Significant economic benefits are expected for Bulgaria (population 6.5 million) and Romania (19 million), which have become full members of the Schengen area. According to estimates, GDP is likely to grow by at least 1% in both countries, an analysis by AFP shows.
In Bulgaria, the poor state of infrastructure is likely to limit the positive impact: narrow roads, highways that are often poorly maintained, few bridges over the Danube River, which is the border with Romania, non-existent or destroyed railway lines, etc. As for tourism, the sector is counting on an increase in the number of travelers to neighboring Greece, AFP predicts. "Bulgaria and Romania belong to Schengen. You have shown vision, patience and determination," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a special greeting for 2025, BGNES reported.
Plovdiv will offer concerts, bazaars and an ice park for the Christmas and New Year holidays to its citizens and guests, the municipality has announced. Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov will light the Christmas tree in front of the Plovdiv Municipality..
On Thursday, minimum temperatures will range from 3° to 19°C, with eastern areas reaching 15–19°C and Sofia around 6°C. The day will be cloudy with widespread rain. Heavy rainfall is expected in western regions overnight and in central and southern..
“Solutions for achieving peace in Ukraine must be based on fundamental principles of the UN Charter, such as sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.” This was stated by Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev at the informal video..
Partly Cloudy
Mostly Cloudy
Fog