Bulgaria stories

Sep 14, 2026

Bulgaria passes law requiring crypto firms to report user transactions to tax authority

Bulgaria's parliament approved amendments to its Tax and Social Security Procedure Code requiring cryptocurrency service providers to report detailed customer identities, tax residency information, and transaction data to tax officials. The legislation, passed with 149 votes in favor and 10 abstentions, aligns Bulgaria with EU directives aimed at curbing tax evasion and enhancing cross-border tax transparency.

Sep 14, 20264 sources

Aug 22, 2026

Two US tanker aircraft leave Bulgaria a month after deployment angered Iran

Two US Air Force KC-135 aerial refueling tankers have departed Bulgaria's Bezmer Airbase approximately one month after their deployment, which was approved by parliament on July 22 and sparked protests from Iranian officials and local residents concerned about potential retaliatory attacks.

Aug 22, 20263 sources

Aug 19, 2026

NATO says prepared to defend allies amid reports Iran considered strikes on US targets in Europe

NATO officials stated the alliance is prepared to address any threat and defend all members, responding to media reports that Iran had weighed attacking US military assets in Europe if the US escalates conflict. The alliance pointed to its defense capabilities as proof it can respond to such threats.

Aug 19, 20266 sources

Aug 8, 2026

Drone explodes in Bulgarian airspace near Romanian border and Trans-Balkan gas pipeline

A drone entered Bulgarian airspace from Romania on August 8, 2026, and exploded near the village of Kardam, approximately 1 kilometer from a compressor station on the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev confirmed no casualties or infrastructure damage, and Bulgaria summoned the Ukrainian ambassador for consultations as the drone is suspected to be Ukrainian in origin.

Aug 8, 20268 sources

Jul 30, 2026

Iran's Foreign Minister Araqchi urges Bulgaria to reconsider U.S. military aircraft deployment at Bezmer air base

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi pressed Bulgaria to reverse its decision allowing temporary deployment of U.S. military aircraft at the Bezmer air base, according to Iranian state media reports. The diplomatic intervention highlights Iran's concerns over American military presence in the region.

Jul 30, 20261 source

Jul 22, 2026

Bulgaria approves US tanker aircraft deployment at Bezmer Base despite Iranian warning

Bulgaria's parliament approved the temporary stationing of up to eight US KC-135 tanker aircraft and 250 American military personnel at Bezmer Air Base, rejecting Iran's warning that the move would constitute complicity in 'aggression and war crimes'. Sofia dismissed Tehran's concerns, stating the aircraft would not be used in operations against Iran.

Jul 22, 20269 sources

Apr 19, 2026

Bulgaria Holds Eighth Parliamentary Election in Five Years

Bulgarians voted Sunday in their eighth general election in five years, with former president Rumen Radev tipped to win on anti-corruption pledges after mass protests brought down the previous government in December.

Apr 19, 20263 sources

Apr 14, 2026

U.S. Justice Department Opens $40 Million Compensation Process for OneCoin Fraud Victims

The DOJ announced a compensation process for victims of the $4 billion OneCoin fraud scheme, offering more than $40 million in seized assets. OneCoin was launched by Ruja Ignatova, who has been missing since 2017, and Karl Sebastian Greenwood, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Apr 14, 20264 sources

Apr 8, 2026

Bulgaria Extradites Russian National to US on Sanctions Violations

Bulgarian authorities extradited Russian national Oleg Olshansky to the United States to face charges of breaching US sanctions on Russia and money laundering.

Apr 8, 20261 source

Sep 1, 2025

Russia accused of GPS jamming over Baltic Sea after incident forces von der Leyen's plane to navigate using paper maps

Sweden has accused Russia of being behind a surge in GPS jamming incidents over the Baltic Sea, following a September incident where a plane carrying EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was forced to land in Bulgaria using paper maps after its navigation systems were jammed.

Sep 1, 20253 sources