AGP Executive Report

EU Migration Pact in Force: The EU’s Migration and Asylum rules entered into force on June 12, aiming for faster asylum processing and quicker returns, but critics say it won’t stop irregular migration and will deepen political fights. Bulgaria Readies Implementation: Bulgaria’s State Agency for Refugees says it’s prepared for the new border procedure and faster timelines, with changes to reception conditions and the Eurodac database. Parliamentary Oversight on Rights: The Ombudsman’s preventive mechanism inspected migrant registration and detention sites, with more checks planned as Bulgaria aligns with the pact. CEC Appointments: President Iliana Iotova interviewed 15 candidates for the Central Election Commission, stressing restoring public trust and transparency ahead of their June 23 start. Education Reform: The education minister says curriculum changes are underway and should finish by end-2027, not 2029. Health Regulation: A new parliamentary message bans unqualified people from giving intravenous injections/infusions and bars unauthorized or unknown products. Environment & Energy: The Bobov Dol TPP shutdown order for boiler No. 2 remains in force, while the An-30 overhaul contract is extended to Aug 2, 2026. Finance Watch: Bulgaria faces an EU push toward an excessive deficit procedure, with ECOFIN discussing fiscal consolidation and defence spending impacts.

EU Budget Discipline: The European Commission says it will propose opening an excessive deficit procedure for Bulgaria after finding the country misses the deficit rule, with defence spending and the “grey” economy among the drivers. Public Media Governance: The Council for Electronic Media unanimously approved BNT DG Milena Milotinova’s management programme, with Eurovision 2027 prep and digital modernization at the core. Energy Politics: PM Radev says Türkiye wants to renegotiate the BOTAS deal to deepen gas and electricity transport cooperation, while unions warn the planned separation of Maritsa Iztok Mines and TPP Maritsa Iztok 2 from BEH could trigger legal action. Competition & Prices: Bulgaria’s competition watchdog launches a preliminary probe into alleged retail pressure on fruit and vegetable suppliers tied to the “Care Basket” initiative. Tourism Diplomacy: Bulgaria’s tourism minister meets UN Tourism leadership in Spain, discussing a quality observatory and a higher-education training association for tourism professionals. Regional Security: North Macedonia’s EU path remains a live issue for Albanians, with Osmani saying only two Bulgaria-related conditions are “indispensable.” International Context: Ukraine’s Zelensky ratifies removing Russian from the European Charter’s protected languages list.

Judicial Oversight: Bulgaria’s Supreme Judicial Council ordered courts to mark certain case files as “restricted access,” limiting public access to some proceedings and even removing reasoning from judgments in others, after lawyers’ broad portal access sparked political and legal backlash. Security & Corruption Probe: MPs will request full information from the State Agency for National Security on KYB’s activities in Bulgaria, after parliamentary committee members said there are enough grounds to move toward arrests and that key questions remain unanswered. Ukraine Arms Policy: President Iliana Iotova said she has no reason to doubt Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov’s claim that Bulgaria has no surplus weapons stocks to send to Ukraine, stressing the decision hinges on whether supplies exceed Bulgarian needs. EU/Eurozone Finance: Finance Minister Galab Donev attended the ESM Board of Governors meeting in Luxembourg as Bulgaria completes institutional steps tied to euro adoption. Migration Politics: EU migration reforms take effect today, with debate in the region over whether people can be physically present in an EU state without being treated as having legally entered. Economy & Prices: Parliament advanced Public Debt Act revisions on first reading, while the government’s “Care Basket” price-cut push faces warnings that retailers may pressure producers to absorb the cost. Turkey-Bulgaria Ties: Turkish FM Hakan Fidan said Sofia talks reaffirm strong cooperation on energy, connectivity, defense industry and Black Sea security.

Ukraine Arms Policy: Bulgaria’s Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov and PM Rumen Radev confirmed the end of further weapons supplies to Ukraine, framing it as a shift toward negotiations and arguing Ukraine needs people, not more arms. EU Borders & Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova said Bulgaria and Türkiye will cooperate to secure the EU’s external borders, after meeting Turkish FM Hakan Fidan. Regional Security: A joint statement by 23 countries condemned Iran-linked “lethal plotting” and attacks claimed by HAYI across Europe, including actions targeting Jewish communities and journalists. North Macedonia EU Path: President Iliana Yotova stressed Bulgaria will not add new conditions beyond EU commitments already signed, insisting Skopje must fulfil them. Competition & Consumer Protection: Parliament banned unjustified price hikes and ordered daily online price disclosure for large retailers; it also tightened rules against excessively high prices by dominant firms. Energy Reform: The Council of Ministers approved separating Maritsa East 2 TPP and Mini Maritsa East from BEH, aiming to protect RRP payments. Sports Governance: Progressive Bulgaria MP Petar Stoychev urged the state to ensure Bulgarian chess players can compete internationally amid FIDE licensing sanctions. Tourism & Culture: Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov promoted “Cultural Routes – Bulgaria 2026” to extend the season and boost interior regions.

Ukraine War Policy: Bulgaria’s new government signals an end to additional state weapons supplies to Ukraine, framing the shift toward diplomacy as the way forward. Defence Spending: The Council of Ministers approved a plan to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, with core defence and security investments tracked in a consolidated way. EU Climate Politics: EU negotiators struck a deal on ETS2’s Market Stability Reserve ahead of the 2028 rollout, boosting intervention capacity to shield households from price spikes. Regional Security Diplomacy: At the SEECP summit in Sofia, Turkish FM Hakan Fidan urged cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean and stressed energy links with Bulgaria; Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova pushed EU accession criteria for North Macedonia and backed Kosovo’s integration path. India-Bulgaria Reset: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Bulgarian leaders, calling for a “contemporary and forward-looking” India–Bulgaria and India–EU partnership, with supply-chain resilience and maritime trade as priorities. Iran Condemnation: 22 countries, including Bulgaria, warned Iran to stop attacks “on our soil,” citing IRGC/Quds Force “lethal plotting” and alleged attacks on dissidents and Jewish communities. Domestic Governance: Progressive Bulgaria proposed capping MPs’ salaries at three times the public-sector average, while the government appointed Boris Mihaylov as Executive Director of the National Revenue Agency.

Ukraine Policy Shift: Bulgaria’s Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov says the state will stop providing weapons and ammunition from army warehouses to Ukraine—“provision, not sale”—citing limited reserves and arguing Ukraine needs “more people, not more weapons,” while the Ukrainian MFA insists cooperation continues on commercial terms. EU Security Mood: A new ECFR poll finds only 11% of Europeans (including Bulgaria in the survey) view the U.S. as an ally, with majorities doubting Washington would defend them, pushing support for higher European defense spending and EU borrowing for defense. Regional Diplomacy: Bulgaria and Moldova’s leaders met on the SEECP sidelines in Sofia, with talks highlighting Moldova’s EU path and protection of the Bulgarian minority, while Bulgaria’s ambassador also met Taraclia’s newly elected mayor. Domestic Cost Pressure: The government’s “Care Basket” price-cut push triggers a competition watchdog probe after farmers warned retail chains pressured suppliers to cut prices by exactly 15%. Energy & Industry: Bulgaria moves to restructure Bulgarian Energy Holding—separating Maritsa Iztok mines and TPP Maritsa Iztok 2—and seeks BEH reform steps to protect EU funding; separately, BULATOM argues for four operating nuclear reactors by 2052. Defense Budget: The Council of Ministers approved a plan to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.

Ukraine Arms Policy Shift: Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov says Bulgaria will stop supplying weapons to Ukraine and urges a “just peace” at the negotiating table, framing the war as an attritional stalemate. Parliament & Elections: President Iliana Iotova kicks off consultations for a new Central Election Commission; candidates are set to be heard June 12, while Democratic Bulgaria challenges the seat allocation methodology before the Constitutional Court. Defence Procurement: The parliamentary defence committee backs first reading of a EUR 195m project for seven new 3D radars, with delivery pushed to 2029. Border Security: Border Police receive 213 vehicles and 88 cameras under a EUR 10.5m upgrade push. Regional Diplomacy: Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu and President Iotova headline SEECP events in Sofia marking 30 years of regional cooperation. Public Opinion & Foreign Policy Mood: Surveys show Europeans’ trust in the US as an ally has hit historic lows, while defence spending and EU-made weapons gain support. EU Migration Politics: The EU migration pact takes effect Friday, aiming to speed up rejection and removal of illegal entrants; Slovenia weighs lifting some Schengen border checks. Natura 2000 Fallout: The EU is monitoring Bulgaria’s “Baba Alino” case involving alleged illegal construction in a protected Natura 2000 area near Varna.

Ukraine Policy Shift: Bulgaria’s new government, via Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov, says it will stop further weapons deliveries to Ukraine, arguing the war won’t be resolved on the battlefield and urging negotiations for a “just peace” set by both sides; the move follows Sofia’s earlier 13 aid packages since 2022 and aligns with PM Rumen Radev’s long-standing opposition to arming Kyiv. NATO & Security Posture: NATO has started operations to strengthen the northern flank, with Forward Land Forces Finland placing a Swedish battlegroup and multinational staff under Allied command, while NATO also boosts defense readiness around Finland and Sweden. Regional Diplomacy: Turkey’s foreign minister will represent President Erdogan at the SEECP summit in Sofia, as the region’s leaders push connectivity and peace efforts; Bosnia’s presidency chair Denis Bećirović is also set to attend. EU Border & Tourism Pressure: The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is already blamed for major Schengen travel slowdowns, with the WTTC warning delays could cut arrivals by up to a third. Public Health: EU drug data flags rising synthetic opioid risks, including fentanyl links to deaths in Bulgaria, alongside concerns about needle access. Sports Governance: Youth and Sports Minister Encho Keryazov outlines planned changes and priorities, including staffing adjustments and a second deputy minister appointment.

Interior Ministry Shake-up: Acting Secretary General Georgi Kandev quit effective June 8, saying he can’t “assume responsibility” for decisions he didn’t make, after a high-profile crackdown on election irregularities. Parliamentary Pressure: Vazrazhdane says it will push for hearings of Kandev and Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev, arguing the resignation signals responsibility over crime and security. Bulgaria–China Pivot: President Iliana Iotova and PM Rumen Radev met Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin to expand the strategic partnership, with talks on trade, tourism, education, culture and AI; Donev also met Shen and signed an intent agreement on labour and social policy cooperation. Energy & Lukoil: Deputy PM/Economy Minister Alexander Poulev introduced Evgeni Simeonov as special commercial administrator of Lukoil assets, stressing transparency and discipline; Simeonov said crude deliveries to Neftohim are preliminarily guaranteed until end-July and flagged a review after losses. Environment Appointments: Reneta Koleva was appointed Deputy Minister of Environment and Water. Antarctic Outreach: A photo exhibition “Antarctic Echo” opened in Sofia to spotlight the Bulgarian Antarctic mission and the role of arts and media. Defence Industry Focus: Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov urged more EU support for SMEs in defence projects at an informal EU defence ministerial in Nicosia. EU Consumer Policy: The government launched the “Care Basket” initiative with retail chains committing to price cuts on basic goods from June 18.

Lukoil Under Scrutiny: Bulgaria’s new special commercial administrator, Evgeni Simeonov, says crude oil deliveries to Neftohim are likely guaranteed until end-July, while Deputy PM Alexander Poulev warns of a potential EUR 3 bln arbitration bill after Litasco filed a dispute and rules out any nationalization. Energy & EU Policy: Transport Minister Georgi Peev pushes a “balanced” EU decarbonization approach for corporate fleets, arguing for incentives over rigid quotas and stressing rail modernization. Cost of Living: The government’s “Care Basket” deal kicks off with major retail chains cutting prices on 100+ basic products from June 18 for six months. Fiscal Decentralization: Fiscal Council member Desislava Kalcheva calls to restart municipal tax autonomy, saying decentralization has effectively stalled and local own-source revenues remain tiny. Migration Politics: Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev says Bulgaria will review claims about “dangerous ideologies” on European beaches after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s D-Day remarks. Regional Diplomacy: President Iliana Iotova hosts the SEECP 30th-anniversary summit in Sofia on June 10, handing the presidency to Romania. Culture & Education: Bulgaria’s Cultural Institute in Warsaw backs a Slavic student film festival; Sofia University reports 1,431 international students from 55 countries.

US-EU Migration Row: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth sparked a fresh transatlantic backlash after using the 82nd anniversary D-Day ceremony in Normandy to warn of an “invasion” of Europe by migrants and “dangerous ideologies,” naming Spain, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria as “beaches” being “stormed.” UK Political Pushback: Labour ministers and senior UK figures hit back, saying the remarks were “lacking in class” and “out of place” for a remembrance event. Bulgaria in the Crosshairs: Hegseth’s explicit mention of Bulgaria adds pressure to the debate over migration and security in Europe, with critics arguing the speech politicised WWII commemoration. NATO Deterrence Moves: Separately, NATO began operations to strengthen the defence of Sweden and Finland, including a new multinational combat presence in Finland—an eastern-flank signal as tensions with Russia persist. Local Bulgarian Angle: In Sofia, President Iliana Iotova marked the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising, stressing that Bulgaria’s historical memory “can never be erased.”

US-EU Tensions: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sparked a firestorm by using the D-Day anniversary in Normandy to warn of an “invasion” of Europe via migration, naming Spain, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria—prompting backlash from British and US lawmakers who said the remarks were “out of place” and inappropriate for honoring veterans. Political Fallout: Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon and Texas Rep. Michael McCaul joined the criticism, while UK Deputy PM David Lammy said he told JD Vance the Henry Nowak case had “nothing to do with mass migration.” NATO & Security: NATO began boosting defenses around Sweden and Finland with a new multinational combat group in Finland, while Bulgaria-related coverage also noted four US KC-135 tankers leaving Sofia after months at Vasil Levski Airport. Bulgaria Watch: The DSB party warned Bulgaria’s new government is drifting toward command-style governance, inflated spending and isolation from EU policies. Culture & Diplomacy: President Iliana Iotova is set to attend a regional security conference in Sofia, and Bulgaria marked 120 years of diplomatic ties with Norway in Stavanger.

Judiciary Watch: Acting Prosecutor General Vanya Stefanova says her six-month priorities are restoring “normalcy” in prosecution work by tightening professionalism, improving dialogue between institutions, and ensuring investigations produce results that stand in court. Anti-Corruption Oversight: A new SCC Board member, Rosen Hristov, pledges to stop corruption schemes and misappropriation by drafting preventive international-style procedures after an audit of the State Consolidation Company and subsidiaries. Migration & Security Rhetoric: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sparked backlash in France by linking D-Day commemoration to an “invasion” of Europe via sea migration, naming beaches including Bulgaria and urging tougher European action. Public Safety: Sofia’s deadly crash update raises the toll to four after two injured passengers died in hospital; prosecutors say drivers of the two cars were likely responsible, with further checks on licenses and possible violations abroad. Culture & Diplomacy: Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia staged a cross-border folklore festival in Kapitanovtsi to keep traditions alive and strengthen regional ties. Science & National Presence: BTA says it remains the key Bulgarian source on Antarctic research, citing hundreds of reports and major visual coverage tied to the 34th expedition. Sports & Community: Bulgarian wrestlers won silver at the Ulaanbaatar Open, while a “Match of Hope” in Burgas backed treatment for former football stars.

US-EU Security Clash: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used the D-Day anniversary in Normandy to warn Europe about an “invasion” by migrants arriving by sea, calling it an “invasion of dangerous ideologies” and naming Spain, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria while urging allies to do more on defense. Judiciary Priorities: Acting Prosecutor General Vanya Stefanova outlined a six-month plan focused on stronger professionalism, better dialogue with institutions, and investigations that hold up in court. Justice & the Bar: Justice Minister Nikolay Naydenov said fair justice is impossible without a strong, independent and respected bar, backing EU-level moves on lawyer protections and calling for fair pay for legal work. Presidential Memory Politics: President Iliana Iotova marked the Ilieva Niva memorial gathering for Thracian Bulgarians, calling for justice and dialogue, and placing a time capsule. Culture & Diplomacy: Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia held a cross-border folklore festival in Kapitanovtsi, while Bulgarians collected Romanian books at Bucharest’s Bookfest for Sofia University Library. Science & National Presence in Antarctica: BTA said it remains the key source on Bulgarian Antarctic research, citing hundreds of reports and thousands of photos from the 34th expedition. Sports: Bulgarian wrestlers won two silvers at the Ulaanbaatar Open; a “Match of Hope” charity game in Burgas raised funds for treatment of former players. Regional Safety: A sea drone self-destructed near a Romanian Black Sea oil terminal, with Romania citing Russian-linked electronic warfare.

Rule of Law & EU Justice: Justice Minister Nikolay Naydenov told EU Commissioner Michael McGrath that Bulgaria is keeping reform continuity and delivering results under the Rule of Law dialogue, including progress on anti-corruption and judicial changes. European Prosecutor Selection: European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kovesi urged Bulgaria to finish the nomination process for the next European Prosecutor fast and without politicization, warning delays could hurt EPPO work. Healthcare Governance Clash: The MRF is pushing Parliament to dismiss NHIF leadership, targeting Deputy Governor Momchil Mavrov over alleged failures after a scheme involving fictitious rehab pathways; Mavrov counters that inspections found no irregularities. Budget Deficit Fight: Prime Minister Rumen Radev blamed the deficit on past “contortions” like decapitalization, delayed VAT and hidden costs, while Finance Minister Galab Donev said the government will avoid short-term tax hikes and focus on long-term spending cuts. Security & Justice Cooperation: Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov denied Bulgaria supplied Ukraine with naval mines; Prosecutor General Vanya Stefanova signed an extradition request for S.M. held in Serbia. Diplomacy: Georgi Vodenski was appointed Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. EU-Western Balkans Summit: Radev backed merit-based enlargement and stronger regional security at the Tivat summit. Public Health Warning: Experts warned childhood obesity remains high, citing UNICEF data and urging action.

EU–Bulgaria Fiscal Pressure: Bulgaria’s finance minister says the European Commission will move ahead with an excessive deficit procedure after an EC mission, with Bulgaria facing possible new deficit-cut measures. SME Funding Scrutiny: Deputy PM Atanas Pekanov confirms an extraordinary audit of an SME support scheme over selection concerns, with results to be made public and funding paused if breaches are found. Public Finance Oversight: The National Audit Office reports it blocked BGN 3.37 bln in accounting errors in 2024 public sector statements, with most corrected after auditor intervention. Local Investment Push: Economy Minister Alexander Poulev tells Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev that investment policy will be elevated to Council of Ministers level, including a new investment coordination unit and a push for Bulgarian suppliers in strategic projects. EU Legal Aid Infringement: The European Commission advances an infringement case over legal aid rules, citing gaps in how Portugal and Poland transpose EU standards—an issue that can affect suspects and defendants across borders. International Courts & Rights: EU justice ministers debate cross-border recognition of parenthood, a sensitive file tied to children’s access to care and rights when families move. Security & Crime: Europol-backed action targets counterfeit medicines and supplements networks across multiple countries, including Bulgaria. Culture & Media: BTA signs a partnership with Kazanlak to cover the town’s cultural calendar, while writer Boyka Asiova receives the ABUJET award named after BTA’s Maxim Minchev.