Coal transition plans accepted
Bulgaria will not forfeit 1.2 billion euros for the economic transition of its coal regions, despite the delay in submitting its Just transition plans to the European Commission, because the plans of Stara Zagora, Kyustendil and Pernik already have Brussels' approval.
The goal, according to the submission, is for coal-fired power to have a reduced role and be part of a wider energy mix by 2038, yet it is unclear how this will be achieved.
A total of 96 regions throughout the EU receive support from the Fund through 70 plans.
Huge cocaine haul found on Bulgarian vessel
Customs authorities have seized 500 kg of cocaine worth nearly 20 million euros aboard the Maltese-flagged ship Verila, announced Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov. The ship, manned by 17 Bulgarian crew and one Ukrainian, is allegedly linked to Bulgarian businessman Kiril Domuschiev.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mariya Gabriel, explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had requested further information and that the investigation was ongoing.
Stoyanov pointed out that more information had been requested from the Bulgarian side about the crew members detained.
Bozhkov brands Borissov and Peevski as criminals
Former prime minister Boyko Borissov and MP Delyan Peevski are effectively partners in crime, Bulgarian businessman, former betting kingpin and billionaire Vassil Bozhkov has told Radio Free Europe. Just days ago the court case against Boyko Borissov, accusing him of racketeering, was dropped by the prosecution.
"Peevski and Borissov are like Siamese twins, they cannot be separated. They have many common interests, many common businesses, many common places to steal from. Peevski's network is stronger, but Borissov has the bigger political party," said Bozhkov.
Bozhkov, now back in Sofia, again reiterated that huge bribes were handed to Borissov's PR and Magnitsky-sanctioned former finance minister Vladislav Goranov to safeguard the betting business during the period concerned.
Coal transition plans accepted
Bulgaria will not forfeit 1.2 billion euros for the economic transition of its coal regions, despite the delay in submitting its Just transition plans to the European Commission, because the plans of Stara Zagora, Kyustendil and Pernik already have Brussels' approval.
