AGP Executive Report

Presidential Politics: Former caretaker PM Andrey Gurov has officially launched his bid for Bulgaria’s presidency, with former Interior Ministry secretary general Georgi Kandev as running mate, drawing early backing from opposition figures while parties await formal positions. Border Security: Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev told Frontex officials Bulgaria’s border protection approach can serve as an EU model, with 160 Frontex officers deployed under “Bulgaria 2026.” Inflation Watch: Eurostat data show Bulgaria’s annual inflation jumped to 5.1% in August, keeping the country among the euro area’s highest-inflation states. Budget Pressure: The Finance Ministry expects Bulgaria’s cash-basis budget deficit to hit about EUR 3bn by end-August, pressured by NRRP payments. Human Rights Case: Bulgaria is pushing for Iva Mihaylova’s medical treatment case to be taken to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg after further refusals in North Macedonia. Culture & Cities: Plovdiv opened its three-month Autumn Arts Salon, while Burgas hosted an exhibition marking the National Academy of Art’s 130th anniversary.

Presidential Race: Former caretaker PM Andrey Gyurov and former Interior Ministry chief secretary Georgi Kandev have officially launched their bid for Bulgaria’s President and Vice-President, with political reactions urging a calm, pro-European campaign. Regional Tensions: A Bulgarian-Macedonian dual citizen, Iva Mihaylova, faces a court dispute after a fatal crash near Kočani; Sofia is asking the EU Commission to monitor the case amid stalled EU accession talks. Economy & Trade: Bulgaria’s Customs Agency logged a record €965.6m in August, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry will co-organize an EU-Australia business forum in October. Infrastructure: Transport Minister Georgi Peev says Bulgarian Posts need pay, staffing and tech upgrades; Regional Development Minister Ivan Shishkov says Hemus Motorway work will speed up toward Veliko Tarnovo. Energy & Prices: Fuel supplies are secure, but diesel prices may rise as oil-market pressures continue. Culture & Events: Plovdiv’s TheatAir street arts festival runs Sept 4-7, Varna hosts a Slavic music symposium, and Shumen stages its Balkan Air Sports Championship Sept 9-12.

Apollonia Festival in Sozopol: Burgas’ 2032 European Capital of Culture bid took centre stage on the festival’s fifth day, alongside book launches, theatre and chamber concerts. Constitution on tour: A photo-documentary exhibition on the 35 years since Bulgaria’s Constitution opened in Montana and will travel to Vratsa, Vidin, Varna, Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Ruse and Veliko Tarnovo. Ombudsman & housing: Kyustendil’s Iztok neighbourhood was highlighted as a good-practice model for improving living conditions, with focus on infrastructure, inclusion and tackling water-loss problems. Environment reform: The Environment Ministry outlined plans to reorganize the 15 Regional Inspectorates of Environment and Water and shift water enforcement to them. Politics—presidential race: Andrey Gurov is set to announce his bid, while Alexander Tomov confirmed his own run for the Oct. 25 election; parties also traded claims over who could block a third term for Rumen Radev. Strumyani flood recovery: More than 300 responders are still cleaning and restoring infrastructure after late-August flooding. North Macedonia EU veto: Bulgaria’s stance is tied to the resumed trial of Iva Mihaylova, with the next hearing set for Sept. 28.

Science & Academia: Sofia hosted the 22nd International Symposium on Solubility Phenomena (22ISSP), bringing researchers from 18 countries to discuss solubility, phase equilibria and equilibrium modelling, with links to pharma, materials and energy storage. Culture & Cities: Burgas officially presented its bid to become European Capital of Culture 2032 at Apollonia, stressing the project is built through dialogue with 12 partner municipalities. Black Sea & Economy: Fishermen in Tsarevo warn that a strong bonito season could still mean low prices that won’t cover fuel and gear costs. Public Finance: Bulgaria’s budget deficit narrowed to EUR 2.201 bln (1.8% of GDP) at end-July, with the fiscal reserve at EUR 8.525 bln. Migration Enforcement: Haskovo received four drones to help police monitor hard-to-reach routes and identify groups under a Bulgaria–Türkiye Interreg project. Justice & Health: The Kocani trial of Bulgarian-North Macedonian citizen Iva Mihaylova resumes Sept. 28, as MPs and her supporters press for a fair process and permission for medical treatment in Bulgaria. Energy Prices: The EWRC set September natural gas at EUR 41.60/MWh, up 5.5% from August.

EuroBasket 2029 Qualifiers: Bulgaria opened the second stage with a convincing 103-86 away win over Romania, led by Aleksandar Vezenkov’s 36 points, as the team next hosts Denmark on Nov. 26. Varna & Fraud Watch: Varna logged one BBB Scam Tracker report in July 2026, tying it for 128th among 155 Illinois cities with at least one report, as fraud losses keep climbing nationwide. Tourism Tech: The Bulgarian Tourist Union launched a “Bulgaria 100” mobile app with maps, routes, weather info and emergency navigation, plus discounts at BTU facilities. Sports in Plovdiv: Youth and Sports Minister Encho Keryazov officially opened the ATP Challenger in Plovdiv, with several Bulgarian players set for the main draw. Culture in Varna: The Love Is Folly festival in Varna crowned “A Hint of Love” with the Golden Aphrodite grand prize. Black Sea & Borders: A record flow of Turkish “guest workers” left Türkiye via Kapıkule–Kapitan Andreevo, with average waits down to about 27 minutes. Science Links: Azerbaijan and Bulgaria discussed expanding cooperation between their academies, including archaeology and folklore.

Basketball: Bulgaria started its FIBA EuroBasket 2029 Pre-Qualifiers campaign with a big 103-86 win over Romania, led by Aleksandar Vezenkov’s 36 points. Tourism & Safety: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flash floods have so far rescued 289 foreign tourists; 591 remain out of contact, and authorities urge travellers to check road and weather conditions. Weather: A yellow code for heavy rain is in force in seven Bulgarian regions, with brief showers and thunderstorms possible. Danube & Transport: Despite a slight rise in water levels, draft restrictions on the Bulgarian Danube stretch remain, with navigation still under difficult conditions. Sports (Plovdiv): Youth and Sports Minister Encho Keryazov opened an ATP Challenger tournament in Plovdiv, featuring Bulgarian players in the main draw and doubles. Tourism (Bulgaria): The Bulgarian Tourist Union launched a mobile app, “Bulgaria 100,” with maps, routes, navigation, weather info and discounts for BTU facilities. Politics (GERB): GERB elected new members to its Executive Commission and Borissov said the party will compete only where it expects to “come first,” naming Iliana Iotova as its presidential choice.

Nepal Floods: Flash floods in Nepal’s Bhotekoshi basin have killed 675 people, with nearly 2,400 still missing as renewed rain and rising water levels raise fears of more flooding. More than 4,400 people have been rescued or evacuated, and at least 261 foreign tourists were among those “out of contact,” including Bulgarians, while 320 foreign tourists remain unreachable. Black Sea & Bulgaria: Danube levels rose along much of Bulgaria’s stretch, with the biggest jump at Lom (+9 cm), but navigation remains restricted. Local Flood Response (Strumyani): Strumyani municipality is calling for volunteers for cleanup after Aug. 24 flooding; water is back but still not fit to drink. Interior Ministry Overhaul: A new law for the Interior Ministry is being prepared, including integrity checks and polygraph exams for recruitment and fixed terms for senior posts to curb political influence. Politics: GERB leader Boyko Borissov says the right needs unity to oppose Iliana Iotova in the upcoming presidential election. Sports (Bulgaria): Erika Karabeleva finished fifth in the women’s 53 kg at the World Taekwondo Women’s Open in China. Culture: Momchilovtsi’s Yogurt Festival highlights Rhodope dairy ties with a Chinese partner.

Interior Ministry Overhaul: A parliamentary committee chair says a completely new Interior Ministry law is being drafted, aiming to curb political influence via integrity tests, polygraph checks, and fixed terms for senior posts. Strumyani Flood Fallout: Twenty soldiers are helping clear mud and debris in the flood-hit municipality, where a state of emergency remains in effect until Aug 31 after severe storms. Danube Update: Water levels rose across much of Bulgaria’s Danube stretch, with the biggest jump at Lom (+9 cm), but navigation still faces draught limits. Presidential Politics: GERB leader Boyko Borissov warns the right lacks unity ahead of the presidential election, while BSP unanimously backs Iliana Iotova’s bid and prepares campaign talks on her running mate. Ceuta Migration Statement: Bulgarian Social Democrats express solidarity with Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez over migratory pressure in Ceuta. Culture & Heritage: President Iliana Iotova opened the 20th National Thracian Folklore Festival, calling it a “magic” of Bulgarian roots.

Sofia Cycling Protest: Cyclists rallied at the National Palace of Culture demanding safer, connected bike lanes and fair police checks, after reports of threats and sanctions in parks. Interior Accountability: Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev removed the Blagoevgrad regional police director over the Strumyani case, after an activist was arrested during a PM visit and questions were raised about the response. Environment Crackdown: The Environment Ministry met to tighten rules and enforcement against poison and poisoned bait in nature, following recent Central Balkan National Park incidents and arrests. Health Policy: The Health Ministry said blood donation must stay voluntary, pushing for a “common mechanism” to secure supplies without making relatives responsible for elective surgery needs. Energy Administration: Bulgaria plans to fold the Sustainable Energy Development Agency into the Energy Ministry to streamline administration and improve coordination. EU/Armenia Ties: Bulgaria and Armenia discussed cooperation on climate, sustainable development and biodiversity, including Bulgaria’s role in EU standards. Sports: Bulgaria’s men’s U-20 volleyball team beat Belarus 3-0 to stay unbeaten in European Championship qualifiers, with a final match vs Russia. Black Sea Security: Bulgaria’s defense cooperation continues amid reports on minehunter acquisitions and regional military activity.

Nepal-Tibet Flood Crisis: Flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border have killed at least 469–538 people and left more than 1,500 missing, with rescue teams struggling as roads and bridges are destroyed; India says 320 Indian nationals remain uncontactable, while Nepal reports 121 foreign nationals rescued, including a Bulgarian. EU Defence Boost: Bulgaria received its first EUR 489.3 mln payment under the SAFE defence instrument, part of a EUR 150 bln plan to speed up joint EU military procurement. Black Sea Security: The Bulgarian Navy carried out drone reconnaissance and transport tasks after UAVs were found near St. Ivan Island, Shabla and along the coast. Strumyani Flood Fallout: Environment Ministry monitoring shows tap water in flood-hit Strumyani meets physico-chemical drinking standards, while microbiological results are due Sept 1; a local activist was arrested during PM Radev’s visit, sparking calls for an Interior Ministry explanation. Economy & Trade: Industrial producer price inflation eased to 13.7% in July; BFSA detained Varna-bound peanuts over aflatoxins and seized tea from China over excessive pesticide residues. Sports: Bulgaria’s Radostina Angelova reached the B final at canoe sprint worlds; Bulgarian youth chess players won three golds and a bronze at the EU championship.

Black Sea Security: Bulgaria’s parliament approved the purchase of seven mine countermeasure ships from Belgium and the Netherlands to boost NATO mine-clearing capacity and protect key shipping routes. Flood Response: Prime Minister Rumen Radev will visit Strumyani, hit by Aug. 24-25 flooding, to review repairs and social support; the Bulgarian Red Cross is delivering water, hygiene supplies and psychological help. Culture & Tourism: The 42nd Apollonia Festival of Arts opened in Sozopol, with leaders praising art as “free spirit” and a driver of cultural tourism; the programme runs until Sept. 6. Motorsport: Bulgarian driver Nikola Tsolov met FIA Super Licence requirements after a 702 km test at Imola, putting him on track for F1 practice later this year. Disaster Watch: Nepal-China flash floods have killed at least 359 and left 1,400+ missing, including hundreds of foreign nationals.

Flood Response & Missing Persons: Nepal–China flash floods have killed at least 359 and left more than 1,400 people missing, including foreigners from over 30 countries; Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry says one Bulgarian previously listed as missing can be removed after embassy help with a temporary passport. Black Sea Security: Bulgaria’s Navy says it has identified and neutralized drone parts found off the coast near Varna and Kavarna; officials stress the drones were reconnaissance or decoys and carried no explosives. Defence & NATO: Gen. Ivan Malamov assumed command of the South-Eastern Europe Brigade in Istanbul as Bulgaria continues multinational defence cooperation. Elections Funding: The government approved EUR 116.9 mln for October presidential election costs, covering logistics, commissions, security, and voting abroad. EU Sanctions Law: A new bill makes violations of EU restrictive measures serious criminal offences. Economy & Finance: Consumer loan interest rates rose to 9.12% in July; Varna Region average wages hit EUR 1,360 in Q2. Health System: Parliament’s Health Committee heard candidates for NHIF leadership. Sports: Grigor Dimitrov qualified for the US Open main draw.

AI Outsourcing Watch: A new Ataraxis study ranks Hungary 4th for AI-ready outsourcing, with Bulgaria close behind at 9th (Czechia 7th, Poland 11th, Romania 13th), highlighting CEE’s strong AI education pipeline. Champions League Fallout: AEK Athens thrashed Levski Sofia 4-0 in the playoff second leg, sending the Bulgarian champions into the Europa League. Elections Budget: The Council of Ministers will review a spending plan for the Oct. 25 presidential vote, plus EU-funds estimates and changes tied to F-16 industrial cooperation. Gender Quota in Boardrooms: MPs will debate a bill setting a 33% target for the underrepresented sex on boards of listed companies. Black Sea Drone Cleanup: Bulgarian Navy teams recovered and neutralized multiple drone fragments near Varna and elsewhere, with officials saying no explosives were found in at least one case. Ukraine-Bulgaria Diplomacy: Zelenskyy thanked Bulgaria for its support and friendship in response to President Iliana Iotova’s message. Sports: Grigor Dimitrov began his US Open qualifying run with a 6-0, 6-3 win over Lorenzo Giustino.

Black Sea Security: Bulgaria’s Navy says it has neutralized multiple drones washed ashore near Varna and along the coast, with some detonated at sea and others taken for examination; Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov added that the drones found so far carried no munitions and were reconnaissance or decoys, urging people not to approach any debris. Parliament & Defence Procurement: MPs ratified amendments tied to Stryker and Javelin deals, raising contract values, while Defence Minister Stoyanov said the Stryker choice is based on military expertise; President Iliana Iotova also promoted Navy Chief of Staff Bozhidar Ivanov to flotilla admiral. Judicial Reform Nominations: Seven civic groups nominated Andrey Yankulov and Tanya Radulovska for the Supreme Judicial Council, as 26 nominations were submitted overall for the parliamentary quota, with parties setting out competing approaches. Health System Shake-up: Chief State Health Inspector Angel Kunchev requested to step down amid planned reforms, and Health Minister Katya Ivkova denied any “purge” at the ministry. Environment & Water: Parliament backed marine biodiversity ratification and EEA funding memoranda, while the Environment Ministry expanded Danube monitoring as low levels persist. Energy & Winter Readiness: Bulgaria’s gas storage stands at 57.29%, below the EU average, as Kozloduy prepares a short levee near the plant after critically low Danube levels affected output.

GPS & Security: Bulgaria’s Communications Regulation Commission says the Dragalevtsi GPS jammer could be detected and located only while switched on; once turned off it stops emitting waves, and the probe is ongoing with pre-trial proceedings launched. Black Sea Watch: The Defence Ministry reports an electric reconnaissance drone found off the coast between Tsarevo and Varvara; it was deemed harmless and taken to the Burgas Naval Base. Bessarabia Ties: GERB-UDF MP Rositsa Kirova and Bulgaria’s officials marked Bolhrad’s 205th anniversary, calling the city a “living heart” of the Bessarabian Bulgarian community and highlighting preserved language, schools and churches. Heat Toll in Europe: New reporting says Europe’s 2026 heatwaves may have caused at least 35,000 excess deaths, with Germany, France and Spain already exceeding 25,000. Politics Abroad: MECh nominated its leader Radostin Vasilev for president, with Krasimir Manov running for vice president in the Oct. 25 vote. Sports: Grigor Dimitrov won in US Open qualifying; Bulgaria’s U17 volleyball team lost 3-2 to Venezuela and the match ended with Venezuela reaching the quarterfinals.

Roma Rights Ruling: The European Court of Human Rights found Bulgaria violated the rights of Roma families after demolishing homes in Sofia’s Orlandovtsi in 2023, ordering damages of €10,000 per claimant and calling for changes to demolition procedures. Interior & Courts: Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev urged prosecutors and judges to wrap up the long-running case over the 2022 deaths of two police officers in Burgas, while also saying personnel reshuffles in the ministry will continue. Judicial Appointments: Several prosecutors were nominated to the Supreme Judicial Council from the prosecutors’ quota, including Ivanka Kotorova, Radoslav Gradev, Siika Mileva, Plamen Petkov and Ivaylo Iliev. Security & GPS: Demerdzhiev said a GPS jammer in Dragalevtsi disrupted aircraft signals and that searches also took place near Kapitan Andreevo, with seized materials now being examined. Defence & Iran Tensions: Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said there are currently no plans for US tanker aircraft to return to Bulgaria, amid renewed political pressure over claims of an Iranian hybrid operation. Education: The new school year must start on September 15, the education minister said, rejecting calls to begin a day earlier. Culture & Travel: Direct Sofia–Yerevan–Sofia flights will resume from November 7, and Plovdiv’s Contemporary Art Week opens September 3.