AGP Executive Report

Institutional Security: Cyber police say the latest bomb-threat emails named Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev; hundreds of institutions have been targeted in recurring waves, but the perpetrators and motive remain unclear. Presidential Race: Andrey Gurov says the president must independently oversee government, while election officials say voting machines have no internet connection and cannot be interfered with remotely. Black Sea Security: Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova says attacks on two commercial ships in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone point to the conflict spreading into the Black Sea. Officials say the drones’ origin is still unconfirmed as Bulgaria seeks support from allies. Political Fallout: GERB leader Boyko Borissov says Prime Minister Rumen Radev’s meeting with Ukrainian official Kyrylo Budanov was kept from security services and the president, intensifying scrutiny of the government’s handling of security. Energy Policy: Borissov criticizes the lifting of diesel export restrictions, while the Burgas refinery says it can meet domestic demand. Defence Ties: Deputy PM Alexander Poulev will lead a 30-company delegation to the US to pursue defence and technology partnerships.

Black Sea Security: Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova says attacks on two ships in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone show the war’s risks spreading into the Black Sea. She says the incidents were outside Bulgarian territory but calls for EU and NATO support; the drones’ origin remains unconfirmed. Budanov Visit Row: GERB leader Boyko Borissov accused Prime Minister Rumen Radev of holding a secret meeting with Ukrainian official Kyrylo Budanov without the President or security services knowing. President Iliana Iotova says she was neither invited nor informed. Presidential Race: Candidates are campaigning ahead of the October 25 vote, with Kostadin Kostadinov promising to put national interests first and Iotova calling for a stronger state. Fuel Export Dispute: Borissov renewed criticism of the government’s decision to resume petroleum exports, warning domestic consumers could pay the price. Lukoil Neftohim says its Burgas refinery can meet local diesel demand and export the surplus. Election Safeguards: The Central Election Commission says voting machines have no internet connection and voters can use ballot hash codes to check that certified software is running.

Black Sea Security: Bulgaria has sent a frigate to investigate drone attacks on two merchant ships in its exclusive economic zone; one sank. Officials say no debris has identified the attackers, and Prime Minister Rumen Radev says there is still no proof of origin. The EU is urging Bulgaria to help establish who was responsible as shipping risks rise. Ukraine Talks: The government confirmed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, visited Sofia privately and met Radev on October 8. Opposition figures have demanded details of the talks; Radev says indications point to one side in the war, but evidence is lacking. Presidential Election: More than 2,400 voting sections are set to have two machines, while a new poll puts Iliana Iotova in the lead. Candidate Andrey Gurov says the presidency should be transparent and able to hold the executive to account. EU Enlargement: Bulgaria says it will not renegotiate North Macedonia’s accession terms and expects Skopje to fulfil its 2022 commitments. Business Support: The government plans nearly €83 million for green technology in small and medium-sized firms.

Black Sea Security: Bulgarian teams found no drone debris aboard the damaged ship Able or at the attack site, leaving the perpetrators unidentified. Prime Minister Rumen Radev said there are indications pointing to one side in the Ukraine war but no proof; the EU is urging Bulgaria to help identify those responsible. Diplomacy and Defence: Presidential candidate Iliana Iotova called for a Black Sea moratorium on military hostilities, while Turkey has proposed separate routes for Russian and Ukrainian civilian vessels. Bulgaria also approved the purchase of five additional IRIS-T air-defence systems. Political Tensions: The government confirmed that Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov met Radev in Sofia at his own request, but the visit’s secrecy has drawn criticism from opposition leader Kostadin Kostadinov. Presidential Election: Candidates are campaigning ahead of the October 25 vote, with Iotova advocating active diplomacy and Andrey Gurov calling for a stronger presidential institution to hold the executive to account. More than 2,400 voting sections will have two voting machines. EU Enlargement: Bulgaria again ruled out changing the conditions for North Macedonia’s EU path, urging Skopje to fulfil its 2022 commitments.

Black Sea Security: Kyiv’s intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov made a confidential visit to Sofia on October 8 and met Prime Minister Rumen Radev, days after drone strikes hit two merchant ships in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone. One ship sank and its crew remains missing; Bulgaria has paused the search and requested technical help to inspect the wreck. Political Fallout: Sofia says it will not blame Russia without proof, while the National Security Council called for a halt to attacks on commercial shipping. President Iliana Iotova has urged a Black Sea moratorium and stronger anti-drone defenses; the cabinet plans to acquire five additional air-defense systems. North Macedonia: Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova says Bulgaria is not discussing revised EU conditions with Skopje and expects it to meet the commitments agreed in 2022, including protecting Bulgarians’ rights. Regional Links: Türkiye opened a 153-kilometre high-speed rail section to the Bulgarian border, a major step in EU-backed connectivity plans. Border Security: An Interpol operation seized more than 1,000 military-grade firearms in two trucks at the Bulgaria–Türkiye crossing, part of a Europe-wide haul of 2,823 weapons.

Black Sea Security: Bulgaria is monitoring a damaged, abandoned bulker drifting into its waters and seeking technical help to establish who struck two commercial vessels in its exclusive economic zone. Ten crew members from the sunken Alfa Watan remain missing; Damascus is demanding an independent investigation after Bulgaria called off the search. Sofia says it will summon Russia’s ambassador if evidence confirms Russian involvement, while the government plans to acquire five more air-defence systems. Presidential Campaign: Candidates are debating neutrality, defence readiness and the president’s role ahead of the October 25 vote. The media regulator condemned hate speech by a vice-presidential candidate, and the election commission found an Election Code violation. Regional Ties: Bulgaria and North Macedonia remain far apart on EU accession conditions, though their foreign ministers agreed to continue dialogue. A Sofia conference cast Corridor VIII as a strategic link between the Adriatic and Black seas, tied to European connectivity and security.

Black Sea Security: Bulgaria’s foreign minister says Russia’s ambassador will be summoned if investigators establish Russian responsibility for the drone attack on two commercial ships in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone. The government says the perpetrator remains unknown; President Iliana Iotova has proposed regional talks and a moratorium on Black Sea hostilities. Bulgaria has halted its search for the sunken ship’s crew, prompting Syria to demand an independent investigation into the attack and the rescue decision. Defence: Sofia is seeking help to inspect the wreck with an underwater drone and plans to acquire five additional air-defence systems. Presidential Race: A new poll puts Iotova and running mate Kiril Valchev at 44.9%, ahead of Andrey Gyurov’s ticket at 24.8%; nearly 40,000 Bulgarians abroad have registered to vote. Regional Ties: A ministerial conference in Sofia is pushing for faster progress on Corridor 8, linking the Adriatic and Black seas. Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova also plans to raise Iva Mihaylova’s case with North Macedonia’s counterpart.

Black Sea Security: Bulgaria has ended the search for the crew of the sunken cargo ship Alfa Watan without finding survivors. After drone attacks on two vessels in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, President Iliana Iotova called for an investigation and stronger maritime defenses. Prime Minister Rumen Radev said there is no direct threat to national security and that Bulgaria cannot identify who carried out the strikes without evidence. Political parties disagreed over the council’s statement and whether responsibility should be attributed. Defence: The Cabinet asked Parliament to approve five additional IRIS-T air-defense systems, alongside the first system already contracted, under the EU’s SAFE mechanism. Election Readiness: The Central Election Commission says about 2,000 repaired voting machines are operational ahead of the presidential election; nearly 40,000 Bulgarians abroad have applied to vote. Judicial Oversight: Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee scheduled hearings for Supreme Judicial Council candidates from November 2 to 6.

Black Sea Security: Bulgaria has ended the search for the crew of a cargo ship sunk by a drone strike in its Black Sea economic zone; up to 10 sailors are reported missing, with no survivors found. Kyiv blamed Russia, while Sofia says the attacker’s origin remains under investigation. President Iliana Iotova convened a security council, and Prime Minister Rumen Radev called the attack a breach of international law. Defence Plans: Radev says Bulgaria is seeking air- and sea-based systems to counter unmanned threats. The government plans to approve funding for five additional IRIS-T air-defence systems, on top of one already contracted. Presidential Race: A new poll puts Iliana Iotova well ahead of Andrey Gyurov, 47.8% to 24.6%, as candidates campaign ahead of the October 25 vote.

Black Sea Security: Bulgaria’s PM Rumen Radev condemned drone attacks that hit two commercial vessels in the country’s NATO exclusive economic zone, calling it a “blatant violation of international law.” One ship sank and its crew is missing; the other was damaged and its 18 sailors were rescued, with two seriously injured. Presidential & EU Response: President Iliana Iotova convenes the Consultative Council on National Security to assess maritime risks, while EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen backed Bulgaria and warned attacks on civilian shipping are unacceptable. Ukraine Blame Game: Zelensky said Ukraine’s forces conducted no operations in the area and that the attack was a Russian combined sea-and-air drone strike. Domestic Politics: Opposition MPs criticized the power-holders and pushed for clearer responsibility after the incident. Maritime Fallout: Bulgaria ordered emergency marine pollution checks after the attacks, as insurers and shipping routes face rising uncertainty. Elections Watch: Ten voting machines were drawn for certification ahead of the Oct. 25 presidential vote, and a new poll shows Iotova leading with 47.8%.

Black Sea Security: Bulgarian PM Rumen Radev called Tuesday’s drone attack on two merchant ships in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone “absolutely unacceptable,” after the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan sank and the Palau-flagged Able caught fire; 18 crew were rescued, two seriously injured, and a major search continues for the missing sailors as Bulgaria monitors for possible environmental damage. EU Reaction: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said attacks on civilian shipping are “unacceptable,” warning the Black Sea situation is worsening and expressing solidarity with Bulgaria and other EU states. Presidential Agenda: President Iliana Yotova convened the Consultative Council for National Security on Wednesday to review maritime risks and threats to Bulgaria’s critical infrastructure in the Ukraine war context, after political parties pushed for emergency measures. Digital State Capacity: Innovation Minister Ivan Vasilev said fast, seamless communication with the state is the goal by 2030, including rollout of the EU Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet). Finance Watchdog: Bulgaria’s Fiscal Council warned of a debt spiral risk and interest-rate pressure in the 2027 budget process, urging savings and structural steps to protect room for education and healthcare. Economic Development: Economy Minister Alexandar Poulev presented the new supervisory board of the Bulgarian Development Bank, stressing support for SMEs and investment to reduce regional disparities. Tech & Defence Industry: At Inter Drone Expo 2026 in Sofia, PM Radev linked unmanned systems to both everyday services and defence needs, while the event showcased counter-drone and unmanned platforms from 16 countries.

Presidential Race & Polling: A Myara survey says Iliana Iotova and Kiril Valchev lead a hypothetical October vote with 46.9%, ahead of Andrey Gurov–Georgi Kandev at 25.3%, with turnout intentions at 35.4%. Campaign Messaging: Iotova in Varna pushed for dialogue and a negotiated end to the Ukraine war, while vowing no Bulgarian soldiers sent; Kostadin Kostadinov in Haskovo framed the presidency as unifying rather than dividing; Gurov in Lovech pledged to back security and independence and act as a “balancing factor.” EU Budget Fight: Bulgaria and 16 EU states urged leaders to protect cohesion and CAP funding in the 2028–2034 budget, warning cuts would weaken the EU and public support. Tech & Education Policy: President Iotova opened the Black Sea Technology Forum, calling for “technological sovereignty”; the Education Ministry launched a free platform for schools with ready-made AI and innovation lesson resources. Energy & Foreign Policy: Bulgaria’s gas corridor capacity from Greece rose 30% this year; Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova pushed EU budget cooperation with the Netherlands and announced internships for Bulgarian students at embassies. International Law & Culture: Bulgaria donated a Tryavna-made oak lectern to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague; Bulgaria also marked the return of Tsar Samuel’s remains to Sofia after 60 years in Greece. Black Sea Security: A Turkish-owned cargo ship sank after a fire, with two dead and 11 rescued; Ukraine blamed Russian drones.

Return of Tsar Samuel: Bulgaria welcomed the remains of medieval Tsar Samuel to Sofia after 60 years in Greece, with a state ceremony at St. Sophia and a military flypast, as Bulgaria and Greece also agreed on returning 48 ecclesiastical relics taken from Northern Greece during WWI. Black Sea Security: Romania reported a freighter fire and sinking in the Black Sea near the Bulgarian coast, with 2 dead and 11 rescued; Ukraine blamed Russia for a drone strike on a civilian grain ship. Presidential Race: Alpha Research puts Iliana Iotova/Kiril Valchev on 44.5% among decided voters for the 25 October vote, with a likely runoff ahead of Andrey Gyurov/Georgi Kandev (26.1%). Road Safety Crackdown: Bulgarian police joined ROADPOL, targeting phone use and seat-belt compliance, with tens of thousands of violations recorded since the start of the year. Energy & Tech: Renalfa and Eurowind inaugurated Bulgaria’s Tenevo hybrid storage complex (773 MWh), while INSAIT’s EXPLORER scholarship programme selected 15 young talents. Border Crime Bust: A week-long “Balkan Bridge II” operation seized drugs, weapons parts, counterfeit goods and uncovered migrant smuggling routes across Bulgarian checkpoints.

Defence & Industry: Deputy PM Alexander Poulev says Bulgaria wants a Rheinmetall plant operational within 30 months, stressing full technology transfer and rejecting earlier site proposals lacking basic infrastructure. Public Finance: Finance Minister Galab Donev targets a 2027 deficit of 3.8% of GDP (as close to 3% as possible) to close the excessive deficit procedure, while noting 2026 payments cluster in the final quarter. Border Security: “Balkan Bridge II” ended with seizures across Bulgarian checkpoints, including 58 kg of narcotics, 300,000 unstamped cigarettes, counterfeit goods, and smuggling-linked firearms parts. Justice & Rights: Bulgaria reports 1,000+ applications for free legal aid in 2026, with the National Legal Aid Bureau covering court and administrative representation for eligible groups. Foreign Policy & Law: Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova will visit the Netherlands to donate a Tryavna-made oak lectern to the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague. Energy Strategy: Energy Minister Iva Petrova flags Kozloduy Units 7 and 8 as nuclear priorities, framing new capacity as central to energy security. EU Politics: 17 EU leaders urge Ireland to protect farm and cohesion funding in the next budget. International Science: The US and 16 countries back the “Kyoto Vision for a Golden Age of Science,” with Bulgaria among endorsers.

Tsar Samuel Returns: Bulgaria received the remains of medieval ruler Tsar Samuel from Greece after decades of talks, with a state ceremony in Sofia and a handover in Thessaloniki attended by top leaders; the coffin was flown in with fighter-jet escort and laid at the St. Sophia Basilica, while politicians across the spectrum joined the tribute. Diplomacy & Heritage: The transfer is tied to a broader Greece-Bulgaria protocol: 48 church artefacts are returning to Greece on loan/transfer terms, and both sides framed the deal as a step toward settling long-running cultural disputes. Presidential Campaign: Ahead of Bulgaria’s Oct. 25 presidential vote, candidates Iliana Iotova, Ivan Hristanov, and Andrey Gurov pushed themes of restoring trust in institutions, youth support, and stronger executive accountability. EU Budget Fight: Seventeen EU leaders, including Bulgaria, urged Ireland’s rotating presidency to protect CAP and Cohesion funding from cuts in the next EU budget negotiations. Fact-Checking Row: Russia-linked Global Fact-Checking Network says a Daily Telegraph/Welt am Sonntag probe into a Leipzig/Halle drone incident contains major inconsistencies, including date framing and claims about surveillance.

Tsar Samuel Repatriation: Bulgaria received the mortal remains of medieval ruler Tsar Samuil from Greece after nearly six decades, with a state ceremony in Sofia following a Thessaloniki handover; the coffin arrived on a Spartan transport escorted by MiG-29 and F-16 jets, then was placed in a sarcophagus at St Sophia as thousands watched and officials across parties attended. Cultural Diplomacy: The return was sealed alongside a reciprocal heritage deal: Greece handed over Samuil’s remains while Bulgaria provided 48 church artefacts on loan/exchange terms, with Greek PM Mitsotakis framing it as a shift in how cultural heritage disputes should be handled. EU Budget Fight: Seventeen EU leaders, including Bulgaria, urged the Irish EU presidency to protect Cohesion Policy and the CAP from proposed cuts, warning reductions would weaken the EU budget and undermine support. North Macedonia Talks: President Iliana Iotova said Bulgaria is open to talks with North Macedonia without ultimatums or departures from EU enlargement policy, while pressing for resolution of outstanding issues. Presidential Politics: Vazrazhdane’s Kostadin Kostadinov used the Samuil moment to argue for “dignified” leadership and a stronger presidential role ahead of the Oct. 25 vote.