Bulgaria's Tourism Struggles to Diversify Beyond Traditional Offerings
Bulgaria continues to lag behind neighboring countries in achieving significant growth in its tourism sector
The European Commission has issued an official warning to Bulgaria, along with two other member states, regarding the proper transposition of EU laws aimed at combating racism and xenophobia.
According to the Commission, the legal frameworks in Bulgaria, Estonia, and Ireland fail to adequately define racist and xenophobic motivations as aggravating factors for all criminal offenses. Moreover, they do not ensure that national courts can take these motivations into account during sentencing. Additionally, Bulgaria has received a reasoned opinion for inadequately implementing a directive concerning the right to access legal representation and communication during arrest, which outlines minimum standards for safeguarding the rights of the accused.
Furthermore, the Commission has sent Bulgaria an additional reasoned opinion indicating non-compliance with the framework decision regarding the European arrest warrant and the procedures for surrendering individuals between member states. Bulgaria has two months to respond to these procedures; otherwise, it may be referred to the EU Court for each instance of non-compliance.
The EC also communicated an official warning concerning Bulgaria's failure to adhere to the noise directive, which requires the creation of a strategic map outlining noise levels in major urban areas as a prerequisite for implementing noise reduction measures.
In the same correspondence, the Commission noted Bulgaria's inadequate transposition of the motor vehicle insurance directive. However, it announced a reduction in the fines imposed on Bulgaria due to partial compliance with EU regulations concerning electronic tolls.
A group of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has raised urgent concerns with the European Commission regarding the ongoing detention of Saudi political activist Abdulrahman al-Khalidi in Bulgaria
Bulgarian investigative journalist Christo Grozev has been invited to speak before the European Parliament in Brussels on April 22
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the era of a unified West is over, stating that only Europe remains as a bastion of the values traditionally associated with the Western alliance
The European Union has warned Serbia that President Aleksandar Vucic’s possible attendance at Russia’s Victory Day parade next month could jeopardize the country's EU accession process
The European Commission (EC) is reviewing legal mechanisms that would allow European energy companies to exit long-term contracts with Russian suppliers without incurring significant financial penalties
China has announced a steep increase in tariffs on U.S. imports, raising duties to 125% in response to Washington's latest trade measures
Google Street View Cars Return to Bulgaria for Major Mapping Update
Housing Prices Soar in Bulgaria’s Major Cities as Demand and Supply Strain Increase