Montenegro Confirms Commitment to EU Path, Seeks Bulgaria’s Support
Montenegro’s Minister for European Affairs, Majda Gorgević, reaffirmed in an interview with BGNES that Chinese investments do not threaten the country’s EU aspirations
'Too Much' Freedom
- Tweet
Send to Kindle
Notorious Bulgarian banker Tsvetan Vassilev (Corporate Commercial Bank, CCB) stunned many in the country with a rare interview.
The man, known for shying away from the press, though having a near monopoly on the Bulgarian media market through New Bulgarian Media Group, shockingly spoke for the Austrian Der Standard. Fear of censorship in the homeland?
He blasted the President for serving particular business circles, obviously not Vassilev's. Many sensed panic the practice of CCB managing 48% of the monies of state-controlled enterprises and 95% of the deposits of the energy holding might change.
Another statement - "Bulgarian media have too much freedom" - further fired up journalists and social networks as ratings by Reporters without Borders and Freedom House are plummeting while the EC voiced alarm over NBMG's monopoly.
"Too much freedom?" Just ask a journalist working for the group, off-the-record, of course. I have.
"There is no such thing as a little freedom. Either you are all free, or you are not free," legendary American journalist, role-model for generations in the trade, Walter Cronkite, once said.
"Freedom, Sancho, is one of the most precious gifts heaven has given to man." Can't be too much or too little, Mr. Vassilev.
Related Articles:
North Macedonia Sees No Issue with Bulgarians in Constitution, But Fears Bilateral Delays in EU Accession
During the "EU Meets the Balkans" forum in Sofia, North Macedonia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Zoran Dimitrovski addressed ongoing concerns surrounding his country's EU accession process
Bulgaria's Vice President Criticized the Shift in EU Enlargement Strategy
Bulgaria’s Vice President Iliana Yotova has expressed strong criticism of the European Union’s enlargement strategy, particularly with regard to the Western Balkans
Politics | April 17, 2025, Thursday // 16:37
Montenegro and Albania Could Join EU by 2025, Says Enlargement Commissioner
EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos emphasized that the expansion of the European Union remains one of the top priorities of the current European Commission
Western Balkans' Integration Key to EU Stability, Say Zhelyazkov and Kos
The integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union is essential for ensuring peace, prosperity, and safeguarding the region from external influences aiming to destabilize Europ
Politics | April 17, 2025, Thursday // 11:14
Go to Moscow, Lose the EU: Brussels Issues Stark Ultimatum to Serbia's Vucic
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
EU's Survival Kits: A Necessary Step or Overblown Fear?
In an increasingly unpredictable world, the European Commission's recent recommendation for citizens to be prepared with a 72-hour survival kit in case of a crisis has sparked a heated debate
A New Vision for Europe's Future: Security, Economy, and the EU-Türkiye Relationship
The upcoming emergency summit of European leaders on Ukraine is not just a crisis response, at the same time it is also a historic opportunity to redefine Europe's economic and political trajectory
EU is the Paper Tiger
In the 1994 Budapest Agreement, Russia, the United States, and Britain promised to secure Ukraine’s independence if Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons
One Year Since Navalny’s Murder: Putin’s Regime Tightens Its Grip
A year has passed since Alexei Navalny, Russia’s most prominent opposition leader and anti-corruption activist, was murdered in an Arctic penal colony under Vladimir Putin’s regime
New Bulgarian Government Abandons January 1, 2026 Eurozone Entry Bid
The Bulgarian government has effectively abandoned its plan to enter the eurozone on January 1, 2026
Bulgaria Warns: Population Must Brace for Higher Taxes Amid 2025 Budget Crisis
On December 11, the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria approved the draft state budget for 2025
