https://www.novinite.com/ Real time news provider in English that informs its readers about the latest Bulgarian news - economic, political and cultural, foreign media analysis on Bulgaria and world news. en 2001-2026 Novinite Ltd. https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237902 237902 Environment Mon, 06 Apr 2026 17:21:00 +0200 Atmospheric pressure is expected to decline and settle close to the typical levels for this time of year. Overnight conditions will remain mostly clear, with light winds across most of the country, while the Danube Plain will experience a moderate west-northwesterly breeze. Nighttime temperatures will range between 6°C and 11°C, with around 6°C forecast for Sofia. ... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237904 237904 Novinite Insider Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:13:00 +0200 A recent Novinite.com poll asked readers to assess the broader implications of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, a confrontation that has increasingly expanded beyond military targets into critical energy infrastructure across the Middle East. The question was: "What is your view on the ongoing war involving Iran, the US and Israel?" ... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237901 237901 Crime Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:06:00 +0200 Authorities in Bulgaria report a significant escalation in efforts to combat election-related violations, with 183 individuals detained in connection with crimes against electoral rights, according to the Coordination Council overseeing the vote. At the same time, over 1,000 alerts have been submitted, pointing to a sharp rise in reported irregularities compared to previous elections. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that a total of 1,042 signals have been received so far, a substantial increase from 179 recorded during the same pre-election period in 2024.... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237903 237903 World Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:41:00 +0200 Israel has carried out a strike on a major Iranian petrochemical facility in the southern city of Asaluyeh, marking a further escalation in the ongoing conflict. According to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, the targeted site is among the country’s largest and accounts for roughly half of Iran’s petrochemical production. He stated that the military had been ordered to continue attacks on Iranian infrastructure “with full force.... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237895 237895 EU Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:09:00 +0200 A recently revised German military service framework has triggered public debate after it emerged that it places new travel-related obligations on men aged between 17 and 45. The law, which came into force at the beginning of the year, is part of a broader effort to expand the Bundeswehr from just over 180,000 personnel to roughly 260,000 active soldiers, including an additional 80,000 recruits. As part of the reform, young men born from 2008 onward will undergo mandatory assessment, intended to help identify potential volunteers for military service.... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237900 237900 Ukraine Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:23:41 +0200 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles targeted Russian military assets in the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk during a night-time operation between April 5 and 6, according to statements from Ukrainian officials. Among the reported targets was the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich, a vessel equipped to carry Kalibr cruise missiles. Information about the strike was shared by Robert “Magyar” Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, who said the attack was carried out by the “Ptakhy” unit of the 1st Separate Centre of the Unmanned Systems Forces.... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237880 237880 Defense Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:08:00 +0200 The personnel deficit in the Bulgarian Armed Forces stood at 20.5% in 2025, marking a slight improvement of 1.8 percentage points compared to the previous year, according to the Report on the State of Defense and the Armed Forces, approved by the caretaker government on April 1.... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237892 237892 Defense Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:07:00 +0200 Acting Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov has stated that Bulgaria is not taking on any military obligations under the ten-year security cooperation agreement with Ukraine, addressing concerns raised in public and political debate. He made the comments in an interview with Bulgarian National Radio regarding the agreement signed on March 30 between Acting Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zapryanov rejected claims suggesting that the agreement implies Bulgarian involvement in the war, describing such interpretations as incorrect.... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237896 237896 Politics Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:41:00 +0200 The political project “Progressive Bulgaria,” associated with President Rumen Radev’s circle, has officially begun the procedure for forming a new political party, according to an announcement from the coalition. The initiative was accompanied by the release of a founding declaration adopted during a meeting held in Sofia on March 25. The document marks the start of a signature-gathering campaign aimed at recruiting founding members.... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237890 237890 Politics Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0200 A political dispute in Bulgaria has recently centered on the bilateral security cooperation agreement with Ukraine, after criticism emerged over its signing without prior approval from the National Assembly. The document, concluded by the caretaker government, became a focal point in the election debate, with opponents arguing that parliamentary consent should have been required. Further reading: What Bulgaria and Ukraine Actually Signed in Kyiv ... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237894 237894 World Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:34:43 +0200 For the first time in over half a century, astronauts are once again traveling through lunar space, as NASA’s Artemis 2 mission continues its historic journey around the Moon. The mission’s Orion spacecraft entered the Moon’s sphere of influence at 12:37 a.m.... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237893 237893 Health Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:27:31 +0200 Health authorities report that measles infections in Bulgaria have surpassed 70 confirmed cases, with a total of 73 registered as of April 3. The cases are spread across five districts: Vratsa, Lovech, Pleven, Sofia-city, and Sofia region. Vratsa district accounts for the overwhelming majority, representing about 83.... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237891 237891 Politics Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:20:00 +0200 Asen Vassilev, leader of “We Continue the Change,” stated in an interview with Nova TV that the upcoming elections present a rare opportunity for a political shift, arguing that voters could significantly reduce the parliamentary influence of Boyko Borissov and Delyan Peevski. He claimed that for the first time since 2009, there is a realistic chance for these two political figures to collectively fall below 80 seats in parliament. Vassilev said that any political force willing to join what he described as this “battle” would be welcome.... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237889 237889 Society Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:32:59 +0200 The Municipality of Vratsa has raised concerns after Bulgarian National Television (BNT) requested a fee of 10,000 euros to broadcast the traditional dawn rally on June 1, part of the annual commemorations dedicated to poet and revolutionary Hristo Botev, BULNews and BNR reported. The request, described locally as unprecedented, comes ahead of the “Botev Days,” which mark one of the most significant historical anniversaries in the region. According to municipal authorities, this year’s edition of the celebrations is particularly important as it coincides with the 150th anniversary of Botev’s death and the campaign of his detachment.... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237888 237888 Energy Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:12:00 +0200 Bulgaria’s fuel market has recorded a sharp upward shift since the outbreak of the war in Iran, with diesel and petrol prices rising significantly across the country. According to National Revenue Agency data, diesel has increased by around 3 euro cents in a single day and by roughly 0.45 euro cents per liter since March 1.... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237887 237887 World Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:37:04 +0200 Israeli rescue services confirmed that two people were killed after an Iranian missile struck a residential apartment building in the northern city of Haifa, with emergency teams continuing to search through the rubble for additional victims. The bodies were recovered after an extended operation in which responders used heavy equipment to clear debris from the partially collapsed structure. Authorities said the strike caused extensive destruction to the seven-storey building, which was hit directly, leading to sections of the structure collapsing inward.... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237886 237886 Incidents Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:29:23 +0200 The search for 79-year-old Tanka Manova from the village of Razhena near Kazanlak has entered its fourth day, with authorities and residents continuing intensive efforts to locate her. Over the weekend, more than 50 volunteers joined police teams in combing the surrounding terrain, but no confirmed trace has yet been found. According to relatives and locals, the woman was in good health and did not suffer from dementia or other serious conditions, raising the belief that she may have become disoriented rather than intentionally left the area.... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237884 237884 World Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:15:00 +0200 Sharp reactions have emerged across the US political spectrum after President Donald Trump issued an unusually aggressive and profanity-filled message directed at Iran, intensifying tensions amid the ongoing war. In a post published on his Truth Social platform, Trump demanded that Tehran reopen the Strait of Hormuz, using explicit language and warning that failure to comply would lead to devastating strikes on the country’s energy and transport infrastructure. He also signaled that Tuesday would mark a potential escalation, referring to planned attacks on key facilities. ... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237885 237885 Culture Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0200 Holy Week has begun, marking the final days of the earthly life of Jesus Christ, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church announced, outlining the sequence of services that will be held across the country. Known as Great or Passion Week, this period traces the path to the crucifixion, death and Resurrection, following Christ’s entry into Jerusalem after the raising of Lazarus and His conscious acceptance of suffering for the salvation of humanity. Each day carries a special meaning, reflected in dedicated church services recalling these events. ... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237883 237883 World Mon, 06 Apr 2026 08:42:30 +0200 The conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran entered its 38th day amid parallel developments on the battlefield and in diplomacy, highlighting both a possible opening for de-escalation and the persistent risk of further escalation. Discussions involving Washington, Tehran and regional mediators are currently focused on a proposed 45-day ceasefire, which is being considered as a first step toward a broader and potentially lasting agreement to end the war. The plan envisions an initial temporary truce, during which more comprehensive negotiations would take place, followed by a second phase aimed at reaching a full settlement. ... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237879 237879 Finance Mon, 06 Apr 2026 08:31:00 +0200 In the 2026 edition of the Index of Economic Freedom, compiled by the Heritage Foundation, Bulgaria is placed 38th out of 176 countries, positioned between Costa Rica and Oman. The index evaluates economies on a scale from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate greater economic freedom. Once again, Singapore leads the ranking with 84.... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237881 237881 Defense Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:21:00 +0200 Acting defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov said that the concept of Bulgaria relying on its own defense outside a collective system would place an unsustainable burden on the country’s economy and public finances. Speaking to Bulgarian National Radio, he stressed that from a military perspective, not a political one, national security is ensured through NATO, which remains the key guarantor of Bulgaria’s defense. He drew a comparison with the past, noting that during the Warsaw Pact period Bulgaria maintained armed forces exceeding 120,000 personnel and spent around 9% of its GDP on defense, alongside an additional 4–5% for infrastructure.... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237882 237882 Environment Sun, 05 Apr 2026 21:42:54 +0200 On Monday, April 6, 2026, morning temperatures across the country will range between 4°C and 9°C, with around 5°C expected in Sofia. The day will begin with predominantly sunny conditions. As the afternoon progresses, cloud cover will increase temporarily, particularly over mountainous regions, although the likelihood of rainfall remains low.... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237878 237878 Education Sun, 05 Apr 2026 11:38:00 +0200 Acting Education Minister Sergey Ignatov said that his recent visit to Kyiv came at a critical moment, stressing that it could not be delayed. According to him, the signing of a protocol with his Ukrainian counterpart was decisive for the future of the Bulgarian High School in Bolgrad. Without this agreement, there had been a real risk that upper secondary classes would be discontinued as early as this year due to ongoing educational reforms in Ukraine that are phasing out older structures. ... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237874 237874 Finance Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:30:00 +0200 Finance officials and the Bulgarian National Bank have issued a series of warnings about Bulgaria’s fiscal and economic outlook for 2026, highlighting rising pressure on public finances, slower growth, and higher inflation. Speaking at an American Chamber of Commerce event in Bulgaria dedicated to the country’s economic prospects for 2026, Acting Finance Minister Georgi Klisurski said that whoever prepares the next state budget will face “difficult decisions” involving cuts to public spending and administration. He stressed that maintaining fiscal stability will require reforms and a reassessment of state structures, including questions over the size and efficiency of the public sector. ... https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=237876 237876 Culture Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:12:00 +0200 Tsvetnitsa, known in English as Palm Sunday, is one of the most widely celebrated spring holidays in Bulgaria. It is observed on the Sunday before Easter and, like Lazarovden, its date changes each year. The day marks the Christian event of Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, when people welcomed him with palm branches....