The day in 3 news: Bulgaria orders 35 high-tech electric trains; Sofia Metro leadership change sparks unrest; Agri-solar farms still a no

Дневник

The day in 3 news: Bulgaria orders 35 high-tech electric trains; Sofia Metro leadership change sparks unrest; Agri-solar farms still a no

Дневник

© Юлия Лазарова


Change of trains is on track

Transport Minister Grozdan Karadjov has signed a contract worth 1 billion levs for the purchase of 35 new electric trains, 12 of which will be funded through the Recovery and Resilience Plan and are expected to arrive by August 2026. This marks Bulgaria's largest investment in rail rolling stock to date, and the government has approved an interest-free loan of 279 million levs to cover the advance payment.

The new Coradia Stream trains from French manufacturer Alstom will each have six carriages, 351 seats (including 51 in first class), advanced passenger tracking systems, charging ports, and dedicated spaces for bikes and strollers. Designed for journeys up to 4 to 5 hours and capable of speeds up to 160 km/h, the trains are expected to significantly enhance comfort, safety, and environmental sustainability for Bulgarian rail passengers.

Metro leadership change meets opposition

Nikolay Naydenov has been appointed the new CEO of Sofia's municipal company Metropolitan, the company that operates the capital's metro, after the board of directors voted to remove longtime head Stoyan Bratoev.

Although Bratoev, whose deteriorating health was cited as the main factor behind the decision, will remain a board member, opposition leaders from Save Sofia and BSP threatened to demand the resignation of the entire board. The board meeting was disrupted by city councilors supporting Bratoev, prompting police to be called to maintain order.

Naydenov, who also chairs the board, confirmed the leadership change but refused to answer journalists' questions or engage with the protesting councilors.

Constitutional Court strikes down solar farm easements on agricultural land

The Constitutional Court of Bulgaria has annulled legal provisions that made it easier to build renewable energy facilities on agricultural land, according to lex.bg.

It declared two clauses from the Agricultural Land Protection Act partially unconstitutional; these had been introduced through transitional provisions of the amended Renewable Energy Act, published in October 2023. The challenge was initiated by President Rumen Radev. The Court's full reasoning behind the decision is expected to be released at a later date.

Change of trains is on track

Transport Minister Grozdan Karadjov has signed a contract worth 1 billion levs for the purchase of 35 new electric trains, 12 of which will be funded through the Recovery and Resilience Plan and are expected to arrive by August 2026. This marks Bulgaria's largest investment in rail rolling stock to date, and the government has approved an interest-free loan of 279 million levs to cover the advance payment.

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