Euro Adoption in Bulgaria: Key Payment Changes and Consumer Advice for the Start of 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, consumers in Bulgaria will need to pay extra attention to receipts, as the total amount will now be listed first in euros
President Rumen Radev has informed the Chief of the National Security Service (NSS), Major General Emil Tonev, that starting October 20, 2025, he will use his personal car for official travel. The decision comes in response to recent legislative changes that affect the presidential administration’s access to NSS vehicles.
Radev’s letter explains that the Law on Amendments to the NSS Law, adopted by the 51st National Assembly, removes the provision allowing the presidential administration to use NSS transport, without offering any alternative for official vehicles. As a result, employees of the presidential administration who need to fulfill official commitments related to state ceremonies, protocol, and the president’s work program will now rely on their own cars.
In his letter, Radev emphasized his longstanding principle as a military commander of never abandoning subordinates in difficult circumstances, often created by political decisions. He stated that, as President of Bulgaria, he intends to uphold the same principles of solidarity and personal integrity with the staff of his administration.
Radev wrote: “I am convinced that when the political class passes laws that undermine the state, it is the duty of Bulgarian citizens to rebuild it. This begins with personal integrity and restoring trust between citizens and politicians.” He concluded by expressing hope that his motives would be understood and supported by the recipients.
Asen Vassilev, co-chair of the opposition party "We Continue the Change," sharply criticized the government’s decision to nominate Rumen Spetsov as special manager of Lukoil Neftochim
Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov told the parliamentary defense committee that Bulgaria expects the F-16 Block 70 fighters to become fully operational in 2028
The Bulgarian government has put forward Rumen Spetsov as the special sales representative for Lukoil Neftochim
Bulgaria’s Ministry of Defence is set to receive a budget of EUR 2.708 billion for 2026
Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev assured on Thursday that Bulgaria will not face a fuel crisis, stressing that the government is doing everything in its power to prevent one
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov admitted that he does not consider the draft state budget for 2026 to be a good one, yet described it as the only feasible option under the current geopolitical and domestic circumstances
Bulgaria's Strategic Role in the EU's Drone Wall Defense Initiative
When Politics Means Violence