War in Ukraine and Falling EU Demand Drive Bulgaria’s 2025 Export Decline
Bulgaria’s export sector continued to face challenges in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of decline
The French Ambassador to North Macedonia, Christophe Le Rigolaire, firmly stated that the negotiating framework, also known as the "French proposal," for the country's European Union membership will not be altered. He emphasized that France’s stance on the matter is unequivocal, noting that North Macedonia's EU accession is a shared goal that benefits all parties involved. The 2022 compromise, which is frequently referred to as the "French proposal," was already accepted by Macedonian authorities, and Rigolaire insisted that it should be respected without further renegotiation.
He acknowledged the complexity of the European integration process, explaining that it is difficult to offer absolute guarantees due to the need for unanimous agreement among the 27 EU member states at various stages of the process. However, he also pointed out that there is still room for diplomatic efforts to move the process forward.
Rigolaire stressed the importance of conducting this diplomatic activity without succumbing to public pressure. He underscored the need for North Macedonia and Bulgaria to work towards restoring mutual trust, especially in light of the current security challenges facing the European continent. The ambassador suggested that strengthening relations between the two countries could prove mutually beneficial as they navigate the path to EU integration.
The European Parliament has approved a €90 billion support package for Ukraine, aimed at addressing the country’s urgent financial and defense needs as Russia’s war of aggression enters its fifth year
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has claimed that both the European Union and Ukraine have effectively “declared war” on Hungary following a Politico article outlining plans for Ukraine’s potential early accession to the EU and strategies to bypass H
Nearly 6,000 Syrians applied last year to return voluntarily to Syria under a program financed by Germany’s Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)
According to POLITICO, the long-delayed Future Combat Air System (FCAS) being developed by France, Germany and Spain is now widely seen by officials in Paris and Berlin as nearing its end.
Bulgarian MEP Radan Kanev said he raised concerns within the EPP group about Bulgaria’s prime minister signing the so-called Charter of the “Board of Peace,” which he described as a personal international structure linked to Donald Trump.
Bulgaria risks returning 143 million euros previously allocated under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) after the National Assembly voted to dissolve the Anti-Corruption Commission
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