What’s next for the Bulgarian army after the war in Ukraine?

More significant NATO presence in the country and further investments in key military equipment are likely in the aftermath of the Russian invasion

Houston, we have a (coalition and inflation) problem - but also a Resilience plan, at last

Ceaseless troubles for the ruling majority; more, yet pricier F-16s on the way & downgraded GDP forecast

The second F-16 deal: late and more expensive

Despite political hopes that the second batch of 8 US-made fighters would be cheaper, the initial offer price stands at 1.7 billion USD - a third more than in 2019

The day in 3 news: US offers Bulgaria a new deal for 8 more F-16s, Inflation to hit 10.4%, State plans new gov’t bonds auction after last one fails

The day in 3 news: NATO approves 4 new battlegroups, including in Bulgaria, Prosecution probes Assen Vassilev, Sofia withdraws ambassador to Moscow

Five days into the Ukraine war, Bulgaria continues to send mixed messages

While PM Petkov promises humanitarian and military aid to Kyiv, Defense Minister Yanev and BSP remain opposed to any significant moves in support of Ukraine

The day in 3 news: Disaster on a Greek ship, state loans to companies for energy bills, Bulgaria wants compensation for the F-16s

F-16s delayed: What happened to the new fighters for the Bulgarian air force?

Supply chain issues and logistical problems have stalled the production of the Lockheed Martin jets, postponing deliveries by up to two years

The week: Call them by their names, planes to Skopje and Bangkok, and the Recovery plan is back

F-16 are not on the horizon, while trains are

The day in 3 news: Bulgaria sells vaccines, Negotiations for forming government go on, Bulgaria enquires the US about 8 more F-16

The day in 3 news: Finance minister lays into corrupt spending, Delivery of F-16s might be postponed, Health Ministry issues pandemic action plan

Eagle Down: the systemic flaws that led to the crash of a MiG-29

Inadequate resources, an ageing fighter fleet, criminally few flying hours for pilots and poor training - just some of the problems plaguing the Bulgarian Air Force

The week: The offices will stay empty, GERB is on the ropes, the Revenue agency raises its game

Who is in Radev’s caretaker gov’t and what are their key tasks?

The primary job of the cabinet led by ex-General Stefan Yanev will be to organize fair elections in July - but it might have a more political role than anticipated

A slap from across the ocean, a 4.2% drop in GDP and are there really so many vandals around here

The Great Patriotic Rearmament

Despite the pandemic, Bulgaria went on a military spending spree in 2020 – and pledges to continue

Fast Reads

Investors snap up Bulgarian bonds

Since the start of the year, the Ministry of Finance has been briskly selling government bonds amidst strong investor interest

MRF Corporation

Launched as a party fighting for the political representation of Bulgaria’s ethnic Turks, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms has morphed into a quasi-business organization quietly pulling strings behind the scenes

A budget to appeal to everyone

There is enough room for maneuvering in case of an economic downturn but reforms are nowhere in sight