The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology issued orange and yellow code warnings for heavy snowfall and blizzards across most of Bulgaria, effective February 1, 2026. Expected snowfall ranges from 10 to 30 cm, leading to challenging road conditions, travel restrictions for heavy vehicles, and deployment of over 1,200 snow-clearing machines.
The European Commission has launched infringement procedures against Bulgaria, issuing letters of formal notice for its failure to transpose various EU rules across critical sectors including data protection, financial services, consumer credit, crypto-assets, taxation, and budgetary frameworks. Additionally, a reasoned opinion was sent regarding the Methane Regulation, and Bulgaria was urged to withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty following the EU's own withdrawal in June 2025. Bulgaria has two months to address these concerns.
The European Commission has approved nearly 104 million euro in funding from its Connecting Europe Facility for a cross-border smart energy networks project between Romania and Bulgaria. Named 'CARMEN', the initiative aims to modernize and digitalize electricity transmission and distribution networks, enhancing efficiency and enabling secure flows of renewable energy across the region.
Bulgaria's selection process for its next European Public Prosecutor has sparked significant controversy, with critics citing a lack of transparency and questioning the legitimacy of the selection committee. Three candidates have been nominated, but concerns persist regarding pre-determined outcomes and the integrity of the vetting procedure.
Bulgaria's state-owned Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) has acquired a 10% stake in the 'Khan Asparuh' offshore oil and gas exploration block in the Black Sea. This move, finalized on January 21, 2026, aims to bolster energy security, reduce import reliance, and generate state revenue. BEH joins OMV Offshore Bulgaria and NewMed Energy Balkan Limited in the consortium.
China has announced the extension of its unilateral visa-free policy for citizens from 45 countries, including Bulgaria, allowing stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business, and other purposes. This measure, effective until December 31, 2026, aims to boost international exchanges, foster economic growth, and enhance tourism.
Bulgarian opposition leader Bozhidar Bozhanov has warned that a new contract with Microsoft for the state administration poses long-term risks to national security and digital sovereignty. His concerns focus on cloud-based data management and control over encryption keys.
Bulgaria has officially validated its first postage stamp for 2026, titled 'Bulgaria in the Eurozone,' on January 14, 2026. This philatelic issue commemorates the country's full integration into the euro area, which commenced on January 1, 2026, making it the 21st member of the eurozone. The stamp, with a nominal value of 1 euro, symbolizes a new economic phase for the nation.
Bulgaria is set to conduct its 50th Midwinter Waterbird Census from January 15-18, 2026, an annual event crucial for environmental monitoring. Organized by the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds and the Executive Environment Agency, the census contributes to the International Waterbird Census, tracking population trends and wetland health across the country.
In a move aimed at fostering governmental stability, the 'Yes, Bulgaria' party has announced its decision to contest the upcoming early parliamentary elections in a coalition with 'Continue the Change' and Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria (DSB). The alliance, known as 'We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria' (PP-DB), seeks to address Bulgaria's persistent political instability and implement a comprehensive reform agenda.
Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov has been appointed Director-General of U.S. President Donald Trump's Board of Peace for Gaza. The board aims to oversee the next phase of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, focusing on governance, disarmament, and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip.
Bulgaria's medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, are grappling with unfulfilled promises of pay raises due to the country's persistent political instability. The recent resignation of the government has frozen financial plans, exacerbating a severe healthcare workforce crisis and prompting renewed threats of protests from medical associations demanding significant wage increases.
Dimitar Penev, the legendary Bulgarian football player and manager known as 'The Strategist,' has died at the age of 80. Penev famously led the Bulgarian national team to a historic fourth-place finish at the 1994 FIFA World Cup and was a decorated player and coach for CSKA Sofia.
Bulgaria has launched its 2026 tourism strategy, designating it the 'Year of Cultural Tourism' and aiming to establish itself as a year-round destination. The plan focuses on diversifying offerings through cultural heritage and four-season mountain tourism, attracting both domestic and international visitors, and improving infrastructure.
Bulgaria officially adopted the Euro as its national currency on January 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone as it became the 21st member of the Eurozone. The transition from the Bulgarian Lev to the Euro follows years of economic reforms and meeting strict convergence criteria, with a fixed conversion rate of 1.95583 Lev per Euro.
Bulgaria officially adopted the Euro on January 1, 2026, becoming the 21st member of the Eurozone. The transition has been met with significant public apprehension regarding potential price increases and inflation, despite official assurances and measures to mitigate such effects.
Thousands of citizens in Bulgarian cities like Sofia and Burgas have repeatedly protested against the country's upcoming adoption of the euro, scheduled for January 1, 2026. Organized by groups including the ultranationalist Revival Party, demonstrators demand the preservation of the national currency, the lev, and a national referendum on the issue, citing concerns over economic sovereignty and potential price hikes.
Bulgaria will officially adopt the euro on January 1, 2026, becoming the 21st member of the eurozone. This move marks the end of the Bulgarian lev and is expected to boost economic stability and integration, despite some public concerns over potential price increases.
A significant €420 million investment is set to modernize Greece's rail infrastructure by 2027, including 23 new electric trains. This upgrade is expected to substantially enhance cross-border rail connectivity with Bulgaria and Romania, fostering regional trade, tourism, and overall mobility across Southeast Europe.
Bulgaria's Ministry of Interior has issued preventive advice to citizens regarding the upcoming euro adoption on January 1, 2026. Recommendations include exchanging currency only at official locations, utilizing card payments during the transition, and depositing funds into bank accounts for automatic conversion.
