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Archived edition · August 21, 2026 Today's news →

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Nuclear Plant Cuts Output; Investigations Broaden

Bulgaria's energy sector faces a new challenge as the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant has, for the first time in its history, reduced the power output of its fifth unit due to critically low water levels in the Danube River. This operational change raises concerns about the plant's resources and overall energy stability.

Meanwhile, the country's investigative bodies are under scrutiny, with the Prosecutor's Office launching an inquiry into the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDBOP) over its checks on Movement for Rights and Freedoms leader Delyan Peevski. This development follows Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev's calls for impartial investigations into public figures.

On a positive note, the National Children's Hospital is now projected to be completed by 2030, with the government planning administrative reforms to expedite the project. Other significant domestic news includes discussions around Burgas or Gabrovo being named European Capital of Culture, and new government plans for reforms in pensions, the Temporary Expert Medical Commission (TELK), and hospital funding.

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Kozloduy NPP Reduces Output Amid Danube Lows and Resource Concerns

For the first time in its history, the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant has reduced the power output of its 5th unit due to low water levels in the Danube River. This operational change comes amidst claims by analyst Anton Ivanov that the state is depleting the plant's resources, potentially risking its safety.

Prosecutor's Office Probes GDBOP Over Peevski Checks

The Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDBOP) to examine why it checked Delyan Peevski, leader of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms and an MP. Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev has publicly called for swift and impartial action from the Sofia City Prosecutor's Office, emphasizing that checks should be conducted conscientiously regardless of the individual involved.

Healthcare Sector Under Spotlight with Hospital Plans and Reforms

The National Children's Hospital is expected to be completed by 2030, with administrative reforms planned to accelerate the process. Concurrently, the government is planning significant reforms in pensions, the Temporary Expert Medical Commission (TELK), and hospital funding. These announcements come amidst reports of hospital directors earning significantly more than their stated salaries, with some exceeding 1 million BGN.

Cultural and Tourism Developments: Capitals of Culture and Coastal Highway…

Burgas or Gabrovo are set to be named European Capitals of Culture, a decision that has surprised many. This comes as the summer 2026 season is being viewed as a stress test for Bulgarian sea tourism, indicating potential challenges. Separately, discussions are underway regarding the feasibility of a high-speed coastal highway connecting Burgas and Varna, aiming for a 50-minute travel time.

Government Scrutiny and Political Landscape

The Ministry of Education has initiated discreet regional personnel reshuffling, sparking speculation about its motives. Concurrently, Minister Ivan Shishkov has exposed alleged schemes involving the embezzlement of funds from the state-owned water utility holding company, ViK Holding. Political analyst Parvan Simeonov suggests that the DPS party is struggling and may barely make it into parliament, while popular figure Slavi Trifonov is reported to hold over 4.5 million euros in a bank…

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