Bulgaria Secures €490 Million from EU SAFE Program to Boost Defense Industry
Bulgaria is set to receive €490 million through the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument
Greeks are welcoming the upcoming abolition of border checks with Bulgaria, celebrating the end of long queues at the borders. This change comes as Bulgaria fully joins the Schengen Area, starting January 1. Greek media have extensively covered the anticipated benefits of the move, with reports from border crossings and discussions of the positive impact on travel and trade relations between Greece and Bulgaria.
The regional governer of Northern Greece, emphasized in a recent interview the significant advantages of the new arrangement. He highlighted the potential for increased trade and investments not only between Greece and Bulgaria but also with other Balkan countries. Additionally, tourism is expected to see a boost, as the removal of border delays makes Greece an even more attractive destination for Bulgarian visitors.
Travel agencies are already noticing a surge in reservations, with more Greek tourists choosing to visit Bulgaria for the New Year compared to Christmas. Ski resorts in Bulgaria have become especially popular among Greek travelers. At the same time, the flow of Bulgarian tourists into Greece has increased, with many heading to popular spots like Halkidiki, where entire hotels are now filled with Bulgarian guests eager to celebrate the New Year in Greece.
The fully renovated underground parking facility at Terminal 2 of Vasil Levski Airport in Sofia has officially opened, offering parking for over 900 vehicles.
Foreign travel activity picked up noticeably toward the end of 2025, with both outbound trips by Bulgarians and inbound visits by foreigners posting their strongest growth in months, according to data from the National Statistical Institute.
Tourism can play a central role in boosting Bulgaria’s overall economic development, but this requires a clearly defined long-term strategy, particularly when it comes to cooperation with neighboring countries.
Wizz Air has announced a major expansion of its operations in Bulgaria, unveiling plans to base an eighth aircraft at Sofia Airport and launch five new direct routes starting in summer 2026.
A regular railway connection between Sofia and Thessaloniki will be restored next year, Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadjov announced during the first working meeting between Bulgaria, Greece, Roma
The introduction of the euro in Bulgaria’s tourism sector is unfolding calmly and without disruption, according to Rumen Draganov, director of the Institute for Analysis and Forecasts in Tourism
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