St. Nicholas Day in Bulgaria: Maritime Traditions and Name Day Celebrations
Today, the Orthodox Church celebrates the memory of St. Nicholas of Myra, known as the Wonderworker
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that "Bulgaria is ready to take its last steps for Schengen," adding that Hungary would continue to support Bulgaria and its citizens in their ongoing efforts. The comment, shared on the "X" social network, also included Orban’s congratulations to GERB and its leader Boyko Borissov for their success in the previous day's parliamentary elections.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó echoed Orban's support, reiterating that Hungary remains a firm advocate for Bulgaria and Romania's full accession to the Schengen area at the earliest opportunity. According to Szijjártó, "The accession of Romania to the Schengen area in the shortest possible time is in the national interest of Hungary." The statement was made during his appearance before a parliamentary committee, as reported by the Romanian agency Agerpres and cited by BGNES.
Addressing Austria's reluctance to support Romania's Schengen entry, Szijjártó pointed to what he perceives as a double standard within the European Union. He noted, "When we refuse to support something, it is seen as a violation of the founding ideals and a threat to European unity. Yet, when a Western European country takes a similar stance, it is viewed as a legitimate right derived from EU treaties."
Szijjártó clarified that Hungary remains in ongoing discussions with Vienna. He highlighted the recent political shift in Austria, where an unstable domestic situation has emerged after the ruling parties did not secure re-election. Although new leadership emerged victorious, it has not yet been granted the opportunity to form a government. Meanwhile, the Hungarian government aims for Romania's Schengen accession by the end of Hungary's presidency of the European Council on December 31.
European Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius warned that if the West fails to provide sufficient military support to Ukraine, Russia could seize the opportunity to target an EU country
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier is set to resign after his government was toppled by a no-confidence vote, marking the first such ousting in over six decades and just three months after taking office
The European Commission has emphasized the urgent need for immediate action to eliminate the recent plague outbreak in the Bulgarian town of Velingrad
The Dutch government has expressed its support for Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen area by land, according to diplomatic sources and local media
Thousands of demonstrators have gathered outside Georgia’s parliament in Tbilisi for a sixth consecutive night, protesting the government’s suspension of negotiations on European Union accession
Labor shortages have become a key issue discussed at the recent EU Council of Employment and Social Policy Ministers (EPSCO) meetin
Bulgaria Ranks Second in the Balkans at Paris 2024 Olympics, 26th Overall
Bulgaria Leads Europe in Heat-Related Deaths in Record-Breaking 2023