Bulgaria — FrontPages.eu

Dam Construction at NPP Amid Low Danube Levels; Wildfires Rage

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Bulgaria is seeing unprecedented activity at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, where a 300-meter dam is under construction to mitigate the impact of low Danube River levels on its operations. This development comes as Hinovski urgently calls for the preparation of reserve power capacities, highlighting ongoing challenges for the plant.

Meanwhile, a massive wildfire has ravaged nearly 10,000 decares of land in the Haskovo region, with multiple teams battling the blaze. Economically, the government has taken out a new loan of 150 million euros, and a report indicates single-digit minimum wage growth for 2027, alongside new measures to combat property fraud.

Other domestic news includes a 12-hour water outage in parts of Sofia, a proposal to incinerate 200,000 tons of waste in Elin Pelin, and revelations about high salaries for mayors of small municipalities. On a positive note, two specialized academic programs are enhancing the country's international reputation in higher education.

Top stories

Kozloduy NPP Faces Challenges, Dam Under Construction

The Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant is facing operational challenges due to low Danube River levels, leading to a reduction in power output for the first time in its history. In response, a 300-meter dam is being constructed near the plant, a situation described as extreme. Hinovski has also called for the urgent preparation of reserve power capacities.

Mediapool 300-meter Dam Being Built Near Kozloduy NPP ↗
Mediapool Hinovski: Reserve Capacities Needed Urgently Due to Kozloduy NPP ↗
Mediapool Kozloduy NPP Reduces Power Due to Danube for First Time ↗

Large Wildfire Devastates Haskovo Region

A major wildfire has erupted and spread across nearly 10,000 decares of land in villages near Haskovo, with 17 teams actively working to control the extensive blaze.

Mediapool Nearly 10,000 Decares Burned by Major Fire in Haskovo Villages ↗
Mediapool Fire Breaks Out Near Haskovo ↗
OFFNews 10,000 decares engulfed by wildfire in Haskovo region, 17 teams on site ↗

Government Finances and Economic Updates

The government has secured a new loan of 150 million euros. Separately, reports indicate that mayors of small municipalities have been earning salaries up to 10,000 leva, significantly higher than average. The average pension has now exceeded 560 euros, and the minimum wage for 2027 is projected to see a single-digit increase, alongside new measures to combat property fraud.

Local Issues: Water Cuts and Waste Incineration Proposal

A significant portion of Sofia is experiencing a 12-hour water outage, with further supply interruptions planned. Separately, a company has proposed to incinerate 200,000 tons of waste in the town of Elin Pelin, raising environmental discussions.

Bulgarian Software Sector Shows Growth Amid Challenges

An analysis of Bulgaria's largest software companies indicates growth within the sector, though it also points to certain limitations and challenges.

Capital Largest software companies in Bulgaria: Growth, but with caveats ↗

Reports of Russian Attacks on European Arms Factories, Including in Bulgaria

According to 'The Daily Telegraph', Russia is launching a new wave of attacks targeting European arms factories, with some located in Bulgaria. Other reports also indicate Russian agents are actively sabotaging weapons factories in NATO member states, with specific mention of involvement in Bulgaria.