AGP Executive Report

Food Prices Watch: Bulgaria’s wholesale food prices eased over the past week, with the Wholesale Market Price Index down 1.21% as tomatoes and red peppers dropped sharply. Historical Memory: President Iliana Iotova used the Ilinden–Preobrazhenie and Shipka commemorations to call for unity and to defend Bulgarians’ historical memory. Security & Diplomacy: Two U.S. KC-135 tankers have left Bezmer Air Base, easing immediate concern after Iran-linked warnings; Sofia says flights were training over allied airspace. Regional Safety: Bulgarian Navy teams recovered decoy and drone debris from the Black Sea coast to protect tourists. Politics & Courts: Progressive Bulgaria says it’s open to talks on the Supreme Judicial Council with parties seeking distance from the Borissov-Peevski model. Justice & EU Funds: EPPO charged a vineyard owner over alleged false claims to secure nearly €350,000 in EU vineyard restructuring support. Transport Disruption: Rail traffic was disrupted after a car fell onto tracks between Kurilo and Rebrovo stations, with one woman seriously injured. Local Economy: Pernik launched an investment portal and “investment ambassadors” network to help investors with free guidance.

US-Bulgaria Security Update: Two US KC-135 tankers have left Bezmer Air Base, with Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov saying all flights during the deployment were training over allied airspace and that Sofia had no information about direct threats. Commemoration at Shipka: President Iliana Iotova marked the 149th anniversary of the Battle of Shipka, calling Shipka a symbol of sacrifice and the unity of all Bulgarians. Judicial Reform Talks: Progressive Bulgaria says it’s open to negotiating the Supreme Judicial Council’s composition with parties seeking to distance themselves from the Borissov-Peevski model. Transport Disruption: Rail traffic was disrupted after a car fell onto the track between Kurilo and Rebrovo stations; service resumed by late afternoon. Local Economy Push: Pernik launched an investment portal and a free network of “investment ambassadors” to support investors. Black Sea Safety: Bulgarian Navy teams recovered decoy-drone debris from two Black Sea locations near Varna. Public Safety & Travel: Record inbound car traffic from Türkiye hit Kapitan Andreevo, with 5,300+ cars entering in 24 hours.

Judicial Appointments: Bulgaria’s Supreme Judicial Council nominations keep rolling in, with prosecutors Darin Hristov (Burgas), Dimitar Leshtakov (Veliko Tarnovo), Hristo Anchev (Plovdiv military prosecutor’s office), Desislava Petrova (Sofia City), and Milena Gamozova (Varna) all put forward for seats from the prosecutors’ quota. Interior & Security: Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev says intelligence services are monitoring possible Iranian threats, while also insisting the ministry and its officers will not break the law amid a public dispute with prosecutors. Minimum Wage Talks: No deal was reached on the 2027 minimum wage level in tripartite talks, with the finance minister pointing to an upper proposal around EUR 672.80. Juvenile Justice & Social Media: Demerdzhiev says legislative changes are being discussed to tackle antisocial behaviour by minors, including tougher qualified offences and possible age limits on social media access. Defense Modernization: Bulgaria and the US discussed speeding up joint defence projects, including F-16 Block 70 deliveries. Energy & Water Crisis: With Danube levels extremely low, Bulgaria is cutting nuclear output at Kozloduy to keep cooling safe. EU Fuel Prices: Eurostat reports fuel prices rose across most EU states in July, with Bulgaria among the biggest annual increases. Environment: Pasture users in Kalofer were warned about poison baits after vulture poisoning linked to a criminal case. EU Travel Rights: New EU rules strengthen air passenger protections, keeping compensation and transparency in focus.

Iran Threat to Bulgaria: Tehran warned that countries aiding US “aggression” could be targeted, with Bezmer air base in the spotlight as NATO backs Sofia and President Iliana Iotova faces pressure to convene the security council. Border Security & Migration: Bulgarian police detained 35 Afghan migrants in a vehicle near Burgas; the driver was also arrested under new screening rules. Sofia Airport Disruption: SANS and partners neutralised a powerful GPS jammer in Dragalevtsi that interfered with signals around Sofia Airport and TV towers. Danube Crisis Hits Power & Trade: Kozloduy N-plant will cut Unit 5 output by about 120 MW due to critically low Danube levels; navigation is “almost impossible” with draught limits across the Bulgarian stretch. Fuel Costs: Eurostat reports Bulgaria saw a 22.2% year-on-year fuel price jump in July, among the highest in the EU. Tourism Reform Push: Golden Sands talks outlined changes to the Tourism Act, including tourist-tax rules, resort regulation, and a push to double foreign visitors. Plovdiv Heritage Upgrade: An international competition will redesign the Trimontium underpass to improve accessibility and integrate archaeological remains. Wildlife Crime: A man was arrested in Karlovo for poisoning nine vultures near Mount Botev. Sports & Culture: Bulgaria won 1 bronze and 2 silver at the International Geography Olympiad; Shipka’s 149th anniversary commemoration begins Friday.

Danube Drought Hits Power and Waterways: Bulgaria’s Kozloduy nuclear plant will cut output at Unit 5 by about 120 MW on Aug 21 as the Danube drops to critically low levels, with the river also fully receding at the Vidin–Kalafat Bridge and exposing sandbanks. Health Upgrades: Haskovo Hospital is installing the first of 17 next-generation CT scanners under the Health Ministry’s project to speed stroke diagnosis and referrals. Sofia Politics: Mayor Vassil Terziev says he wants partnership, not praise, after government criticism of the capital’s management. Public Health Structure: Assisted reproduction and key health agencies will stay stand-alone, while regional inspectorates shift to territorial directorates and emergency services management is set to be merged. Environment: WWF Bulgaria reports over 100 protected birds of prey killed by poisoning over the past decade. Eurovision Watch: The state earmarks EUR 20 mln for Eurovision 2027 preparations by year-end as Burgas ramps up work and Sofia seeks more transparency on its host bid. Security Tensions: NATO reiterates readiness amid reports of possible Iranian threats involving Bulgaria’s Bezmer air base.

NATO Security: Prime Minister Rumen Radev spoke by phone with NATO chief Mark Rutte, who reaffirmed alliance support and said any attack on a NATO member would be treated as an attack on the whole alliance amid concerns about Iran. Air Base Tightening: Bulgaria strengthened security around Bezmer after reports Iran assessed options for striking US-linked facilities in south-eastern Europe; officials stress there’s no sign an attack is ordered. Energy Under Pressure: Kozloduy will cut Unit 5 output by about 120 MW as the Danube hits critically low levels, marking the first such reactor reduction in the plant’s 52-year history. Local Economy: Construction output in Bulgaria rose 0.9% in June versus May, with annual growth of 4.4% as the EU sector overall contracted. Defense Procurement: Lockheed Martin reported delays to Bulgaria’s F-16 Block 70 deliveries, pushing eight jets’ delivery to Q2 2030. Culture & Science: Plovdiv archaeologists found Late Antique coins and a building during rescue digs; Bulgarian scientists secured protection for a new bioactive compound mix aimed at metabolic health.

Iran-US Tensions in Focus: Bulgaria tightened security at Bezmer Air Base after a Financial Times report said Iranian forces assessed striking US military assets in Europe, including Bulgaria; Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said there is no direct national security threat, while GERB and Yes, Bulgaria criticized the government’s response and called for clearer briefings. Elections Watch: Bulgaria’s Central Election Commission invited the Innovation and Digital Transformation Minister to coordinate October 25 presidential election preparations, and the Foreign Ministry invited OSCE/ODIHR and other international bodies to observe. Regional Diplomacy: President Iliana Iotova congratulated Hungary’s new president, and the government approved opening a Bulgarian honorary consulate in Siena, Italy. Local Life & Economy: The Council of Ministers approved an extra EUR 150 mln transfer to the Regional Development Ministry for municipal projects. Tech & Connectivity: Neterra began taking orders for SpaceX’s Starlink V5 terminal in Bulgaria. Culture & Sport: Plovdiv premiered Sweeney Todd at the Ancient Theatre, while Levski Sofia and AEK Athens drew 0-0 in the Champions League play-off first leg.

NATO-Iran Tensions: NATO says it is “prepared to address any threat” after a Financial Times report that Iran has assessed possible strikes on US military assets in Europe, naming Bulgaria’s Bezmer Air Base among potential targets; Bulgaria’s Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev says the country has taken “all possible measures” at the base and is monitoring developments. Diplomatic Pressure in Sofia: GERB calls for Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry to summon the Iranian ambassador and demand an official explanation over whether Bulgarian territory, citizens or infrastructure are considered targets. Regional Defence Watch: Greece is weighing whether to relocate its Patriot system to Crete and is also studying possible support to Bulgaria’s air defence if a formal request is made. Agriculture Aid: Bulgaria will allocate EUR 170 mln in agricultural aid to offset higher diesel and fertilizer costs, with support aimed at nearly 50,000 producers. Culture & Education: Burgas’ National Academy of Art launches a master’s programme on the cultural heritage of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, linking heritage study with tourism and preservation. Border Security: Customs at Kapitan Andreevo seized 45 combat pistols hidden in a Turkish fig lorry bound for Germany.

Bulgaria–Security & Diplomacy: Russian FM Sergei Lavrov mocked Bulgaria’s PM Rumen Radev, saying he “knows him well” and hinting some leaders may buckle under EU pressure. Regional War Risk: Iran is reportedly weighing strikes on US military assets in Europe, including Bulgaria’s Bezmer air base, if Washington escalates. Defense Procurement: Bulgaria’s next Block 70 F-16 deliveries are delayed due to production issues at Lockheed Martin. Economy & Work: The Continue the Change party says the minimum wage formula could have lifted 2027 pay to about EUR 690.44, citing NSI wage data. Eurovision 2027: Burgas is set to host Eurovision 2027, and birdlife near Burgas could even inspire the contest mascot. Sports (Local): Levski Sofia and AEK Athens drew 0-0 in their Champions League play-off first leg in Bulgaria. Tech & Business: Sofia’s Syntegra will represent LEA Professional, expanding AV tech distribution in Bulgaria and Europe. Culture: BTA’s LIK magazine marked St. John of Rila’s feast day with a special issue launched at Rila Monastery.

Infrastructure & Water Security: Transport Minister Georgi Peev vowed a “lasting solution” for the troubled Vakarel Tunnel 2 project, warning against piecemeal fixes after unstable geology slowed progress. Regional Development: Ivan Shishkov said a brand-new main water pipeline for Pleven and Lovech will be commissioned, replacing a 50-year-old system and tackling neglect found in inspections. Energy & Raw Materials: On Miners’ Day, Energy Minister Iva Petrova linked mining to Europe’s critical raw materials strategy and said the National Geological Fund will be digitized by Dec 2029. Public Trust & Child Protection: In Plovdiv, Labour Minister Nataliya Efremova focused on restoring trust in institutions after the murder of Georgi Kuzev, stressing better coordination to protect children. Tech & Industry: Bulgaria and Japanese logistics firms agreed to cooperate on drone R&D meeting Japanese requirements. Culture & Events: Varna’s World Festival of Animated Film runs Sept 2-6 with 60+ films from 20 countries, while Burgas was selected to host Eurovision 2027. Cybersecurity: A ransomware affiliate “Ransom Busters” claims it hacked servers and offers data recovery for $20,000-$60,000.

Neo-Nazi Fears After Plovdiv Murder: A 37-year-old man, Georgi Kuzev, was killed after a beating in Plovdiv that was partly livestreamed on TikTok, with prosecutors charging five teenagers and investigators warning the group may be larger; photos from the attack reportedly show the “Tesak gesture,” linked to a notorious Russian neo-Nazi figure. Minimum Wage Talks: Bulgaria’s social partners kept negotiating the 2027 minimum wage mechanism as NSI data on median pay is expected to shape the final formula, with the Finance Ministry outlining a four-indicator approach and a defined lower-to-upper range. Plovdiv Fair Under Fire: Residents held a second protest defending the Plovdiv International Fair after the Finance Minister said steps are being taken to protect the state’s 29% stake, with organizers vowing to check court filings and official claims. Weather Alert: A yellow code for strong winds is in force Tuesday for six regions, with possible showers, thunderstorms, and hail in the Rila-Rhodope area. Varna GERB Leadership: Architect Stoyan Petkov was named GERB chair for the Varna region, with party leader Boyko Borissov signaling a push to return to city governance. Culture & Faith: Patriarch Daniil will lead a Divine Liturgy at Rila Monastery for St. John of Rila’s feast day, marking 1,080 years since the saint’s death.

Eurovision 2027 in Burgas: Bulgaria’s Eurovision host city is set to be Burgas, not Sofia, with the mayor saying he’ll stay out of politics until the contest in May and focus on preparations. Badminton Spotlight: India’s Ayush Shetty stunned world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi at the BWF World Championships, while PV Sindhu cruised into the next round; Bulgaria’s Kaloyana Nalbantova also featured in the opening-day action. Energy & Water Stress: With record-low Danube levels, Kozloduy NPP is taking technical steps to keep operations stable, while Varna’s new water utility management is pushing for solutions to cut off illegal buildings in Baba Alino. Security & Extremism: Plovdiv prosecutors charged Blood & Honour members over inciting discrimination, hatred and violence after searches found Nazi symbols and ideology. Economy Watch: Bulgaria’s annual inflation eased to 4.5% in July, according to NSI. EUFOR Exercise: EUFOR announced “Quick Response 2026” in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Bulgaria among participating countries. Climate Adaptation: EU-funded research highlights new tools for heat and disaster early warnings, including projects relevant to Bulgaria. Finance/Tech: A Reuters report says Binance shared Russian authorities’ data tied to alleged terrorism financing linked to Ukraine.

Rhythmic Gymnastics Glory: Stiliana Nikolova struck gold in the clubs final at the World Championships in Frankfurt, adding to Bulgaria’s haul that also includes four medals overall and an Olympic quota for LA 2028. Danube Drought Disruptions: With record-low Danube levels, a dried-up channel near Ruse is now walkable, while ferry services at Oryahovo–Bechet and Svishtov–Zimnicea are temporarily suspended and river restrictions remain. Border & Transport Update: Heavy traffic hit Kalotina (Serbia) and Kapitan Andreevo (Türkiye), while low Danube levels also affect crossings and ferry operations. Regional Development Tour: Minister Ivan Shishkov begins a Varna–Dobrich–Shumen–Pleven visit, including checks on water and sewer infrastructure and repairs to republican roads. Sports & Culture: Bulgaria also shines at CinEast in Luxembourg, with a “Focus on Bulgaria” film programme plus concerts and a Bulgarian evening. International Spotlight: Reuters reports Binance provided Russian authorities with crypto donation details used in terrorism-financing charges tied to Ukraine fundraising.

Rhythmic Gymnastics Glory: Stiliana Nikolova ended a 25-year wait by winning world champion gold in the clubs final in Frankfurt, scoring 30.150, after finishing seventh in the hoop and preparing for ribbon. Team Medal Boost: Bulgaria’s rhythmic group also added hardware in Frankfurt, taking bronze in the five-ball final and another bronze in the three-hoop and two-pair-of-clubs routine. Danube Drought Watch: Low water levels are still biting along the Danube, with a dried-up channel near Lyulyaka Island in Ruse now walkable; Kozloduy NPP says it remains on schedule while it tests extra options for cooling and riverbank pumps. Politics at 100 Days: GERB and other opposition parties sharply criticized Prime Minister Rumen Radev’s first 100 days, arguing the government must now deliver results, while Continue the Change says “oligarchy” was simply replaced with old-model appointments. Plovdiv Neo-Nazi Crackdown: Police arrested 18 people linked to Blood & Honour in Plovdiv over alleged hate-incitement offences. Minimum Wage Signal: Labour Minister Nataliya Efremova says the minimum wage will not stay at the current level from Jan 1, 2027. Food Prices: Wholesale fruit and veg prices eased in the week to Aug 14, with big drops for peppers and tomatoes, while some staples moved in mixed directions.

Eurovision 2027 in Bulgaria: Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev says the country’s big win is Burgas hosting, but he wants answers on how the host city was picked and calls for transparency from Bulgarian National Television on the criteria and scoring. Energy & industry: Bobov Dol Thermal Power Plant was shut down after a steam generator rupture, with repairs expected to finish by Monday. Transport: Škoda has delivered 20 electric trains to Bulgaria, with authorisations completed and preparations underway for service. Sports (Rhythmic gymnastics): Bulgaria won silver in the team competition at the World Championships in Frankfurt and also qualified for apparatus finals after finishing sixth in the all-around. Culture (Varna): Singer Dara, astronomer Ivan Ivanov and Dutch civic figures were named Honorary Citizens of Varna. Religion: Bulgaria marks the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, with President Iotova urging faith and hope as thousands attend services.

Eurovision 2027 in Burgas: Burgas Airport operator Fraport Twin Star says the city can handle the contest’s expected passenger surge without a special expansion, citing capacity for up to 21 aircraft movements per hour and about 50,000 passengers in 24 hours. Local Politics: Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev says Sofia will join Eurovision 2027 but wants transparency on how Burgas was picked as host. Tourism Policy: The tourism ministry plans to add short-term rental apartments to Bulgaria’s Unified Tourism Information System in 2027, aiming for more transparency on overnight stays. Black Sea & Security: A reconnaissance drone washed ashore near Primorsko, with reports questioning whether it is Russian-made and whether authorities will respond quickly. Sports: Bulgaria won silver in the team competition at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Frankfurt, while Stiliana Nikolova took silver in the individual all-around. Religion: Bulgaria marks the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, with President Iliana Iotova urging faith and hope as thousands attend church services.