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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the agreement reached by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to admit Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen Area by land, calling it a significant step. She described the decision as "historic," noting that internal border controls will be lifted for both countries starting January 1, 2025, fully integrating them into the Schengen Zone. This, von der Leyen said, would be a major advancement in Europe’s internal integration.
During the meeting of European leaders in Brussels, Orban explained that the issue of Schengen membership for Bulgaria and Romania had been on the agenda for 13 years, but was previously blocked by certain countries. He highlighted that, under Hungary's presidency, efforts were made to persuade those nations that both countries deserved full membership.
On the topic of Ukraine, von der Leyen revealed that EU membership talks with Ukraine could begin in 2025, with the first cluster of negotiation chapters potentially opened early next year. She emphasized that it is Ukraine's responsibility to determine the conditions for peace, urging preparation for all possible outcomes. In addition, European Council President António Costa confirmed that the EU would allocate 30 billion euros to Ukraine in the coming year, underscoring the EU's continued support in light of Russia's ongoing invasion.
Von der Leyen also stressed that Russia's actions represent not just a territorial conflict in Europe but a broader violation of international law, including sovereignty and self-determination. She reiterated that if Ukraine continues its reforms and progress, further steps toward EU integration will follow.
Hungarian Prime Minister Orban, who has been a vocal advocate for diplomatic solutions, reaffirmed his belief that the war in Ukraine cannot be resolved on the battlefield. He suggested that peace could only be achieved through negotiations. When asked about Hungary’s potential involvement in peacekeeping efforts, he acknowledged the limitations of Hungary’s influence but expressed support for diplomatic resolutions.
In a separate development, both von der Leyen and Costa expressed cautious optimism regarding Syria, announcing that senior European diplomats were returning to Damascus as a first step in resuming relations with the Syrian government.
Discussion around the admission of third-country workers to the Bulgarian labor market has intensified, often with emotions running high.
Bulgarians are reminded that annual tax returns must be filed by the end of April, with any additional tax due to be paid in euros
On Tuesday, much of Bulgaria will remain under considerable cloud cover.
On March 16, 2026, Ukraine marked twelve years since Russia staged a sham referendum in Crimea, a move widely condemned as illegal by the international community.
The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency has detected bacterial contamination and mold in several sandwiches distributed in schools during a series of inspections
Producers of basic food products in Bulgaria are warning that the continuing rise in fuel prices could soon be reflected in the cost of goods on the market.
Hungary’s political divide was on full display in Budapest on March 15, as rival camps mobilized hundreds of thousands of supporters during the country’s national holiday
The widening conflict linked to the war with Iran has claimed the life of a French soldier in Iraq, while drone attacks and missile launches continued to shake the Middle East on Friday
The European Court of Justice (CJEU) has ruled that Bulgaria must establish clear and effective procedures for the legal recognition of gender identity, including the ability to update personal documents such as identity cards and birth certificates.
The European Parliament has reaffirmed that North Macedonia must continue implementing the Treaty of Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness and Cooperation with Bulgaria, as well as the Prespa Agreement with Greece, in line with the EU’s Negotiating Framework
Europe would be making a strategic error if it sought to address soaring energy prices by returning to Russian fossil fuels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on Wednesday
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called the European Union’s decision to reduce its reliance on nuclear energy a strategic misstep, highlighting the bloc’s dependence on imported fossil fuels
Aniventure Comic Con Returns to Bulgaria with Star Guest Christopher Judge!
Global Fuel Shock: Oil Jumps Over 40% Since Iran War Began
