Bulgaria
LONG READ: The Growers - a handful of countries in New Europe are coping with the coronacrisis and are still expanding
Gold-exporting Uzbekistan has the emerging Europe region's best shot at achieving positive GDP growth this year. Other economies managed to expand in Q1 but will be pushed into full-year contractions.
Bulgarian police arrest deputy minister over illegal waste imports
Illegal waste imports from the Italian mafia were delivered to Bulgaria, reportedly to be burned in local power plants.
Movie night at the airport
Central Europeans in need of a culture fix after weeks of lockdown can now watch films at a growing number of drive-ins and outdoor cinemas opened in car parks, airport aprons and other open spaces as restrictions are eased.
CONFERENCE CALL: 5G to turbocharge post-COVID recovery
The coronavirus pandemic has been a fertile breeding ground for 5G conspiracy theories, and legitimate concerns about security still need to be addressed, but rolling out 5G mobile networks in Europe could give economies a much-needed boost.
Most Central, Southeast Europe economies contract in Q1 but outperform eurozone average
Performance ranges from a contraction of 5.4% q/q in Slovakia to growth of 0.3% q/q in Bulgaria and Romania.
North Macedonia ranks 2nd in Europe for quality of mobile services finds Germany’s Connect
Macedonians are extremely satisfied with the standard of telecoms services from the local operators and at the same time enjoy some of the highest quality services in Europe.
BALKAN BLOG: Is Bulgaria the next serious hurdle on North Macedonia’s EU path?
The EU's conclusions on starting negotiations with candidate country North Macedonia include an appendix with long list of Bulgaria's demands including non-recognition of the Macedonian language.
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Retail sales under lockdown across Central and Eastern Europe are sinking
A worldwide lockdown has created havoc for retailers as their customers are forced to stay at home. There has been a little respite as sales in March surged due to panic buying but that has given way to a lockdown that keeps stores closed
Southeast Europe looks to near abroad tourists to save 2020 summer season
Holidaymakers from nearby countries that have managed to get their coronavirus outbreaks under control could provide a lifeline to Adriatic and Black Sea tourist destinations.
Bulgaria not to extend state of emergency after May 13
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Bulgaria remains relatively low at below 2,000, and the government has already started easing restrictions.