About our Bulgaria news
Latest news on Bulgaria, covering politics, economy, eurozone adoption, government, culture, heritage, Black Sea, Sofia, Plovdiv and more.
Bulgaria is a Balkan nation of approximately 6.7 million people, with its capital Sofia home to 1.3 million residents. The country officially adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, becoming the 21st member of the eurozone with a conversion rate of 1.95583 lev per euro. Major cities include Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited settlements, and the Black Sea ports of Varna and Burgas.
The country faces significant political turbulence following the resignation of Prime Minister Rossen Zhelyazkov's government in December 2025, triggered by mass protests against proposed tax increases. The demonstrations, described as the largest since the 1990s, drew tens of thousands across Bulgaria and reflected deep public frustration with corruption, economic pressures and the influence of controversial figures such as oligarch Delyan Peevski. Early elections are expected in 2026, continuing a cycle of political instability that has seen multiple elections since 2021.
Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage includes nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the medieval Rila Monastery and Boyana Church frescoes to the ancient Black Sea city of Nesebŭr and Thracian tombs. Traditional festivals like the kukeri ritual, featuring masked dancers in elaborate costumes, and the martenitsa spring celebration remain vibrant aspects of Bulgarian life. The country's folk music, particularly women's vocal traditions, has gained international recognition while maintaining deep connections to its Thracian, Slavic and Byzantine roots.
The nation's history stretches back millennia, with Thracian tribes inhabiting the region before Greek, Roman and Byzantine rule. The First Bulgarian Empire, established in 681, introduced the Cyrillic alphabet and Orthodox Christianity that shaped national identity. Five centuries of Ottoman rule ended in 1878, followed by periods of independence, Communist governance from 1946 to 1989, and eventual EU membership in 2007.
Contemporary Bulgaria grapples with demographic challenges, as approximately 1.8 million Bulgarians live abroad, many seeking better economic opportunities. Average wages remain around €1,000 monthly, significantly below the EU average. The World Bank projects economic growth of around 3 per cent for 2025-2027, while the eurozone transition represents both opportunity and adjustment for businesses and consumers navigating currency conversion.
Stay comprehensively informed about Bulgaria's evolving political landscape, economic developments and cultural events through NewsNow's dedicated feed. Our continuously updated coverage draws from reliable sources to provide timely reporting on government changes, eurozone integration, regional developments and the stories that matter to residents and those interested in this historically rich Balkan nation.