Latest Views from Bulgaria
Drive For Balkan Extradition Deal Nears End
Serbia’s initiative to establish a pan-Balkan extradition treaty may see lift-off next year - but Kosovo’s exclusion from the scheme looks like another politically driven error.
Macedonian Wartime Love Story Angers Bulgarians
A movie set against the background of the deportation and destruction of the Jewish community in Macedonia is causing controversy in neighbouring Bulgaria even before it’s been released.
Presidential Win Poses Test For Bulgaria’s Reforming Zeal
After the recent presidential and mayoral elections, Bulgaria’s GERB party now holds all the levers in its hands – but will this translate into reforms?
Bulgaria’s Borisov Faces Mounting Pressure
Rising criticism from Brussels and at home is forcing Bulgaria’s centre-right government and its pugnacious leader onto the defensive.
Little to Celebrate Halfway through Europe’s ‘Roma Decade’
Despite high expectations, the Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005-2015 initiative is yet to make its mark and significantly improve the lot of Roma communities, say activists and campaigners.
An Orthodox Shot of the Balkans
As Europe gets ever more secular, films about religion, ironically, seem to be gaining popularity. The latest offering from Serbia, about the Orthodox Church in neighbouring Bulgaria, is a welcome addition.
Bulgaria Gays Bank on Biggest Pride Parade
Society may be hostile and money short, but with even elderly grandmothers sewing banners for this Saturday’s march, Sofia gays and lesbians believe time is on their side.
Bulgaria Dreams of Becoming China’s Door to Europe
Sofia hopes to market itself as a portal to the EU for Chinese companies – but with Beijing's investment fairly modest so far, it has a way to go.
Bulgarian Nationalists Risk Political Isolation
Bulgaria's far-right nationalist party, Ataka, faces political isolation as members and allies distance themselves after party supporters clashed with Muslims at a mosque in downtown Sofia.
Construction Halt Leaves Belene’s Fate in Balance
Temporary work stoppage on controversial nuclear plant, pending review of costs, is unlikely to be end of the story, given the country’s hunger for new energy sources.
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‘Roma Decade’ Passes Bulgarian Roma By
As increasing numbers of Bulgarians voice resentment over government spending on Roma integration projects, including the European Roma Decade initiative, most Roma remain trapped in a cycle of poor education, unemployment and poverty.
Macedonian Remains a Dirty Word in Bulgaria
People in southwest Bulgaria are having a hard time declaring themselves as Macedonians in the ongoing census – proof that this ethnic minority is far from winning acceptance in the country.
Bulgaria’s ‘Service 7’ Reveals its Deadly Secrets
Files released under freedom of information legislation prove that Bulgaria’s secret service had a shadowy department, Service 7, which was specially tasked with kidnapping and assassinating foreign émigrés.
Bulgaria Finally Gets Hold of More EU Cash
Accessing 10 per cent of available funding from Brussels may not sound like much to celebrate - but after years of making almost no use of European money at all, Sofia feels cheery.
Bulgaria: Election Threat to GERB’s Authority
Country faces two elections, presidential and mayoral, more budget discipline - and its bid to join the Schengen zone could be delayed.
