Bulgaria
Bulgaria imposes 3-week lockdown to slow down COVID-19 spread
The decision comes after weeks of high numbers of new cases putting intense pressure on hospitals. Many Bulgarians believe it comes too late.
Bulgaria to impose lockdown to slow down coronavirus spread
The country ranked first in terms of the share of people who have died from coronavirus in Europe and the number of new cases remains high, above 4,000 per day.
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Czech companies dominate this year’s Deloitte Technology Fast 50 CE
A record 21 Czech companies made it into the ranking of the region’s fastest growing tech businesses.
Bulgarians deeply divided over government’s decision to block North Macedonia’s EU talks
Critics slam Sofia’s decision to block its neighbour’s progress towards EU accession as “morally indefensible” and “pitiful”, link veto to Bulgarian ruling parties’ falling popularity ahead of 2021 general election.
EU ministers fail to agree on launch of accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia
Bulgaria uses veto to block North Macedonia’s progress towards EU accession, while Netherlands insists Albania meet all conditions by EU leaders.
Western Balkans commit to green agenda and regional common market at Sofia summit
Agreements signed on deepening regional integration and alignment with EU policies aimed at achieving climate neutrality — but no breakthrough in ongoing spat between summit's co-hosts Bulgaria and North Macedonia.
Bulgaria's retail sales fall 6.7% y/y in September
Sales of food, non-food goods and automotive fuel all plunged in September.
Bulgaria puts first veto on North Macedonia’s EU path
Bulgaria blocked its neighbour's progress towards EU accession after its controversial unilateral conditions were not included in the EU negotiation framework for North Macedonia.
CEE Banking Sectors: In crisis and recovery mode at the same time
There is positive news for all Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) commercial bankers, market observers and investment bankers. The fresh 2020 CEE Banking Report by Raiffeisen Research paints an encouraging picture of banking in CEE.
Rising COVID-19 cases put intense pressure on CEE healthcare systems
New restrictions imposed in countries struggling with a vicious second wave of the pandemic.
EU ambassadors postpone meeting on North Macedonia in attempt to find compromise with Sofia
Hopes two-day delay will enable Germany’s diplomatic efforts to prevent Bulgaria from vetoing the start of EU accession talks with Skopje.
Bulgaria’s “Poisonous Trio” calls for halt to protests to stop spread of COVID-19
After 116 nights of anti-government protests, organisers say "other forms of resistance" are needed as mass demonstrations risk putting further pressure on Bulgaria's over-stretched healthcare system.
Below average 2020 wine production destined for volatile and uncertain global market
First estimates from OIV show drought hitting the grape crops in countries such as Romania and Moldova, while others like Hungary and Russia managed to boost production.