavy rain is in force in seven Bulgarian regions (Vratsa, Montana, Sofia Region, Sofia City, Pernik, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad) as thunderstorms are expected. Tourism Safety Abroad: Nepal’s flash-flood disaster linked to the Bhotekoshi River has killed 675 and left nearly 2,400 missing; 261 foreign tourists have been rescued, including one Bulgarian. Black Sea Security: Bulgaria is set to receive minehunter vessels from Belgium and the Netherlands to strengthen Black Sea shipping safety. Tourism & Travel: The Bulgarian Tourist Union launched the “Bulgaria 100” app with maps, routes, navigation, weather info, and discounts at BTU partners. Culture & Arts: Apollonia Festival in Sozopol features an exhibition by National Academy of Art graduates. Sports: Youth and Sports Minister Encho Keryazov opened an ATP Challenger in Plovdiv, with Bulgarian players in the main draw.

Cycling & Tourism: The 13th Danube Ultra cycling tour kicked off in Vidin with about 110 riders tackling a 700-kilometre route to Durankulak, aiming to boost Danube cycling tourism. Public Security & Politics: Bulgaria’s parliamentary Internal Security committee chair says a new Interior Ministry law is being drafted, including integrity tests and polygraph checks for recruits and fixed terms for senior posts to curb political influence. Flood Response (Global, with Bulgarian angle): Nepal’s flash-flood death toll rose to 675 as rescuers battle renewed rain and rising water in the Bhotekoshi basin; at least 261 foreign tourists were rescued, with 320 still unaccounted for, including a Bulgarian among the rescued. Culture & Heritage: President Iotova opened the 20th National Thracian Folklore Festival “Bogorodichna Stupka,” calling it a source of Bulgarian pride and unity. Sports (Bulgaria): Erika Karabeleva finished fifth at the World Taekwondo Women’s Open in China; Bulgaria’s Rhodope yogurt tradition also took centre stage at Momchilovtsi’s festival. Environment & Transport: Danube levels rose along most of Bulgaria’s river section over 24 hours, with navigation restrictions still in place.

Interior Ministry Overhaul: Bulgaria’s parliamentary committee chair Petar Todorov says a wholly new Interior Ministry law is being drafted, aiming to curb political influence via integrity tests, polygraph checks, and fixed terms for senior posts. Strumyani Visit Row: The government says videos show Prime Minister Radev had unhindered access to people and media during his Strumyani visit, after an activist was arrested near the security zone. Presidential Politics: GERB leader Boyko Borissov warns the right has “no chance” without unity ahead of the presidential election, urging opposition to Iliana Iotova. Danube Update: Danube levels rose across most of Bulgaria over 24 hours, with navigation restrictions still in place. Culture & Tourism: President Iotova opened the 20th National Thracian Folklore Festival in Starozagorski Bani, while the Yogurt Culture Festival kicked off in Momchilovtsi. Black Sea Security: Bulgaria approved minehunter ships and continues drone-related work in the Black Sea. Disaster Solidarity: Bulgaria’s president expressed condolences and solidarity with Nepal and China after flash floods.

President’s Visit & Culture: President Iliana Iotova will attend the opening of the 20th National Thracian Folklore Festival “Bogorodichna Stupka” in Starozagorski Bani on Aug. 29-30, highlighting Bulgaria’s folklore and community-centre traditions. Sofia Cycling Safety: Protesters in Sofia demanded safer, connected cycle lanes and fair police checks, after complaints about outdated infrastructure and harassment of cyclists. Interior Accountability: Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev removed the Blagoevgrad regional police director over the Strumyani case, after a local activist was arrested during a government visit to a flood-hit village. Environment Crackdown: A Sofia meeting focused on stopping illegal poison use in nature, following arrests tied to poisoned vultures in Central Balkan National Park. Black Sea Security: The Bulgarian Navy destroyed a suspected reconnaissance/decoy drone near St. Ivan Island; more drone parts were also reported found along the coast. EU Defence Funding: Bulgaria received its first EUR 489.3 mln payment under the EU SAFE defence instrument to speed up defence investment. Economy Watch: Industrial producer price inflation slowed to 13.7% in July, down from 17.5% in May. Sports: Bulgaria’s men’s U-20 volleyball team secured qualification chances with a 3-0 win over Belarus.

Nepal-Tibet Flood Crisis: Flash floods on the Nepal-China border have killed at least 500 people and left more than 1,500 missing, with rescue teams struggling as roads and bridges are destroyed; Nepal says hundreds have been rescued by helicopter and hospitals are overwhelmed, while India reports about 320 nationals still uncontactable and the EU has pledged €2m in humanitarian aid. Bulgaria in the Disaster: Nepal’s tourism body says 121 foreign nationals were rescued, including one Bulgarian citizen, as families search lists of the missing. Black Sea Security: Bulgaria’s Navy destroyed a drone near St. Ivan Island, saying found drones along the coast are reconnaissance or decoys and not carrying munitions. EU Defence Funding: Bulgaria received its first €489.3m payment under the SAFE defence instrument to speed up joint procurement and defence investment. Economy & Trade: Industrial producer prices in Bulgaria slowed to 13.7% inflation in July; Eurostat also reports Bulgarian airports handled 91,067 flights in 2025, up 5.2%. Food Safety: Bulgaria seized 720 kg of Chinese packaged tea over excessive pesticide residues; the shipment will be destroyed. Politics: Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova defended Bulgaria’s request to remove Iskander Makhmudov from EU sanctions as protecting national interest.

Himalayan Disaster: Flash floods after a glacier collapse on the Nepal–China border have killed at least 359 people and left 1,400+ missing, including hundreds of foreign nationals from more than 30 countries; Nepal police say 2,381 people are unaccounted for in the Rasuwa flood alone, with 644 foreign nationals among them. Black Sea Security: Bulgaria’s parliament approved the purchase/transfer of seven Tripartite-class mine countermeasure vessels from Belgium and the Netherlands to boost NATO mine-hunting and protect shipping routes. Danube Low Water: Record-low Danube levels are disrupting transport and energy, with calls for long-term Bulgarian-Romanian projects and EU funding as dredging falls far below pre-1990 levels. Culture Spotlight: The 42nd Apollonia Festival of Arts opened in Sozopol, with leaders praising art as a “space for free spirit” and the program running until Sept. 6. Defense Policy: Bulgaria’s defence minister said the country has no option to buy second-hand Gripen or F-16 jets, focusing instead on MiG-29 spare parts and maintenance.

Tourism & Travel: Germany is set to send more visitors to Bulgaria next year, with two airlines announcing nearly 100,000 seats starting May 15, right after Eurovision 2027, as the Tourism Minister pushes to extend the season. Defence & Security: Bulgaria’s Defence Ministry says it has identified and neutralized drone parts found off the Black Sea coast, with officials stressing the devices were unarmed and used for reconnaissance or as decoys. Elections & Governance: The government approved EUR 116.928 mln for October presidential election costs, covering everything from voter lists and polling logistics to security and video monitoring. EU Rules & Justice: A new bill makes violations and workarounds of EU restrictive measures serious crimes, with prison terms and fines. Healthcare: The Health Committee heard candidates for NHIF leadership, while extra EUR 4.99 mln was approved to expand the helicopter emergency medical service. International: Flash floods in Nepal and China’s Tibet have killed hundreds and left over 1,300 missing, including people from more than 30 countries, with some reports listing Bulgarians among the rescued.

Health Watch: Serbia confirmed a measles case in low-vaccination areas near Novi Pazar and Tutin, urging people to complete MMR shots; the report also flags Bulgaria’s measles risk, noting 502 cases recorded in Bulgaria since the start of 2026. Elections & Cabinet: The Council of Ministers will review a spending plan for the Oct. 25 presidential vote, plus EU-funds budget items and amendments tied to F-16 industrial cooperation and other policy updates. Workplace Equality: MPs will debate a bill setting a 33% target for the underrepresented sex on boards of listed companies, aligning Bulgaria with an EU directive. Black Sea Security: Bulgarian Navy teams neutralized multiple drones and fragments near Varna, with Defence Minister Stoyanov saying the devices found so far carry no munitions. Justice System: Civil society groups submitted 26 nominations for the Supreme Judicial Council’s parliamentary quota, while Parliament prepares further steps in the selection process. Energy & Industry: Bulgaria’s LNG supply route debate continues as the BOTAŞ-Bulgargaz deal is renegotiated after concerns over costly capacity guarantees.

Black Sea Security: Bulgaria’s Navy has neutralized multiple drones washed ashore near Varna, with teams inspecting, detonating at sea, or securing wreckage; Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov says all recovered drones so far were unarmed and mainly reconnaissance or decoys, urging people not to approach any debris. Judicial Reform & Appointments: Civil society nominations for the Supreme Judicial Council’s parliamentary quota keep rolling in: 26 nominations submitted, including proposals by seven civic groups for Andrey Yankulov and Tanya Radulovska, as MPs set out next steps and Democratic Bulgaria signals it will endorse some civic picks. Health System Shake-up: Chief State Health Inspector Angel Kunchev asked to step down amid planned reforms; Health Minister Katya Ivkova denies a “purge” and says the reform focus is on streamlining administration while protecting public health control. Energy & Water Stress: Low Danube levels are hitting operations: Kozloduy cut Unit 5 output to 850 MW and Bulgaria plans a 250–300m levee near the plant; gas storage is also below the EU average ahead of winter. Environment & Policy: Parliament advanced ratification of the UN marine biodiversity deal and EEA funding memoranda with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, while lawmakers backed first-reading amendments to the Clean Ambient Air Act. Foreign Students: Bulgaria reports 17,889 foreign students in 2025/26, led by medicine and dentistry.

Heat Toll: Europe’s four back-to-back heatwaves may have caused at least 35,000 excess deaths, with preliminary figures already topping 25,000 in Germany, France and Spain. Black Sea Security: Bulgaria’s Defence Ministry says an electric reconnaissance drone was found off the coast between Tsarevo and Varvara and was deemed harmless. Elections Watch: The MECh party nominated Radostin Vasilev for president, with Krasimir Manov as vice president candidate for the Oct. 25 vote. Justice Appointments: Several prosecutors were nominated to the Supreme Judicial Council from the prosecutors’ quota, including Ivanka Kotorova, Radoslav Gradev, Siika Mileva, Plamen Petkov and Ivaylo Iliev. Aviation Disruption: Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev says a GPS jammer in Sofia’s Dragalevtsi disrupted aircraft signals and that searches also took place near Kapitan Andreevo. Diaspora & Culture: Bulgaria marked the 205th anniversary of Bolhrad in Ukraine, calling it a “heart of Bessarabia” for ethnic Bulgarians. Sports: In the U17 volleyball World Championship in Doha, Venezuela beat Bulgaria 3-2 to reach the quarterfinals.

Roma Rights Ruling: The European Court of Human Rights says Bulgaria violated Roma families’ rights after demolishing homes in Sofia’s Orlandovtsi in 2023, ordering damages and demanding reforms to demolition procedures. Security & Courts: Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev urged judges to wrap up the long-running case over the 2022 deaths of two Burgas police officers, while prosecutors’ nominations to the Supreme Judicial Council continued across Sofia, Ruse, Kyustendil and more. GPS Jammer Probe: Demerdzhiev said a GPS jammer in Dragalevtsi disrupted aircraft signals and that searches near Kapitan Andreevo will be followed by further analysis. Iran Tensions: Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said there are no plans for US tanker aircraft to return to Bulgaria, and he pushed back on demands to name politicians he linked to Iran’s “hybrid operation.” Defence Procurement: Parliament’s defence committee approved higher costs for Stryker and Javelin contracts and also backed ratification steps for Dutch minehunters. Domestic Watch: The new school year will start on September 15, and the National Assembly reconvened for its second session. Culture & Travel: Direct Sofia–Yerevan–Sofia flights resume on November 7, and Plovdiv’s Contemporary Art Week opens September 3.

U17 Volleyball: Bulgaria finished top of Group D at the FIVB Boys’ U17 World Championship in Doha, beating Türkiye 3-1 with captain Milko Bagdasarov scoring 20 points, and will learn its Round of 16 opponent later today. Gala in Sofia: World-famous tenor Jonas Kaufmann arrived in Bulgaria for the Gala in Sofia festival, performing Puccini’s “Tosca” with Bulgarian star Sonya Yoncheva at St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, with the festival running until Aug. 27. Judicial Reform & Caretaker Cabinet: Prime Minister Rumen Radev presented the Justice chapter of the 2026-2030 Government Programme, promising a people- and rule-of-law-centered overhaul, and said the cabinet will propose restoring the President’s power to appoint caretaker governments. US Tankers & Iran Tensions: Radev said two US KC-135 tankers leaving Bezmer made flights only to NATO countries for exercises, after Iranian warnings. Weather Disruptions: Torrential rain and hail hit parts of Bulgaria, including Sofia, with flooding and road closures and emergency teams responding. Agriculture Checks: Bulgaria will tighten controls on imported agricultural produce, including invoice-value scrutiny, to curb mismatches and fiscal risk. Eurovision Politics: Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS withdrew from Eurovision 2027 over neutrality concerns tied to Israel’s participation, though the Netherlands could still compete via another broadcaster.

US-Iran Tensions: Bulgaria’s PM Rumen Radev said US KC-135 tankers left Bezmer and flew only to NATO countries for exercises, after Iranian warnings that bases used for attacks could be targeted. GPS Security: Bulgaria’s DANS and the CRC neutralized a GPS jammer in Sofia that suppressed signals at the airport and overflying aircraft, with no flight safety impact reported. Danube Drought & Energy: Critically low Danube levels are forcing Kozloduy to cut output; authorities plan a short dam near the plant to secure cooling water. Eurovision Fallout: Dutch public broadcaster AvroTros says it will boycott Eurovision 2027 in Burgas, arguing the contest is no longer neutral amid Gaza and Israel’s participation. Sports: Bulgaria’s U17 boys topped their group and stayed unbeaten at the Volleyball World Championship; weightlifter Viktor Kostadinov won bronze at the European Youth & U15 Championships. Culture & Diplomacy: Bulgaria was guest of honour at France’s 103rd Lavender Fair in Digne-les-Bains, highlighting rose traditions and local ties.

Wildfires Across Europe: Serbia is fighting major blazes with EU and Russian help, while the EU says this summer’s response is its biggest ever, with hundreds of firefighters and dozens of aircraft deployed as fires burn in multiple countries. Iran Tensions, Air Defenses: Greece moved a Patriot battery from Karpathos to Crete to protect the Souda Bay area amid threats tied to Iran and US-Israel tensions, and it is also considering support for Bulgaria if requested. US-Bulgaria Military Update: Two US KC-135 refueling aircraft have left Bulgaria’s Bezmer air base after Iran’s anger over their deployment, with Sofia saying flights were training and no direct threats were known. Security Watch in Europe: Western reporting says Russia is behind suspected sabotage at arms factories, using “plausible deniability” tactics that stop short of triggering NATO’s Article 5. Local Politics & Heritage: President Iliana Iotova urged preserving historical memory at Petrova Niva during the Ilinden–Preobrazhenie commemoration. Food Prices: Bulgaria’s wholesale prices for many vegetables and fruits fell week-on-week, with sharp drops for tomatoes and red peppers.