Greek police flatten migrant camp Jul 13, 2009
Others have given up trying to catch a boat to Western Europe and have headed for Greece's land borders with Bulgaria and the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia. Bookmark with. (BBC News -- Europe)
The week ahead Jul 13, 2009
Five countries-Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Austria-will sign an accord for Nabucco, a gas pipeline from the Caspian region and central Asia that will bypass Russia in the south. But Russian leverage over European energy supplies will persist for some time-the pipeline will become operational by 2014 at the earliest. (The Economist)
Tracing Roma origins Jul 11, 2009
By the 14th Century, journeying further into Europe, perhaps fleeing the Turks or perhaps the plague, the Atsingani were to be found in Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece ... In many cases there were special policies towards Roma, including coerced sterilisation (Czechoslovakia) or forcing them to change their names and hiding their dwellings behind concrete walls (Bulgaria). (BBC News -- Europe)
* GERB party ready to start coalition talks in Bulgaria Jul 7, 2009
GERB party ready to start coalition talks in Bulgaria ... Bulgarias center-right opposition GERB X Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria X party said it would start coalition talks yesterday, after winning a national election that boosted the prospect of reforms in the EU member to combat corruption and the recession ... A new government must quickly tackle the judiciary and economic policy to avoid new EU sanctions on aid, badly needed to fund Bulgarias cash-strapped economy, and... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
In Bulgaria's prime ministerial race, a former wrestler scores a big takedown Jul 7, 2009
Boyko Borisov, the no-nonsense mayor of Sofia, must now grapple with Bulgaria's economic woes and corruption ... Sofia, Bulgaria - Wrestler, karate coach, bodyguard, top cop, mayor of Sofia, and now prime minister ... Boyko Borisov will have one of the more eclectic resumes among European heads of government when he becomes Bulgarian premier in the wake of his overwhelming election victory Sunday. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Bulgarian outgoing PM admits defeat in elections Jul 7, 2009
Bulgarian outgoing PM admits defeat in parliamentary vote_English_Xinhua. Bulgarian outgoing PM admits defeat in parliamentary vote ... SOFIA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria's outgoing Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev said Sunday night that the results of the parliamentary elections were a serious defeat for his Socialist Party. (Xinhuanet, China)
Full Story » Jul 6, 2009
SOFIA, Bulgaria Exit poll says Bulgaria's right-wing opposition GERB party has won the parliamentary election. Buzz Up. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
Spain goes halfway on nuclear power Jul 6, 2009
There are 48 power reactors under construction, mostly in Asia, but several European Union countries are planning to build a new generation of power plants, including Britain, France, Finland, Poland, and Bulgaria. The EU Commission, the International Energy Agency, and several other international institutions support a nuclear renaissance to fight global warming and to increase security of supply. (Christian Science Monitor)
Poll: Bulgarias right wing appears to win vote Jul 6, 2009
Poll: Bulgarias right wing appears to win vote - Europe- msnbc ... Poll: Bulgarias right wing appears to win vote ... Boiko Borisov, center, the leader of the right-wing Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria, said he expected to form the country's next government and serve as its prime minister. (MSNBC -- International)
* Right-wing party expects win in Bulgaria Jul 6, 2009
Right-wing party expects win in Bulgaria ... Bulgarians went to the polls yesterday in a parliamentary election expected to oust Bulgarias Socialist-led coalition and elevate the center-right party of Sofias popular mayor to power ... The latest opinion polls have suggested Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev will pay the price for the failure of his corruption-tainted government to handle an economy hit hard by the global downturn. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Bulgarians elect new parliament Jul 5, 2009
Bulgarians have begun voting in parliamentary elections ... Opinion polls give an opposition party, Citizens for the European Development of Bulgaria, a comfortable lead over the Socialists ... At each general elections for the past 19 years, Bulgarians have voted the incumbent government out of power. (BBC News)
Country profile: Bulgaria Jul 5, 2009
Bulgaria, situated in the eastern Balkans, has spectacular mountains and a Black Sea coastline, as well as a history going back to the 7th century. A predominantly Slavic-speaking, Orthodox country long influenced by Byzantine culture, Bulgaria was part of the Ottoman Empire for 500 years before gaining its independence in the 19th century ... Throughout the early 1990s Bulgaria was wracked by political instability and strikes. (BBC News -- Europe)
Bulgaria's threat from corruption Jul 5, 2009
Morning rush-hour in the Bulgarian capital Sofia is a misery ... But after two officials at Bulgaria's traffic agency were caught taking bribes, the European Union has frozen some of its infrastructure subsidies, including roughly 100 million euros (79m) for the motorway ... Unless the Bulgarian government is prepared to replace that money, Sofia's commuters will continue to suffer. (BBC News -- Europe)
EU strips millions from Bulgaria Jul 5, 2009
The EU has urged Bulgaria to do more to tackle violent crime. The European Commission has stripped Bulgaria of 220m euros (188m) in EU funding over its failure to tackle corruption and organised crime ... In July, the commission froze more than 500m euros in aid to Bulgaria, one of its newest and poorest members, following a scathing EU report. (BBC News -- Europe)
What's the tipping point for revolution? Jul 2, 2009
Shortly thereafter, street protesters in Prague, Czechoslovakia; Sofia, Bulgaria; and Timisoara, Romania; ousted their own Communist bosses and gave the death blow to Moscow's external empire. Within less than a year, West and East Germany were reunited. (Christian Science Monitor)
Ministry to focus on tree planting Jun 18, 2009
The Minister said this when the Bulgarian Ambassador to Ghana Mr Nedelcho Peneff called on him at his office in Accra to discuss ways to deepen bilateral relations between the two countries especially in the area of natural resources. Ghana's relations with Bulgaria which dates back to the 60s has been characterized by technical cooperation as well as exchange programmes on education ... He charged the Ambassador to woo investors in Bulgaria to establish projects that would process raw materials... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Crisis forces Bulgaria to smell the roses Jun 18, 2009
ROSOVO, Bulgaria In a field outside this quiet village, Rumen Rumenov tosses a huge plastic bag filled with pink rose blossoms over his shoulder and loads it on a horse cart ... For decades, Rumenov spent his days putting together AK-47 rifles in an arms factory once one of Bulgaria's largest industries ... EU newcomer Bulgaria is one of the largest suppliers of rose oil to the world's leading perfume makers. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
Scary elections in eastern Europe: Time to start fretting Jun 16, 2009
Hungary s far-right Jobbik party, which won three seats, may join its Balkan counterparts (including two members of Bulgaria s explicitly racist Ataka party) in Roma-bashing ... Scandal-strewn Bulgaria is holding a parliamentary election on July 5th ... Sadly, EU officials monitoring Bulgaria s shaky progress towards clean government will have plenty to put in their next report. (The Economist)
New round of marathon election Jun 6, 2009
Thursday: UK and Netherlands Friday: Ireland, Czech Republic Saturday: Latvia, Cyprus, Malta, Slovakia, Italy and Czech Republic Sunday: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain and SwedenResults from 2000 GMT Sunday. Mr Wilders is facing prosecution over anti-Islamic statements. (BBC News -- Europe)
Lawyer challenging reported Pfizer settlement Jun 6, 2009
" In the 1996 study, Pfizer sent three American doctors to work with four Nigerian physicians to test Trovan on children hospitalized in Kano State. The lawsuits claim Pfizer failed to secure the informed consent of either the children or their guardians and failed to disclose or explain the experimental nature of the study or the serious risks involved. But Pfizer says the study was conducted with the Nigerian government's approval and the consent of the children's parents or guardians. The... (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Dutch far-right 'gain' Jun 5, 2009
Thursday: UK and Netherlands Friday: Ireland, Czech Republic Saturday: Latvia, Cyprus, Malta, Slovakia, Italy and Czech Republic Sunday: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain and SwedenResults from 2000 GMT Sunday. If confirmed, the Freedom Party's result is second only to Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende's Christian Democrats (CDA), which dropped almost 5% to just... (BBC News -- Europe)
Spicing up politics Jun 4, 2009
" What established politicians fear most is the rise of extremist groups, fuelled by the worst economic downturn in a generation. From Britain to Bulgaria, anti-immigrant, anti-Islamic and anti-European parties are on the march. The most popular by far is the Dutch Party for Freedom (PVV). Its leader Geert Wilders, with his distinctive platinum bouffant hair and under constant police protection due to repeated death threats, has made his name attacking Islam. "The leaders in Europe and in the... (BBC News -- Europe)
27 countries, 375 million votes Jun 4, 2009
Elections will take place in all 27 member countries of the EU, with the citizens of Bulgaria and Romania included for the first time. How many MEPs are there and how many does each country elect. (CNN -- International)
Proud Europeans Jun 2, 2009
Page last updated at 16:19 GMT, Monday, 1 June 2009 17:19 UK. In search of Europe: Italy. (BBC News -- Europe)
Rose Festival celebrated in Kazanluk Jun 1, 2009
Bulgarian children perform folk dances during the Rose Festival in Kazanluk, famous for rose in Bulgaria, May 31, 2009. The Rose Festival, held in Kazanluk on Sunday, included rose picking, dance performances and parade after the election of the Rose Queen. (Xinhuanet, China)
At a glance - 29 May May 30, 2009
The European election is quite a new experience for Bulgaria, which joined the EU in 2007. Bookmark with. (BBC News -- Europe)
The New Poland May 29, 2009
The combination of daily live programming and special reports from CNN correspondents in cities across Poland culminates June 4 with "Autumn of Change, an in-depth documentary that takes a retrospective look at the events leading up to the election exactly 20 years ago. Reflecting the tumultuous year of 1989, which changed Europe forever, "Autumn of Change" will mix live programming and documentary programming, unforgettable historical images with interviews past and present, and a huge online... (CNN -- International)
* Alleged Bulgarian crime bosses plan to run in poll May 28, 2009
Alleged Bulgarian crime bosses plan to run in poll ... Three suspected crime bosses in custody and awaiting trial are planning to stand in a Bulgarian election in July that could give them parliamentary seats and immunity from prosecution ... Bulgaria, which joined the EU in 2007, is under growing pressure from Brussels to crack down on organized crime. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Euro election at a glance : 26 May May 27, 2009
Meanwhile, Reuters reports that three suspected crime bosses - currently in custody awaiting trial - are standing for the European Parliament in Dupnitsa and Varna, Bulgaria. DAILY QUOTE. (BBC News -- Europe)
Europe may elect 'virtual MEPs' May 26, 2009
LISBON TREATY PROGRESS Approved by parliament: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK Defeated by referendum: Irish Republic Challenges: Legal objections delaying ratification in Germany, Polish president also delaying ratification, Czech president yet to sign treaty ... Under the Lisbon Treaty,... (BBC News -- Europe)
Threat from the right May 25, 2009
In Bulgaria, where the country is preoccupied with crime and energy security issues, the election will be a dress rehearsal for a General Election due on July 5. Much the same applies in the Czech Republic, where the center-right government of Mirek Topolankek has been replaced by an interim administration after losing a vote of confidence. (CNN -- International)
Election country-by-country May 22, 2009
This election is seen as a dress rehearsal for Bulgaria's parliamentary elections on 5 July. The ruling Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) of Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev is expected to be in a close race with a centre-right party, the Citizens for the European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) ... In Bulgaria's first European elections, in 2007, turnout was just 28. (BBC News -- Europe)
Iraq deal to revive gas pipeline May 18, 2009
The proposed Nabucco route goes via Erzurum in Turkey and on through Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary to Austria. Discussions first began on the project in 2002. (BBC News -- Business)
Eurovision 'hero' returns: Fifth place Ewen back in the UK May 18, 2009
" Ewen received high votes from Greece, Germany, Bulgaria and Serbia Lord Lloyd Webber discovered Ewen during BBC One's Your Country Needs You competition and accompanied her on the piano during Saturday's performance. He said: "Jade performed brilliantly as I knew she would. I am delighted with her fifth-place finish. (BBC News -- UK)
Russia signs gas pipeline deals May 16, 2009
On Friday, Italy, Bulgaria, Greece and Serbia, four countries with close links to Russia, signed agreements in the Russian Black sea city of Sochi that will commit them to specific feasibility studies ... South Stream, whose construction is expected to be completed by 2015, will deliver at least 30bn cubic metres of gas a year from Russia, under the Black Sea to Bulgaria before splitting into a southern branch leading to Greece, and a northern branch into Serbia, Hungary, Austria and Italy. (BBC News -- Europe)
Charlemagne: Bulgarian rhapsody May 16, 2009
Mr Petrov is a dairy farmer from the rolling hills of northern Bulgaria ... Yet the farmer does not quarrel with the logic of the decision to freeze Bulgaria s aid, which is the toughest sanction ever imposed on any EU member ... The Bulgarian government says it has fixed problems identified by the EU, and will pay urgent grants out of national coffers. (The Economist)
Malta returns to Eurovision final May 13, 2009
The eight countries which have now exited the competition are Montenegro, Czech Republic, Belgium, Andorra, Belarus, Switzerland, FYR Macedonia and Bulgaria. Andorra have now failed to make the final in their six attempts since entering the fray in 2004, while Belgium were last seen in the main competition five years ago. (BBC News)
A fallen wall, a renewed Germany, a united Europe Apr 29, 2009
That, in turn, set off a chain of popular demonstrations and democratic regime change in Prague; Sofia, Bulgaria; and elsewhere. Remarkably, in a historic first for breakup of empire, there was no bloodshed except in Romania. (Christian Science Monitor)
The EU Can Ignore Eastern Europe at Its Own Peril Apr 28, 2009
The early months of 2009 saw riots in Latvia, Lithuania and Bulgaria. Governments in Latvia, Hungary and the Czech Republic collapsed under accusations of mishandling the economic crisis. (YaleGlobal Online Magazine, CT)
Unified still undecided on next step Apr 20, 2009
Piontek, who was in Bulgaria with the Horlick High School Chorale on April 6, said he was appalled to hear that the referendum had failed. "Bulgaria is a poor country, but the people value education. Their houses are in worse condition than their schools.". (Racine Journal Times, WI)
International Investors Bullish on America; See Opportunities in U.S. Real Estate Apr 16, 2009
Mosca: Our radio show is on and a user named Svetlana who has signed on as a fan of the show wanted me to ask you about the Bulgarian market ... Chemek: We've had a number of investors, especially from the UK and Germany who've invested in Bulgaria looking at the possibilities to retire ... Bulgaria is especially attractive because it has both mountains for skiing on the western side and the Black Sea on the eastern side with resort and beachfront properties. (RealtyTimes)
GV takes Fox TV Turkey tapeless Apr 14, 2009
"We were drawn to Grass Valley as our systems integrators because we had seen what they had done for other Fox news channels in Bulgaria, Serbia, and Poland," said Necip Kircin, chief technical officer of Huzur Radyo TV. "Ultimately, the choice was ours, and Grass Valley offered the best proposal, meeting our operational needs and staying within our budget.". "Our customers today turn to us not just for individual products but for complete, working solutions," said Jeff Rosica, senior vice... (Multichannel News)
* Embattled Bulgarian construction sector fears for EU funds Apr 6, 2009
Embattled Bulgarian construction sector fears for EU funds ... Bulgarias crisis-hit construction sector fears that many EU-funded infrastructure projects will be mothballed as the general election approaches and EU aid remains blocked over corruption concerns ... Bulgarias outgoing government, strapped for infrastructure cash, had been counting on EU money to finance major and most costly road building projects, including the countrys first border-to-border Trakia highway. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Party planner? Apr 3, 2009
And it will be even more difficult this year as the number of seats up for grabs in the UK has gone down from 78 to 72, due to Bulgaria and Romania joining the EU.. You are probably not going to win but it is still worth it. (BBC News -- UK)
At G-20, leaders look to save economy - and their own jobs Apr 2, 2009
Leaders in the Czech Republic and Bulgaria are feeling the heat. The cohesion of the European Union has been thrown into question amid disagreement over everything from fiscal rescue plans to Ostpolitik. (Christian Science Monitor)
Subprime Europe Mar 10, 2009
In recent years countries like Bulgaria and Latvia borrowed annually the equivalent of more than 20 percent of their gross domestic product from abroad. By 2008, 13 countries that were once part of the Soviet empire had accumulated a collective debt to foreign banks or in foreign currencies of more than $1 trillion. (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
Teen in Seattle jail beating video calls attack 'horrible' Mar 4, 2009
Anybody did my daughter like that better move to Bulgaria and live in a cave. " NKD wrote on Mar 2, 2009 10:37 PM:" Did anyone watch the video. (Longview Daily News, WA)
`New Europe' Longs for Bush as Obama Returns Focus to Old Allies, Russia Mar 3, 2009
Two decades after they began throwing off the yoke of the , Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria are all in the EU and NATO. So are the former Soviet republics of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia and the former Yugoslav republic of Slovenia. The anti-missile system remains a flashpoint. (Bloomberg)
THE $1 TRILLION TAX INCREASE... Feb 27, 2009
Political Punch: Obama's Budget: Almost $1 Trillion in New Taxes Over Next 10 yrs, Starting 2011. Power, pop, and probings from ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper. (The Drudge Report)
Brodeur back, Clemmensen sent down Feb 26, 2009
Defending champion Adam Rippon of the United States was at the top of the standings after the men's short program at the junior world figure skating championships in Sofia, Bulgaria. Rippon won every major junior title last year, and it looks as if he'll add another. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Sheriff's Office to draw blood at DUI checkpoints Feb 21, 2009
I will now work hard to retire Ric Bradshaw off to Venezula or Bulgaria or whatever country seems more in line with his dreams of a perfect society. I m also totally over this war on drunk driving , which is really nothing more than a modern version of Prohibition. (The Palm Beach Post)
Crisis drags down more than just real estate prices Feb 20, 2009
The number of companies offering support and advice to those buying real estate far from home burgeoned between 2000 and 2007 as investors, retirees and would-be vacation home owners snapped up houses and apartments from Brazil to Bulgaria ... Sales volume and prices have fallen most precipitously in the cutting-edge markets that international buyers entered most recently, countries like Bulgaria, Romania, Egypt and Turkey, where investors sought to turn quick profits. (International Herald Tribune)
New Member Proposed to MTG Board of Directors Feb 18, 2009
MTG's Viasat Broadcasting is the largest free-TV and satellite premium pay-TV operator in Scandinavia and the Baltics, and also operates free-TV channels in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia Bulgaria, Macedonia and Ghana. MTGs TV assets are broadcast in a total of 29 countries and reach over 100 million people. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Vote for us! Feb 18, 2009
Voters from across the European Union will be electing a new European Parliament in June - the first election since the EU enlarged in 2007, with the accession of Bulgaria and Romania. Nearly all the 736 winning MEPs will join a political group within the European Parliament - only a few sit as independents. (BBC News -- Europe)
Pope Reaches Out to Jews Feb 13, 2009
Bulgarian Nominated for Top NATO Post. Bulgaria nominated former foreign minister Solomon Passy as the next head of NATO, seeking to win the alliance's top job for an Eastern European for the first time. (Washington Post)
Dylan Loeb McClain: Chess Feb 13, 2009
On Tuesday, a semifinal match for the world title will kick off between Gata Kamsky of the United States and Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria ... Their last game was at the 2007 M-Tel Masters in Bulgaria, the site of this week's match. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
Langley gun battle captured on security video Feb 12, 2009
This has worked in UK, Greece, France, and Bulgaria. Tyler, Burnaby. (CTV.ca)
Swiss weigh up EU immigration in crucial vote Feb 8, 2009
AFP/File An election poster of the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) against open immigration reads: "Open ; GENEVA, (AFP) Swiss voters go to the polls Sunday to decide whether or not to continue to allow unrestricted immigration from the EU, with the country's ties with its European neighbours hanging in the balance. Postal voting has already begun on the government's attempt to prolong an accord on free movement of labour -- which also provides some 400,000 Swiss migrants unrestricted... (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
Sunday's vote: A return to Fortress Switzerland? Feb 8, 2009
"Now that Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU, people are more worried about criminality" Rusconi says. The idea has gained traction across much of Western Europe. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Swiss vote to extend labor ties with EU Feb 8, 2009
6 percent of those voting in the referendum supported continuing the free-movement accords with 25 EU countries and extending them to the two newest EU members, Romania and Bulgaria, a much bigger margin of support than suggested by opinion polls before the vote ... But Switzerland's biggest political party, the right-wing Swiss People's Party, or SVP, had opposed extending access to Romania and Bulgaria on the grounds that their lower level of economic development compared with the rest of the... (International Herald Tribune)
Letters for Friday, January 30, 2009 Feb 8, 2009
As a courtesy of the United States of America, France, Germany, Norway, Finland, Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Algeria, Morocco, Romania, Kosovo, Panama, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Czechoslovakia, Afghanistan, Denmark, Kuwait, Egypt, Montenegro, New Guinea, Indonesia, Thailand, Greece, Russia, Tunisia, Ukraine, Albania, Hungary, Belgium, Austria, Libya, Korea, Japan, Iraq, and yes, even Israel, are free countries. Free to vote. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Val Kilmer ponders run for New Mexico governor Feb 8, 2009
He's currently registered as a Democrat and said he cast a ballot for Barack Obama from Bulgaria, where he was filming. A Kilmer candidacy could throw a monkey wrench into the well-oiled Democratic machine of Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, who's already running for the job. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
Protests spread in Europe Feb 7, 2009
The action cut highways linking Greece to Bulgaria, Turkey and other Balkan states ... Bulgarian farmers blocked a major border crossing with Romania on 4 February and held rallies across the country to press the government to cut cheap agricultural imports and set a minimum price for milk ... In January, a peaceful anti-government demonstration in the Bulgarian capital Sofia turned into a riot. (BBC News -- Europe)
EU spars with Russia over rights Feb 7, 2009
Bulgaria, one of the hardest hit countries and a historical ally of Russia, had to close schools and public buildings. Gas flows were resumed on 20 January after Russia and Ukraine finally agreed prices at which Ukraine would buy gas, and ship it to Europe. (BBC News -- Europe)
Swiss to vote on EU worker rights Feb 7, 2009
More controversially for many Swiss, they will also vote on whether to extend that free movement to new EU members Bulgaria and Romania ... Hans Fehr, member of parliament for the right-wing Swiss People's Party, claims extending free movement to Bulgaria ia could bring a mass influx of cheap labour. (BBC News)
