http://www.expatinbulgaria.com News of The portal for expats and foreigners in Bulgaria http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/US-travel-writer-picks-Bulgaria-as-top-budget-destination/62 Destinations Bulgaria was among the top 10 budget destinations for summer vacations in 2008, according to US travel writer Pauline Frommer. Frommer's recommendations range "from romantic getaway spots to family faves to exotic destinations for adventurous travelers", she said in a media statement. "The strength of the euro has made much of Europe a budget-buster for American travelers, but it's also an opportunity to explore less heavily touristed areas of the continent - such as Bulgaria," Frommer said. Bulgaria was the only European country in the list. Despite lacking sufficient tourist infrastructure, it was "rather safe and had old monasteries, preserved medieval villages, together with affordable sea and spa resorts," Frommer said. Bed and breakfast in the less expensive hotels and guest houses usually cost between $50 and 100, while full Mediterranean meals could be had for just $6 or $7, according to the award-winning travel writer. Bulgaria was “Europe's budget champion, with its Black Sea beaches and well-preserved medieval villages,” Arthur Frommer, father of Pauline and author of the ground-breaking Europe on $5 a Day travel guide, said in his blog. Frommer's other picks included five destinations in the US, as well as the Dominican Republic, Newfoundland in Canada, the Mayan coast in Mexico and Peru. Frommer's publishes more than 300 guides and sells 2.5 million guides annually, covering more than 3500 world destinations on its website. May 14 2008, source: sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Kiss-and-Metallica-are-coming-to-Sofia/53 Beauty It's going to be a hot summer for hard rock and metal fans, with Kiss and Metallica coming to town in the next couple of months. The legendary Kiss will perform to a Bulgarian audience for the first time on May 16 at Akademik Stadium from 7pm. Metallica will shake the capital's Vassil Levski Stadium on July 25, nine years after the group's legendary concert in Plovdiv.Kiss' last European tour was in 1999 (Psycho Circus Tour), and they decided to return to the continent to celebrate the band's 35th birthday. The US foursome, who have sold more than 80 million album copies, are going for a big splash, with concerts in 17 countries including first-time stages such as Sofia, Moscow and Verona. Kiss have gone on record saying that they can't imagine getting off the stage, and if Rolling Stones is any indication, they have at least a decade to go.Kiss' claim to fame goes beyond their hit albums, Alive! (1975), Destroyer (1976) and Dynasty (1979, including the super-hit I Was made for Lovin' You). They are also known for their spectacular concerts, featuring unique make-up, scandalous stage behaviour and amazing pyrotechnics. Oh, yes, and the music.With Kiss still ringing in their ears, fans can anticipate Metallica's show at the national stadium. One would be pressed to find a person who's never heard of Metallica, even among people whose taste in music is restricted to classical. They've sold more than 90 million album copies, have seven Grammy awards and four albums that have topped the Billboard 2000. But this is what fans keep wanting to know: can bass player Robert Trujillo (ex-Ozzy Osbourne) live up to his predecessor Jason Newstead, who left the group in 2001? How's James Hetfield doing these days? And will we finally be able to hear live the trash classic Seek and Destroy?To purchase tickets for both shows, go to eventim.bgMay 15 2008, source:Month2ComePhoto: Reuters http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Political-corruption-in-Bulgaria-remains-unpunished--report/67 General Information Corruption in Bulgaria’s administration had decreased, but political corruption is still unpunished, the annual report of the Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD) showed.For the first time since 10 years, Bulgarians consider corruption as main problem that hinders the country’s development, Focus news agency said.Businessmen, as well as ordinary people, say that Cabinet members, MPs and mayors become more corrupt.All attempts of state institutions to cut down corruption among politicians are insufficient, the poll showed.Grey economy also decreases. Its share in Bulgaria’s economic sector decreased from 29 to 17.1 per cent over the past five years.April 23 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Property-prices-in-Bulgaria-up-22.6-per-cent-in-2007/57 Buy, Sell and Rent Prices of real estate in Bulgaria increased by 22.6 per cent in the first three months of 2007 as compared to the figures for the same period in 2006, National Statistical Institute (NSI) data showed.The price difference between the first three months of 2007 and the last three months of 2006 was 9.3 per cent, investor.bg reported.Average property price in the country in the first quarter of 2007 reached 988.2 leva per sq m.Apartments in Varna were the most expensive real estate offers over the period studied, registering average price of 1646 leva per sq m.Sofia and Bourgas properties rank second and third.Real estate in the town of Turgovishte registered the biggest price growth, 16.3 per cent, as compared to the values for the last three months of 2006.April 23 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Russia’s-Ural-Airlines-launches-charter-flights-to-Bulgaria/65 Transportation Russian company Ural Airlines will launch charter flights to Bulgaria during summer season 2007.The company will fly to Bulgaria’s coastal cities of Varna and Bourgas.The flights to Varna will take place every second Tuesday starting from July 10 2007, until August 21 2007.Bourgas flights will be every second Thursday from July 5 to August 8.Ural Airlines is a leader on the Russian charter flights market and offers travels to destinations such as Turkey and Egypt. The company transported more than one million passengers in 2006.April 16 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Passenger-traffic-through-Bulgaria’s-Bourgas-Airport-up-204-per-cent-in-2007/67 General Information The airport in the coastal city of Bourgas registered a 99.4 per cent increase of the number of passengers served for the first three months of 2007, as compared to the January-March 2006 figures. The number of passengers served exceeded 3200, the airport concessionaire Fraport Twin Star said.For March 2007 alone, the increase reached 203.7 per cent.Varna Airport, the other coastal airport under the management of Fraport Twin Star, served 54.1 per cent more passengers from January to March 2007 as compared to 2006 figures. More than 46 612 passengers passed through the airport for that period.Varna Airport served 19 495 passengers in March 2007, registering growth of 50.9 per cent.April 17 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Additional-tickets-for-George-Michael’s-concert-in-Bulgaria-released/53 Beauty Organisers of the concert of UK pop star George Michael in Bulgaria saw the need to release additional tickets because of the great interest to the show.All fans of Michael will have the chance to be present at the concert, organisers said as quoted by avtora.com.According to meteorologists, weather will be favourable on the night of the concert. Heavy rains have been pouring over Sofia for nearly a week.The concert will be staged at Akademik stadium on May 28 2007. It is part of Michael’s 25 Live tour, which was pronounced the best tour for 2006. 25 Live is the first tour of Michael for the past 12 years.May 23 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bigger-and-more-expensive-property-developments-emerge-near-Bulgaria’s-Bansko/47 Overview The mountain town of Razlog, near Bansko resort, is to see the construction of one of the most imposing developments in the region.Rila View Village will cost nearly 100 million euro, investor.bg reported. Bulgarian and Israeli companies will provide the funding.Razlog municipality sold two plots for the project execution. The terrains were once military property, but Defence Ministry gave them to the municipality.Rila View will spread on nearly 190 000 sq m of gross built-up area. It will consist of hotel and residential parts, as well as of administrative and public offices.The settlement has to be finished in five years after the zoning plan of the plots is approved.May 23 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria’s-coastal-municipalities-earn-from-beach-concessions/62 Destinations Income from beach concessions brought coastal municipalities more than 6.65 million leva in 2006.The sum is 18 per cent higher than the amount collected in 2005, investor.bg said.Further 1.35 million leva delayed payments were remitted to the municipalities between January 1 and March 30 2007.On May 22 2007, Varna mayor Kiril Yordanov said that concessionaires take or will start taking care of 32 beaches in the Varna region.A day later, the Cabinet decided to offer on concession 10 beaches without launching a tender. Seven of the beaches are located in the Bourgas region and the other in Varna municipality. All concessions will last 20 years, Focus news agency said.The concessionaires will have to provide the beaches with sanitary facilities, tap water, sports possibilities, lifeguard service, medical care and trade areas.May 23 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Office-rents-in-Bulgaria’s-capital-among-the-50-highest-in-the-world/47 Overview Office rents in Sofia are the 49th most expensive in the world, international consultancy company CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) research showed.First-class office rents in Sofia reach $517.3 per sq m per year, investor.bg said.Of all the countries in the region only the Greek capital of Athens ranks in the top 50. Athens occupies 36th place with prices of $567.5 per sq m annual rent.The only other East European city in the chart is Warsaw, which ranks 48th. Offices in London’s districts of West End and City rank first and second in the chart with rents of $1783.8 to $2596.5 per sq m.Two areas in Tokyo take the third and the fourth place in the chart.Bombay, Moscow, Delhi, Paris, Dublin and Hong Kong feature among the 10 most expensive cities according to office rents rates.May 28 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Low-cost-air-company-to-connect-Bulgaria’s-Sofia-and-Italy’s-Verona/65 Transportation The low-cost air company Air Italy will offer flights to Bulgaria starting June 1 2007.Flights will take place every Monday and Friday between Sofia and Verona, investor.bg reported.One-way tickets cost 35 euro, airport taxes included.From Verona, the company flies to Barcelona, Berlin, London, Madrid, Moscow, Prague and Warsaw. The company uses three types of aircraft among which Boeing 757-200ER, two Boeing 767-300ER and two Boeing 767-300.May 28 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Spanish-GreenFuel-to-invest-70-m-leva-in-bio-diesel-production-in-Bulgaria/67 General Information Spanish corporation GreenFuel will invest 70 million leva in the construction of a bio-diesel and bio-ethanol plant and an oil refinery in Bulgaria.The plants will be constructed in the Pleven region, Bulgarian news agency BTA reported.They will produce 110 000 tons of bio-diesel and 60 million tons of bio-ethanol per year. GreenFuel will need 250 000 tons of oilseed crops and 100 000 tons of grain plants to reach the amount of production planned.Plant construction will be launched by the end of August 2007.GreenFuel representatives visited 10 possible terrains for construction. They met agriculture producers from the region and examined the possibilities for export of the bio-fuels through Somovit port on the Danube Rever.May 21 2007, photo: sunflowers are used for the production of bio-diesel http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Businesses-in-Bulgaria-need-flexibility-to-utilise-EU-funds--Oresharski/67 General Information Bulgaria’s businesses should show some flexibility and join the process of EU fund utilisation, Finance Minister Plamen Oresharski said during the first national conference on EU fund utilisation.The more capitalised Bulgarian businesses become, the better standards of living will Bulgarians have, he said.Bulgaria could utilise between 12 and 13 billion euro from EU’s structural, cohesion and agriculture funds until 2015.The EU allocated more than 6.85 billion euro of its budget until 2013 to Bulgaria. The country will have to try to utilise this amount, Oresharski said.Bulgaria’s National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) for EU fund utilisation, caused some controversy because it focuses on some economic sectors while seemingly neglecting others. Part of Bulgaria’s economic sectors do not meet EU priories, Oresharski said.Finance Ministry tried to find the balance of national and EU priorities.Indications that the European Commission would approve the NSRF by the summer of 2007 exist. The operative programmes will probably be approved in the autumn, Oresharski said.Oresharski said that the most important strategic goals of Finance Ministry are the development of competitiveness and human capital. Project executors to utilise EU funds will have three years to finish the projects, starting the moment of contracting the financial aid. They will receive advance, intermediate and final payments and co-funding from Bulgaria. Advance payments will amount to up to 20 per cent of the total sum of funding.May 22 2007, story by Elitsa Savova http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Metal-summer-in-Bulgaria,-Sepultura-come-after-Manowar-and-Motorhead/53 Beauty The coastal town of Kavarna seems to be the metal music epicentre in 2007 as Sepultura became the fourth metal band to confirm a concert in the town after Heaven and Hell, Motorhead and Manowar.The band will stage a concert on August 15 as part of Thrash Til Death Fest, avtora.com reported.More bands are expected to arrive for the fest.Sepultura was founded in 1982 in Belo Horizonte by Max Cavalera. In 1996 Calavera left the band and founded Soulfly. Sepultura became one of the favourite bands of the critics in the 90s. The band is founder of the groove metal genre.The latest album of the band Dante XXI was released in March 2006.May 22 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Price-growth-rate-in-Bulgaria-slows-down--report/47 Overview The pace of property price growth in Bulgaria is slowing down, consultancy company Knight Frank research said.Data of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) showed that prices in Bulgaria increased by 13 per cent in the final three months of 2006.This growth ranks Bulgaria sixth among the most dynamically developing property markets in the world, Pari daily said.Only a year earlier, Bulgaria ranked second with nearly 22 per cent of price increase.Lithuania takes the first place in the chart with more than 60 per cent price growth. The country has maintained similar price growth for several years.Executive director of Charlemagne Capital’s European Convergence Property Fund Dennis Selinas said that property price increase in Bulgaria resulted mostly from speculations. The lack of supply and high demand in some regions caused such speculations.The big number of low-quality lodgings from the communist era features among the country’s main problems, he said as quoted by Pari.May 22 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Permanent-fire-brigades-to-keep-Bulgaria’s-summer-resorts-safe/62 Destinations Fire brigades will patrol non-stop in Golden Sands and St St Konstantin and Elena coastal resorts, Varna mayor Kiril Yordanov said.Varna municipality will spend on patrols 83 000 leva during the three summer months.The fire brigade will be seated in Golden Sands.Yordanov said that 208 swimming pools will be opened in the municipality in the summer season 2007. In 2006 the pools were only 105.The number of the beaches is 32. Most of them are already given on concession and tenders were launched for the others.If no concessionaires apply for the beaches, they will be pronounced unguarded.May 22 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/First-sod-of-business-and-residential-complex-turned-in-Bulgaria’s-capital/47 Overview The construction of the 7.5-million euro-worth business centre Alfa Business Centre was launched in Sofia.It would be build near the city ring road, just opposite the existing Business Park Sofia, investor.bg reported.The business centre will feature seven floors, more than 15 700 sq m of total built-up area and 7200 sq m of offices.Alfa Business Centre should be finished by the end of 2007, investor.bg said.The initial construction is just the first building of a future complex Alfa Park, which will include residential and retail properties. The park will spread on 150 000 sq m built-up area.Total investment in the park will reach 110 million euro.May 16 2007, photo: Business Park Sofia, investor: Alfa Developments http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Cannes-film-festival-to-see-two-Bulgarian-films/53 Beauty Two Bulgarian films, the documentary The Mosquito Problem and Other Stories and the short film Rabbit Troubles, will be screened during the International Critics’ Week of the 60th edition of the Festival de Cannes in May 2007.Cannes screening will be first for The Mosquito Problem And Other Stories. It is the only documentary selected for the critics’ week, Focus news agency reported.The film is co-production of Bulgaria, Germany and the US, executed with the co-operation of British, Dutch and Finnish televisions, netifo.bg said.Rabbit Troubles is among the seven finalists of the International Critics’ Week. It describes parallel realities, where an invisible evil power reincarnated in plush rabbit controls the fates of the characters.Among the cast of the film feature US actor Tomas Arana and local anchor Deyan Slavchev-Deo. Arana starred in films like Gladiator, L.A. Confidential and The Bodyguard.Screenings of the films will take place at 3pm on May 18 in Espace Miramar cinema and at 5 pm on May 20 in Cinema Le Raimu.May 17 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/EIB-grants-Bulgaria-380-million-euro-under-transit-roads-programme/67 General Information Parliament approved an European Investment Bank (EIB) loan of up to 380 million euro.The amount will be used for the funding of Transit Roads V project for rehabilitation of roads in Bulgaria, investor.bg reported.Bulgaria will have to provide another up to 325 million euro for the project.The total length of the roads to be repaired is 1517km. Another 18km of new roads will be constructed. All are located on international transport corridors and Bulgaria’s main roads.The roads in the project are separated in nine groups according to the traffic and the economic benefits they could bring.May 17 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Renting-vacation-property-in-Bulgaria-unprofitable--Assetz/47 Overview Vacation property in Bulgaria rented over the past year brought owners loses of 4.7 per cent, UK consultants Assetz said.Data contradicted the exaggerated promises of annual revenue from some real estate investment of 10 to 15 per cent, 24 Chassa said.Assetz registered negative revenue in only two more countries, Canada and South Africa.In the end of 2006, the same ranking showed 13.9 per cent revenue from vacation property rent in Bulgaria.The pace of price increase also slowed down. Property prices went up17.3 per cent over the past year, while a year earlier the increase was double, Asstez said.Still, revenue from investment in property in Bulgaria is relatively high, 58 per cent. The report compares data for 15 countries around the world.May 17 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Tourism-expo-in-Moscow-sees-Bulgaria-as-partner/64 Travel Agencies Bulgaria is a partner of the seventh international travel fair MITF 2007 held in Moscow.The capital city of Sofia was asked to become a city-partner of Moscow’s committee for tourism, Focus news agency said.MITF is the biggest tourism expo held before the start of the summer season. It will take place from May 17 to 20 2007.More than 1025 companies from 40 countries and 10 national tourism offices took part in the expo in 2006. Nearly 75 000 people, professionals and consumers, visited it.Neshka Robeva’s rhythmic gymnastics group will stage three performances during the fair as part of Bulgaria’s presentation.Bulgaria’s National Theatre performed a play a day before the official opening of the fair.May 17 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria-to-enter-euro-zone-by-2015/67 General Information Bulgaria can become part of the euro zone in 2010 to 2015, Finance Minister Plamen Oresharski said.Euro adoption should not become a goal at all costs, he said. Bulgaria should first meet the Maastricht criteria, Oresharski said as quoted by investor.bg. The Maastricht criteria focus on inflation, deficit, national debt, the exchange-rate mechanism (ERM II) and long-term interest rates.Inflation level is still a problem for Bulgaria, Oresharski said. In 2007 inflation is expected to reach 4.4 per cent, which is higher than the permissible. Another problem for Bulgaria is the negative foreign trade balance and big current account deficit. The negative foreign trade balance will demand restrictive fiscal policy in the next years.Industry is the fastest developing sector in Bulgaria, Oresharski said. The amount of direct foreign investments also increased to register a growth of two to five per cent by 2009, he said.May 16 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Iron-Maiden’s-world-tour-passes-through-Bulgaria/53 Beauty The legendary UK metal band Iron Maiden will stage a concert at Sofia’s Lokomotiv stadium on June 4 2007.Iron Maiden promiseä a unique show. At the end of the show, the band’s mascot Eddie will appear on stage in à tank.The concert is part of Iron Maiden’s A Matter Of The Beast Summer Tour 07. The tour started on March 9 2007 in Dubai and will end on June 23 in Belgium. More than 800 000 tickets have been sold out so far.Standing tickets for the show in Bulgaria are already sold out. Some tickets are still available, including VIP entry and in front of the stage. Prices vary from 45 to 60 leva.Lauren Harris Band will warm up for the Iron Maiden show. Lauren Harris is the daughter of Steve Harris, Iron Maiden’s bass guitarist.Bulgaria’s Ahat will be the other warm up band.May 16 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Construction-at-Bulgaria’s-seaside-continues-despite-bans/62 Destinations Construction works in some regions of Bulgaria’s southern Black Sea coast continue despite bans, Bourgas deputy regional governor Georgi Nikolchev said.The bans aim to protect tourists from the noise and dust pollution in the summer season.Nikolchev told Darik Radio that he would order inspection of the construction sites in the region. The only thing he could do was to inform officially the mayors of coastal municipalities, because regional authorities lacked the resource needed to impose sanctions, he said.The problem is that sanctions are minimal and cannot enforce the laws and bans. May 16 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Exhibition-shows-Bulgaria’s-monasteries-to-Europe/53 Beauty An expo of pictures of Bulgarian monasteries from the region of Vratsa was opened in the European Parliament (EP) on May 2 2007.The collection consists of 24 pictures of five monasteries, Focus news agency reported.Graham Watson, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe in the EP, opened the exhibition. The expo presents a small, beautiful and priceless piece of Bulgaria’s cultural wealth, he said.The pictures present a new view on Bulgaria, different from the widely commented economic, judicial and corruption problems of the country, Watson said.EP accepts for the fists time an exposition, which presents only one region, instead of whole country, Focus said.Bulgarian member of the EP Hristina Hristova gave the idea for the expo, which will last four days.May 3 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/When-we-hit-Bulgaria's-stage,-you’ll-think-a-thunder-hit-the-ground--Joey-DeMaio/53 Beauty After nearly three years of negotiations, US heavy metal band Manowar is finally coming to Bulgaria to close Kavarna Rock Fest on June 30 2007.“I’ve been waiting for a long time for this moment,” bass guitarist Joey DeMaio said.Manowar’s concert in Bulgaria was a “special moment for the history of heavy metal” and for the band itself, which was even more excited than most of the fans, DeMaio said. The band is opened for any suggestions for a support band and the selection of tracks that will “make the fans happy.” Fans can submit preferences through Manowar’s website.Manowar will bring its unique custom-made backline equipment and will show Bulgaria that they are the loudest band in the world. This is a proven fact, included in the Guinness Book of World Records, because the sound level at their concert reached 129.5 decibels. As a special surprise, a Bulgarian fan will play on the stage with the band. The happy fan will play one of Karl Logan’s guitars and will receive it as a gift. Two fans will win a trip to the Magic Circle Festival in Germany and backstage passes on the expenses of Manowar.Tickets for the festival are on sale starting May 18 2007. The price until the end of May is 30 leva, in June it will be 40 leva and on the day of the concert, 50 leva. The first 5000 to buy tickets will receive a free Manowar CD.May 18 2007, story and photo by Elitsa Savova http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Authorities-in-Bulgaria-‘doing-all’-to-abolish-aviation-safeguard-clause/65 Transportation Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) was doing its best to abolish the EU safeguard clause on Bulgaria’s aviation as soon as possible, CAA head Zahari Alexiev said.CAA took four types of measures to fix the problems with civil aviation, he said as quoted by Focus news agency.Legislative changes are executed to harmonise local regulations with EU directives. The directives, however, change all the time.Cabinet should assist the improvement of the administration and the work of CAA by providing a building and letting it function like independent administration, Alexiev said.The Transport Ministry’s role was to change the regulations and to increase the monthly wages, he said.CAA should also try to overcome its failures, which were pointed out by various audits. CAA started improving the qualification of its personnel since the beginning of 2007.The European Commission imposed unprecedented safeguard clause on Bulgaria’s aviation, because it failed to meet the EU safety requirements. Because of the safeguard clause, local air companies are treated as third party entities on the EU aviation market, regardless of the fact that Bulgaria is an EU member state.May 18 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Logistics-property-in-Bulgaria-more-developed-than-in-neighbouring-countries/47 Overview Sofia has 700 000 sq m of logistics property or three times more than the one of Romania’s capital Bucharest, Colliers international data showed.The area of logistics property in Bucharest totals 260 000 sq m, Colliers International data shows. First-class logistics centres in Bulgaria rental prices vary between 3.8 euro m and 5.5 euro per sq m.Sofia and Plovdiv are among the major logistics centre locations in the region, together with Belgrade and Nis in Serbia and Timisoara and Brasov in Romania, investor.bg reported.Foreign company representatives said that because of its location Bulgaria is a good logistics centre destination. The first major projects are being launched in the country.May 18 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Private-companies-in-Bulgaria-invest-4.7-per-cent-more-in-2007/67 General Information Private companies in Bulgaria will increase their investment programmes by an average of 4.7 per cent in 2007.The investment growth rate in the public sector will reach 24.6 per cent, investor.bg said.Averaging the two values, the overall investment increase in 2007 is predicted to reach 8.6 per cent as compared to the figures for 2006.Investment in the energy sector will grow the most, by 22.8 per cent, reaching 39.3 per cent of the total amount of investment, investor.bg said.More than 16 per cent of the private companies’ investment in 2007 will be in food, drinks and non-lasting goods production.May 18 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Free-access-to-archeological-treasures-in-Bulgaria’s-capital-on-May-21-and-22/53 Beauty Sofia’s Archeological Museum will welcome visitors for free on May 21 and 22 2007.The initiative is dedicated to May 24, the Day of Bulgarian Enlightenment and Culture and of Slavonic Alphabet, Focus news agency reported.Visitors will have the chance to see all expo halls, the news collection of unshown treasures, as well as the new laboratory for conservation and restoration of artifacts of the museum, opened on May 8 2007.Visitors will also receive posters, booklets and books.The museum is located on Batenberg square, next to Bulgarian National Bank.May 21 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/EU-accession-stimulates-property-market-in-Bulgaria/47 Overview Increased sales and demand boosted Bulgaria’s residential property market after the country’s EU accession on January 1 2007, UK’s Bulgarian Dreams real estate agency said.EU accession made Bulgaria more reliable in the eyes of overseas buyers because of the stabilisation of its economy and the increase in the amount of foreign investment, Bulgarian Dreams told Budapest Business Journal (BBJ).Robert Jenkin, Managing Director of Bulgarian Dreams said that the company “believe[s] that the Bulgarian property market will follow the pattern of increased demand and rising prices experienced by central and eastern European countries, such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, when they entered the EU in 2004.”“Bulgaria presents investors with the last chance for the foreseeable future to buy property in a country benefiting from the economic transformation that EU status brings,” as the EU plans no further enlargement soon, he said.Property prices in Bulgaria had already increased and are expected to raise further.Bulgaria’s entry to the euro zone will lower interest rates, while the number of air companies, including low-cost carriers, flying to Bulgaria will increase. Such developments will further boost tourism and holiday property market, Jenkin said.May 21 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Song-from-Bulgaria-in-MTV’s-World-Chart-Express-Top-10-again/53 Beauty The newest track of Bulgarian musician Vladimir Ampov aka Grafa, entered Top 10 of the MTV’s World Chart Express.The song, Chestno v Ochi, ranked eighth during its first week in the chart, avtora.com reported. The song debuted in MTV on May 5 2007.The video shows Grafa promoting his latest album during a tour in Bulgaria.Chestno v Ochi is Grafa’s fourth song to enter World Chart Express. Another song from the same album, Zeleni i Kafyavi entered directly ninth position in the same chart in January 2007.The success of the song won Grafa an invitation for a performance in one of the most popular London clubs, The Clapham Grand.May 7 2007, source www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Majority-of-university-students-in-Bulgaria-dissatisfied-with-academic-programmes/24 Education and Childcare Nearly 60 per cent of all university students in Buglaria were dissatisfied with their majors and ended up working in an area differing from their academic background, associate professor at the private International College Albena Todor Radev told a press conference on July 7. The dissatisfaction with the current system makes 50 per cent of Buglarians study abroad, he said. The university system should be liberalised in a way that would have students become a consumer of the education industry, Radev said. Money for education should also come from students rather than the state, he said. State should still provide merit-based financial aid to students who cannot afford their education. Universities, however, need to decide how many students to admit and what fees to charge, Radev said. Allowing natural competition between universities and eventually uniting educational structures would improve education, said Radev. A new system like that would also eventually solve the problem with corruption, he said. Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgarian-citizenship-regulations-to-change-after-Bulgaria's-EU-entry/20 Visas and Relocation  Once Bulgaria joined the EU the procedures for acquiring Bulgarian citizenship would be changed, Vice President Angel Marin said. Some changes were needed to guarantee that Bulgaria would not turn into a mass EU entry point lacking careful inspection of all applications, Marin said. Marin said that several years ago nearly 6000 citizenships were granted and at the moment around 12 000 people mainly from Macedonia, Moldova and Ukraine got such. The procedure was slow, Marin said, though steps had been undertaken to speed it up. The reason for that was the lack of administrative capacity, Bulgarian National Radio reported. Several attempts for the organisation of illegal citizenship channels were made in neighbouring countries, Marin said. Yet, major violations had not been registered and most procedures were followed, Marin said. Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria's-tourism-calls-for-facilitated-visa-regime/20 Visas and Relocation Representatives of the Balkan Alliance of Hotel Associations (BAHA) called for facilitated visa regime for Balkan countries. BAHA met for its first session in Bulgaria’s Albena seaside resort, Darik Radio reported. Head of the Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association (BHRA) Blagoi Ralin said the issuing of tourist visas should occur at the borders, the way this was done in Albania. Macedonia’s deputy economy minister Sasho Andonovski said that BAHA could request the introduction of a facilitated visa regime for all member countries of the association. Bulgaria would soon have its consulates in Macedonia and Serbia, which would make the travel of tourists and businessmen easier, Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister Evgenia Koldanova said. National policies toward Russia, Ukraine and Moldova were similar at the moment, Koldanova said. Koldanova said that since Bulgaria was soon to become an EU outer border state, it accepted some engagements concerning visas that needed to be followed. EU regulations could make the removal of visa restrictions in the Balkan region difficult, Koldanova said. Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria-launches-new-jazz-and-ethno-fest/29 Clubbing Guide On July 18, Bulgaria’s biggest Rhodope Mountain town, Smolyan, would launch a new international jazz festival. July Jazz Smolyan would last four days and its programme includes concerts and happenings, avtora.com reported. The fest would aim to present unique combinations of jazz and ethno sounds, making it different from other jazz festivals taking place in Bulgaria, avtora.com reported. All events, including concerts, screenings, exhibitions and workshops could be attended free of charge. Apart from Bulgarian jazz performers, Italy’s Livio Minafra & Municipale Balcanica and Serbian project Vince Olah would perform. In addition, local project Ro- voice would perform together with Russian trio High Time. Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria's-Bankso-Jazz-Fest-gathers-international-celebrities-for-ninth-time/59 Attractions The organisers of the ninth annual Bansko jazz fest to take place from August 8 to 13 announced the participants in the event. This year nearly 150 musicians from around the world perform in Bulgaria’s leading winter resort, avtora.com reported. Bulgarian participants included singers Nina Nikolina and Kamelia Todorova and percussionist Kalin Velyov. This year's highlight included Cuban performers Raul Paz and Sexto Sentido. Although Raul Paz was born in Cuba, he performed mainly in France and at jazz festivals around the world. During the Bansko festival Paz would present his latest album Revolucion, combining authentic Cuban music with electronic sound. Paz will perform on August 8. Nina Nikolina and Velyov would warm the audience up with interpretations of Brazilian songs. Hilda Garcia Rodriguez from the Spanish embassy to Bulgaria said that Sexto Sentido was 'the best Cuba had to offer'. The quartet will perform on July 12. Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/First-3D-cinema-on-the-Balkans-opens-in-Bulgaria's-Mall-of-Sofia/55 Shopping  The first IMAX three-dimensional cinema on the Balkans will start functioning on July 13 in Mall of Sofia. M-Tel IMAX movie hall features a 37-metre wide screen. The technology used enables viewers to see three-dimensional images practically popping out of the screen. This type of screening makes the viewing experience so realistic that audience feels part of the action. According to avtora.com the sensation becomes even stronger due to the sound technology used. The speakers have been developed specially for the IMAX movie theatres. The two movies viewers can see for the time being in M-Tel IMAX are Into the Deep, offering a glance into the ocean world and T-Rex: Back to the Cretaceous, taking spectators back to the time of dinosaurs. The 12 regular cinema halls of the movie theatre will also start functioning on July 13. M-Tel IMAX centre also offers cafes and fast food restaurants, a children’s playground, M-Tel GSM operator communication centre and an internet cafe. Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Largest-mall-in-Bulgaria-opens-in-Sofia/55 Shopping On June 9 Sofia mayor Boiko Borissov opened the new Mall of Sofia.The new mall is Bulgaria's largest entertainment and trade centre, Focus news agency reported. Its construction was the first investment of General Electric in the country. The company invested over 100 million leva.The centre offers over 70 000 sq m of trade area, 135 stores and 12 cinema halls. The mall also has an underground parking lot with capacity of 700 vehicles.US ambassador to Bulgaria John Beyrle and former Sofia mayor Stefan Sofianski also attended the ceremony. Beyrle said that the mall was the third large US investment in Bulgaria this week. The other investments include the construction of the thermal power plant Maritsa Iztok and the Hewlett-Packard centre, offering over 1 000 work places. Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Foreign-tourist-visits-to-Bulgaria-to-increase-through-infrastructure-development/62 Destinations The number of foreign tourist visits to Bulgaria could increase twice if the Cabinet managed to execute the planed national infrastructure development strategy. The strategy plans developments for the period until 2015, Darik Radio reported. If all planned projects were carried out, the number of foreign tourists in Bulgaria could reach 10 to 12 million people, Darik reported. Annual turnover could also increase to 10 billion euro, head of the Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association (BHRA) Blagoy Ragin said. To attract increasing number of foreign tourists Bulgaria needed to invest in road infrastructure, airport concession and environmental protection, tourism sector representatives said. Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev acquainted tourism sector representatives with the strategy, saying it was divided in a short-term and a long-term part. By the end of the first phase in 2009, the Cabinet planned to invest 5.5 billion euro in infrastructure development, Darik said. Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria-and-Romania-to-compete-for-higher-number-of-foreign-tourists/64 Travel Agencies Bulgaria and Romania began competing in the tourism sphere, French newspaper Le Petit Journal said. This was just the start of a long competition between the two countries for higher number of foreign tourists, Le Petit Journal said. At present Romanian tourism suffered losses from the recent floods in the coastal region and the competition with Bulgarian tour operators. Now Romania planned to re-gain it position on the world market by developing rural tourism. Bulgaria's inclusion in the Romanian foreign ministry's list of countries with increased risk for tourists could be viewed as the result of the increased competition, Le Petit Journal said. The inclusion coincided with the peak of Romanian tourists planning to spend their holidays on Bulgaria's seaside, the newspaper said. Recently the website of the Romanian foreign ministry posted a list with destinations that posed some threat to the personal security of travellers. Bulgaria was placed in the same category as Iran. http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria's-Environment-Ministry-works-on-coastal-construction-ban/47 Overview Environment and Water Affairs Minister Djevdet Chakurov was working on a temporary ban over construction in Irakli, Bulgaria's wild beach area. Chakurov announced his plans to ban coastal construction during a meeting of the Councils of Ministers, Darik Radio reported. Coastal construction expansion threatened the wild life in the only remaining wild beach area in Bulgaria. On July 6 Nessebar municipality refused to ban construction, allegedly influenced by investors, Darik said. The ministry would investigate into claims that deputy Environment Minister Lyubka Kachakova had interests in continuing coastal construction. The claims were grounded on the fact that Kachakova owned construction plot near Irakli. Chakurov said that he expected a report from Kachakova stating any possible conflict of interest in connection with the Irakli issue. Other institutions involved in the issue should also state their position, Chakurov said. http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Year-round-foreign-demand-for-village-houses-in-Bulgaria/57 Buy, Sell and Rent Latest property market tendencies revealed that the sales of village houses was no longer dependent on the season. Usually the demand for houses in villages was higher during the summer, 24 Chassa newspaper wrote. Over the past few years the real estate market registered a steady year-round supply and demand for such property. The majority of the investors iwere foreigners, mainly British and Irish. The number of houses on sale increases as owners of the houses hope for profitable deals with foreign buyers. Recently Bulgarian real estate owners explored ways to attract investors from other countries, including Scandinavian countries. According to imot.bg at present Bulgarian villages offered over 6 000 village houses for sale. The supply was highest in the coastal regions near Bourgas and Varna. The large supply in the Bourgas region led to a 16 per cent decrease in real estate prices since the beginning of 2006. Varna, which offers a smaller number of houses, registered a six per cent increase of property prices. Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria-to-invest-over-13-billion-euro-in-infrastructure-projects/37 Doing Business The Cabinet planned executing infrastructural and environmental projects for over five billion euro by 2009, Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev said. He participated in a conference aimed at publicly discussing the development of integrated infrastructure in Bulgaria from 2006 to 2015, Bulgarian National Radio reported. The projects in the public sector were divided in two groups depending on the deadline for their execution. The projects to be carried out from 2006 to 2009 would consume over 5.465 billion euro, including four billion for transport development and one billion for environmental protection. Nearly 50 million euro would be invested in the energy sector, Stanishev said. The second time period from 2009 to 2015 includes projects worth over 7.477 billion euro. Nearly five billion would be allocated for infrastructure development and the remaining two billion would go to environmental projects. The money granted by the government was insufficient and the state would search for co-operation from international financial institutions like the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the World bank and from private companies, Stanishev said. The projects focus on improving veterinary services and developing irrigation systems. Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria-seeks-public-private-partnership-for-boosting-economic-competitiveness/42 Human Resources The Economy and Energy Ministry would start negotiations with various banks for joint financing of the Cabinet's programme for boosting Bulgaria's economic competitiveness from 2007 to 2013. Head of the Pre-accession Programmes and Projects Directorate Atanas Kirchev said that the ministry would negotiate the opening of new special credit lines. Kirchev participated in a forum in Varna aimed at informing the public about the programme. Almost all banks expressed readiness to open special credit lines, Kirchev said. Other ways of co-operation included using the national guarantee fund to be created in the autumn as part of the Encouragement Bank structures. The Cabinet plans to create a consultancy network to support the development of new strategies and projects. The network will include from 50 to 100 organisations with branches in all major towns and would help companies draft their projects and apply for programme funding. The operational programme would provide over 27 million euro for technology modernisation. Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/British-property-seekers-see-Bulgaria-as-fourth-most-attractive-destination/66 Step by Step Guide Bulgaria ranks fourth among the destinations where British prefer to buy property. Increasing number of British looking for a second home abroad preferred places with sunny and warm climate, the Government’s Survey of English Housing said as quoted by The Guardian. Over the past 10 years the property British citizens bought abroad increased by 300 per cent, BGNES news agency reported. Until recently Spain and France ranked among the most preferred property purchase destinations. A new tendency was noticeable. British were now looking for property in countries like Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and the Czech Republic. British property seekers saw the purchase of a house abroad as a personal investment. The report said that nearly two per cent of all British owned property in another country. Most British who owned a second house abroad were pensioners or wealthy people who wanted to spend their vacation abroad, the report said. November 20 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria-to-introduce-quotas-for-foreign-specialists/42 Human Resources Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA) suggests that the Labour and Social Policy Ministry introduces annual quotas for foreign specialists working in Bulgaria. The quotas would be determined by the applications of economic sector and employers' organisations to fill in the gaps in the Bulgarian labour market, mediapool.bg said. The quotas will not exceed the 10 per cent share of foreign workers in Bulgaria, determined by legislation. BIA presented its suggestion to the Deputy Prime Minister Emel Etem and to the Labour and Social Policy Minister Emilia Maslarova. Employers' organisations predict lack of qualified Bulgarian engineers, specialist is some economic sectors, processing industry, construction and tourism, mediapool.bg said. EU citizens would have an advantage over other foreigners seeking work in Bulgaria, mediapool.bg said. November 17 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Israeli-company-to-invest-11-million-euro-in-holiday-village-in-Bulgaria/63 Hotels Israeli company Tidhar Group will build a holiday village in Bulgaria's ethnographic resort of Arbanasi. Arbanasi is located near Bulgaria's old capital of Veliko Turnovo. Dnevnik daily reported that the residential complex will consist of 80 houses and will be 11 million euro worth. Tidhar would begin the construction in September 2007, Dnevnik said. The complex will be built in two years on 15 000 sq m of land. All lodgings will be one-family houses built in the ethnographical style of the village. The residential complex would be the second project of Tidhar in the region, Dnevnik said. The first project of the Israeli company was for settlement of 10 blocks of flats and 45 one family houses build on 87 000 sq m. Tidhar will invest nearly 40 million euro in the settlement. November 17 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Carleen-Anderson-live-in-Bulgaria/53 Beauty Carleen Anderson, on of Europe's most popular soul divas, will stage a concert in Bulgaria's capital. The concert would be held on November 21 2006 in Sofia’s National Palace of Culture, avtora.com said. The tickets will cost from 20 to 50 leva. Anderson's concert will be part of the autumn edition of Sofia Jazz Peak 2006. The soul singer will present her last album Soul Providence and some older tracks during her Sofia performance. Carleen Anderson became popular in the 90's with the band Brand New Heavies, avtora.com said. Later Anderson worked with Paul McCartney and Massive Attack. November 17 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com, photo courtesy of carleenadenrson.net http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/PropertyWise-tells-all-about-Bulgaria's-winter-resorts-and-investment-opportunities/47 Overview The second issue of Bulgaria’s first specialised English-language property magazine PropertyWise is coming out on November 24. What is the real situation in Bulgaria's main ski resorts? Is the rosy picture of Bulgaria's real estate market drawn by property developers and agents quite realistic? Is it really a good idea to invest in Bulgaria's ski resorts? In its second issue, PropertyWise will give an answer to all of these questions. The magazine offers detailed view of the developments in Bulgaria’s biggest winter resorts, among which Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo. PropertyWise also looks deeper into opportunities that Bulgaria’s office property market presents and the manner in which golf courses will affect Black Sea property investment. Just like the first issue, the second edition will offer the advise of property experts, trace international trends and present the latest architecture news and international media overviews. The second magazine issue will be available at news stands starting November 24. For subscription visit www.propertywisebulgaria.com. PropertyWise is a by-monthly magazine available the last Friday of every other month. For questions about the magazine visit its website www.propertywisebulgaria.com or mail editor@propertywisebulgaria.com. November 21 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Casting-for-second-edition-of-Survivor-BG-launched-in-Bulgaria/53 Beauty The casting for participants in the second edition of Survivor reality show in Bulgaria will be launched on April 16 2007.The new edition will be called Survivor BG Robinson Expedition, avtora.com reported.According to organizers, the new edition will include new rules and tough conditions testing the physical and psychological resistance of the participants.All Bulgarian citizens, men and women aged 18 to 55 can take part in the casting. Candidates have to have valid passport and to be in excellent physical and mental health.Applicants should send portrait and full length pictures, CVs and contact information to survivor@btv.bg by midnight on May 6.Survivor is a reality show in which a certain number of people are divided into two ‘tribes’ struggling with nature away from their home country. The two tribes compete in various games and the loser has to dismiss a member.April 13 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Small-hotels-offered-for-sale-in-Bulgaria’s-coastal-resorts/57 Buy, Sell and Rent Many small hotels in Bulgaria’s Black Sea coastal resorts are offered for sale or transformed into apartment complexes because owners are unable to pay back construction loans.Bad infrastructure, unsuitable location and over-estimation of revenue opportunities lead to problems for small hotel owners, Dnevnik daily reported.More than 70 hotels in the region of Varna are offered for sale. The average price of the hotels is 2.3 million euro. More than 20 small family-type hotels in the same region are placed under interdiction because of unpaid debts.In the southern coastal area, hotels are divided into separate apartments and these are offered for sale.Experts said that owners of big hotel complexes still refrain from selling. The only reason for sale is a decision to leave the business and to receive cash.Supply in the hotel market had decreased slightly over the past couple of years, but it still exceeds demand several times, Dnevnik said.April 16 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Spain’s-Chambao-offers-Bulgaria-flamenco-chill-out-summer/53 Beauty Spanish band Chambao will stage three concerts in Bulgaria in the summer of 2007.The concerts will be held on July 11, 12 and 13 2007 in the cities of Plovdiv, Bourgas and Varna. They will be part of the initiative Nescafe Frappe Flamenco Summer Tour 2007, avtora.com reported.Chambao took part in the last year’s edition of the tour and staged a concert in Bulgaria in September 2006. The band is famous for mixing flamenco sounds with electronic music. Chambao was founded in 2001 when the Dutch Henrik Takkenberg met three musicians from the Spanish city of Malaga.Chambao have released three albums named Flamenco Chill, Endorfinas en la Mente and Pokito a Poko. The latest album alone sold more than 170 000 copies.April 16 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Russians-learn-more-about-Bulgaria’s-tourism-during-two-expos/64 Travel Agencies Bulgaria will present its tourism during two expos in Russia, State Agency for Tourism (SAT) said.The country will take part in the 11th edition of Leisure Without Borders expo in St Petersburg form April 12 to 15 2007, Focus news agency reported.Bulgarian tourism companies will have a 35 sq m stand at the expo. They will also hold a meeting with local tour operators and tourism authorities to discuss summer tourism season.Bulgaria takes part in another tourism expo in Russia, TOURSIB 2007. It is held in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk form April 12 to 14 and is the biggest tourism fair in the region. Participation in tourism expos in Russia is of importance for Bulgaria as the number of Russian tourists to in the country is traditionally big. Nearly 216 000 Russians visited Bulgaria in 2006, Focus said. Their number registered 23.12 per cent growth as compared to the figures for 2005.April 12 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Super-Borovetz-Property-Fund-to-invest-8.5-million-leva-in-plot-purchase-in-Bulgaria/47 Overview The real estate investment trust Super Borovetz Property Fund decided to purchase properties worth 8.5 million leva.The fund will pay four million leva for two off-plan plots of total area of 8 180 sq m in Sofia, Bulgarian Stock Exchange said.Another deal to be completed features the purchase of a rest station and a plot having zoning plan in the coastal town of Balchik. The deal will amount to 3.5 million leva.Super Borovetz Property Fund also plans to purchase several plots in the village of Lyulyakovo, near the town of Dobrich. The total area of the plots is 36 000 sq m. Their price is nearly one million leva.April 12 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Ritchie-Blackmore-to-avoid-number-13-while-in-Bulgaria/53 Beauty Organisers of the concert of Ritchie Blackmore in Bulgaria presented some curious information about the event.The concert attracted great interest and the tickets were sold out long before the show, avtora.com said.Those who want to be present at the concert are so many, that the organisers will probably offer for sale additional tickets in the day of the concert.By special request of Ritchie Blackmore the first three rows in the hall will be booked for the band’s greatest fans who will dress for the concert in Renaissance clothing.Blackmore also required the number 13 to be avoided. It should not be mentioned on the airplane tickets, the car registration plate or in the number of the hotel room. None of the objects in the room should count up to 13.The concert will be held on April 17 2007 in the National Palace of Culture in Sofia. The musician and his band Blackmore’s Night will perform their newest album Village Lantern and Blackmore’s most famous hits.April 12 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria’s-capital-to-see-twin-skyscrapers-construction/47 Overview Bulgarian Crapsy Holding will invest nearly 100 million euro in the construction of 75-floors twin skyscrapers of in Sofia’s residential district of Zona B-5.The buildings will be 333 m high and will host offices and a mall, 24 Chassa daily said. Crapsy Holding said that the construction can be executed in three to four years.Sofia municipal council and architectural authorities already approved the project, mediapool.bg said.Regional Development Minister Assen Gagauzov also has to give his go-ahead, because the skyscrapers construction violates construction regulations in Bulgaria. According to law, the buildings have to be constructed at distance, equal to their height.Discussions with the residents of the district will also be held, before the start of the construction.April 13 2007, photo by PPR http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Scandinavians-get-acquainted-with-Bulgaria’s-spa-tourism-opportunities/62 Destinations Bulgaria will launch an advertising campaign of its spa tourism in the Scandinavian countries, Deputy Health Minister Matei Mateev said.Mateev said that 12 specialised spa centres offer quality services.Bulgaria could develop as a medical tourism destination for Western Europeans, which otherwise have to wait for months for treatment in their native countries. Bulgaria had the base and the professionals to carry out this idea, Mateev said.Mateev said that tourist from EU member countries already have the same healthcare rights as Bulgarians and tour operators will no longer require health insurances.Golden Sands summer resort will have from now on 24-hour emergency aid. The polyclinic in the resort will also be restored and a branch of a university hospital will be opened.April 13 2007, Photo by Elitsa Savova http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgarians-prefer-local-goods-because-of-quality-and-price/67 General Information People in Bulgaria prefer to purchase local goods, an Alpha Research poll showed.Business centre Bulgaria, organiser of the choose Bulgarian Fair of Manufacturers, ordered the questionnaire, Bulgarian news agency BTA reported.More than 55 per cent of the people questioned said that they preferred local production because of its high quality.Another 27.5 per cent said that affordable pricing was the main stimulus to choose Bulgarian goods.Only 3.3 per cent of the people questioned said that they refrained from purchasing local production.According to the results nearly 50 per cent of the Bulgarians expected the country’s EU accession to result in price increase for goods and services. More than 26 per cent said that they expected improved quality of the goods.April 13 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/30-000-Romanians-spend-Easter-holidays-in-Bulgaria’s-coastal-resorts/67 General Information The number of tourists to visit Bulgaria during summer season 2007 is expected to increase by 5.6 per cent as compared to the figures for 2006, Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association head Blagoi Ragin said.Nearly 30 000 Romanians spent the Easter holidays in Bulgaria’s Black Sea coastal region. The high number is good indication for the upcoming season, Ragin said.Revenue from Easter holidays came as compensation for the snowless winter in the ski resorts, Ragin said as quoted by Focus news agency.Ragin also said that local tourism sector suffered from a lack of qualified employees, especially cooks, waiters and animators.Bulgaria’s tourism sector had to hire local and foreign interns.April 10 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Cultural-tourism-expo-begins-in-Bulgaria’s-Veliko-Turnovo/67 General Information The fourth edition of the national Cultural Tourism Expo will see the participation of 23 organisations.The expo will be held in the city of Veliko Turnovo from April 11 to 14 2007, Focus news agency reported.Tour operators from Greece, France, Macedonia, Poland and Romania will be among the participants.Tourism organisations will discuss the development of Bulgaria’s museums, possibilities for co-operation, regulations for the work of guides and the cultural tourism experience of European countries.A film festival will accompany the expo, Focus reported. The winner among films screened will be awarded 5000 leva.Visitors of Veliko Turnovo during the expo will have the opportunity to see the unique Sound and Light Show. The show is held on one of the hills in the city, where the ruins of the former Bulgarian capital lie.The preparation of the expo costs nearly 40 000 leva. State Agency for Tourism provided almost the entire amount.April 11 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria’s-Bansko-ends-winter-season,-conditions-still-suitable-for-skiing/62 Destinations Ski season 2007 in Bansko resort will be closed on April 15.Tourists in the resort are few, but ski facilities still function and ski conditions are normal, Focus news agency reported.Weather is cloudy and rainy both in Bansko and in Pamporovo winter resorts.In Pamporovo, snow coverage reaches 20cm. All tracks are groomed and the ski facilities are opened.Avalanche danger exists in the region of Markoudzhik-3 track in Borovets resort. Weather in the resort is foggy and snow coverage varies from 20 to 160 cm. Still, most of the ski-tracks are closed or are to be groomed.April 11 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Gary-Moore-for-free-in-Bulgaria’s-capital/53 Beauty UK guitar virtuoso Gary Moore will play for free in Sofia.The event will be held at 7pm on May 9 2007 at Batenberg Square. It is part of the celebrations marking the day of Europe. Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev will support the celebrations.Moore is considered one of the most talented guitarists of all times. His career began in the 60s and he experimented in almost all musical genres.Bands like Thin Lizzy, Skid Row and Colosseum saw his participation.April 11 2007, photo courtesy of www.garymoorefc.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Irish-company-invests-in-apartment-complex-in-Bulgaria’s-Razlog/57 Buy, Sell and Rent Irish company Kendar Global Properties will invest 50 million euro in the construction of an apartment complex in the town of Razlog, close to Bansko winter resort.The complex called Kendar All Seasons Resort will cover an area of 24 000 sq m. It will dispose of 333 one and two-bedroom apartments, sports centre, pool, sauna, bar, restaurant and business centre, investor.bg reported.Kendar Global Properties said that a number of clients, mostly Irish and British, were already interested in apartment purchase. The construction of Kendar All Seasons Resort will begin in June 2007.The Irish company said that it had serious investment interest in Bulgaria. The company will construct a residential complex in Sofia’s district of Boyana and a mall in Rousse or Vidin.Kendar’s biggest project in Bulgaria will be executed in the village of Shkorpilovtsi, near Varna, where the company will construct 1000 apartments.April 11 2007, photo courtesy of Kendar official website http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Local-company-may-repair-Bulgaria’s-helicopters/67 General Information Bulgaria would launch a tender for the reparation of Mi-17 and Mi-24 helicopters in mid-April 2007, Defence Minister Vesselin Bliznakov said.The winner would be selected by the end of April 2007, he said as quoted by Focus news agency. The deadline for helicopter reparation will be mid-2008.Bliznakov said that Bulgarian companies may execute the repair. Labour in the country was less expensive, while local companies were experienced, he said.Another advantage of Bulgarian companies was the lack of requirements for payment in advance and bank guarantees, which additionally raise the price of the deal. The repair will cost 5.5 to six million euro if a Bulgarian executor is selected.The project will be funded with the seven million euro returned by Israeli company Elbit System. The company was selected for the repair, but failed to carry it out on time and Bulgaria annulled the contract. Elbit had to return the money paid in advance.April 12 2007 http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/48m-leva-worth-project-carried-out-in-centre-of-Bulgaria's-capital/47 Overview A new building of the National Academy of Arts (NAA) will be constructed in the very centre of Sofia.The old building of the academy, which is a monument of culture, will be preserved, NAA provost Bozhidar Ionov said. The project gained approval in the longest architectural contest in Bulgaria over the past couple of decades, Focus news agency reported. The contest was launched two years ago and 26 projects took part in it.The project execution will cost nearly 48 million leva. Ionov said that the project for NAA’s new building was the only Bulgarian project meeting the requirements for funding from EU structural funds. The construction will begin in the spring of 2008.The building will dispose of underground parking lots, shops and cafes.Education, Culture, Finance and Regional Development ministries supported the project.April 10 2007, photo courtesy of Kiril Kapustin http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Nearly-22-400-people-request-Bulgarian-citizenship/20 Visas and Relocation Nearly 22 400 foreigners requested Bulgarian citizenship in 2005, the majority pointing out Bulgarian descent as the reason for the request.   Most applications came from Macedonians and Moldavians, Darik Radio reported. The numbers feature in a report on the migration situation in Bulgaria.   In 2005 nearly 23 million people crossed the Bulgarian border. The majority entered Bulgaria through Turkey and using the Sofia International Airport.   Twelve hundred thousand foreigners received a long-term stay permit. The reason pointed out most often for long-term stay in Bulgaria was studies in Bulgarian universities, business activities and marriage to Bulgarian citizens.   Increasing number of British and Germans requested long-term stay permits, Darik reported.   July 28 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Citizens-from-EU-member-states-to-enter-Bulgaria-without-permit-for-up-to-3-months/20 Visas and Relocation Citizens from EU member states would be able to enter and leave Bulgaria for a period of up to three months without a special permit. Only a valid passport or ID card would be needed for entry to the country, Bulgarian National Radio reported. These changes are listed in a draft law, approved in Parliament on July 27. The law also defines the stay of foreigners in Bulgaria as short-term, for up to three months, long term varying from three months to five years and permanent residence. Permanent residents are foreigners planning to stay in the country for more than five years. Approved regulations also define the conditions and procedures needed to make each type of stay in the country legal. For a long-term stay foreigners need permits issued by police in Bulgaria, as well as employment or self-employment documents. In addition these people need to show they have the financial resources needed for their stay in the country, the national radio reported. July 27 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Popular-Spanish-band-to-perform-in-Bulgaria/29 Clubbing Guide  One of the most popular Spanish bands at the moment Chambao would perform on September 1 in Sofia’s National Palace of Culture. The Spanish musicians would present the unique style Flamenco Chill, something they have been successfully managing to popularise over the past couple of years, Darik Radio reported. Chambao came into existence in the summer of 2001. The three band members were performing on a beach in Malaga. Henrik Takkenberg offers the three musicians to add electronic elements to their style. As a result of the co-operation Flamenco Chill came into existence in 2002. Chambao’s first disc was released in nine countries, including the UK and the US. It sold more than 90 000 copies. July 28 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Fewer-Germans-interested-in-Bulgaria-as-tourism-destination/62 Destinations In 2000 Bulgaria was one of the most popular destinations for German tourists but since then interest has been going down, tourism experts in Germany said. This is the main conclusion presented in German tourism publication Touristik Report. The publication summarises developments on the German market with respect to some of the more popular destinations. Bulgarian tourism agencies failed to make use of the boom in 2000 to create loyalty among German tourists, Touristik Report wrote. A number of German tourists returning from Bulgaria were not satisfied enough to return to the country’s resorts the coming year, the report said. Some of the problems encountered in Bulgarian coastal resorts included over-population and ceaseless construction works, Touristik Report wrote. At the same time tourism agency representatives said Bulgaria was no longer so competitive when it came to prices. Hotels in Bulgaria were nearly 10 per cent more expensive than the levels that would enable Bulgaria compete with Turkey, the publication said. July 26 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Big-Brother-features-among-university-exam-topics-in-Bulgaria/55 Shopping Big Brother, Reality or Show, was one of the topics for the journalism major entrance exam at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE).The other topic, which candidates could choose to develop their arguments was Law Differs for the Reach and the Poor, Bulgarian news agency BTA reported.Students would have to analyse the topic, present factual knowledge and summarise their arguments in an essay format.Nearly 300 candidates would take the exam. Of them 50 would get the chance to study journalism and mass media at the UNWE.The oral examination would take part on August 31. Candidates who got at least a B grade in the written exam would get the chance to continue to this second examination phase, BTA reported.July 24 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/New-road-to-lead-to-international-airport-in-Bulgaria's-capital/37 Doing Business A new road would connect Brussels Boulevard to the new passenger terminal of the Sofia International Airport.The project is one of the measures needed for the completion of the new airport project in the capital, Focus news agency reported. On July 24 Transport Minister Petar Moutafchiev attended the launch of work on the new road. Several days ago the Transport Ministry and the company responsible for airport construction, Strabag, signed a document according to which the new airport terminal could start partial work in the end of August or beginning of September.By the end of the year the second phase of the project should be completed, Moutafchiev said.The road section should be finished within one year. Work could be completed sooner, Moutafchiev said. The ministry is still negotiating ownership over some of the plots through which the road would pass.An agreement with the owners would be reached soon, said Moutafchiev, so that the plots became state property.July 25 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria's-property-becomes-1.6-per-cent-more-expensive/47 Overview Property in Bulgaria became on the average 1.6 per cent more expensive from April to June 2006. The average price of sq m of property reached 819.3 leva. The increase was highest in bigger towns and cities, Bulgarian news agency BTA reported.Property in Gabrovo gained most in price, data of the National Statistical Institute shows. The increase registered there reached 15.2 per cent. Real estate in the town costs on the average 633.8 leva a sq m.Price of property in Kurdzhali went down by 4.8 per cent. The average price there is 605 leva a sq m, BTA reported.The tendency for the most expensive property to be located in Bulgaria's capital remains valid. Real estate in Sofia costs on the average 1322.7 leva a sq m. The increase, compared to prices in the first three months of 2006 is 0.7 per cent.Apartments in Varna cost on the average 1263.8 leva a sq m, with the increase in prices being 2.1 per cent. Property in Bourgas sells for 1180.5 leva a sq m on the average.Property in Kiustendil and the Sofia region turns out to be cheapest, on the average 438.3 leva a sq m. July 21 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria's-coastal-airport-sets-passenger-figures-record/65 Transportation Bourgas airport set a new record in the history of all international airports on July 31, Focus news agency reported. Only in a month the airport served a total of 505 000 passengers or an average of 16 300 passengers each day. The record figures were registered during July. July 18 was the day during which the Bourgas airport registered the highest traffic. The airport managed 155 arrivals and departures and served 24 236 passengers. The overall increase in traffic was 22.87 per cent. Despite the figures the airport managed to deal with all flights without delays in schedule, airport officials said. In July the construction and expansion of the passenger terminals serving international flight arrivals and departures were completed. Their ability to manage the passenger traffic increased by 30 per cent, Focus reported. On July 31 the airport was supposed to manage 103 flights. With its track length of 3200m the Bourgas airport was the only in Bulgaria that could accept the biggest passenger airplane Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet, Focus reported. August 1 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Four-companies-bid-for-Bulgaria-Air/67 General Information Four companies applied for participation in the tender for the privatisation of flag carrier Bulgaria Air.The companies would bid for 30 159 Bulgaria Air shares or nearly 99.99 per cent of the carrier. Bulgaria is expected to maintain one golden share through which to control the future owner of the company.Balkan Hemus Group, Air One-Bulgaria, Greek Aegean Airlines and York Bulgaria Investments Limited submitted the needed documents, Focus news agency reported.By August 4 the Privatisation Agency would decide which companies would be allowed to participate in the tender procedures.Initially seven companies expressed interest in the acquisition of the Bulgarian carrier. Among them were Austria Airlines and Trans Atlantic Aviation- UK. The Privatisation Agency announced that both strategic and financial investors could bid for Bulgaria Air.August 2 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Raul-Paz-arrives-in-Bulgaria-to-stir-Bansko-Jazz-Fest/54 Fashion Cuban Latino celebrity Raul Paz arrived in Sofia and is expected to perform during the opening night of the Bansko Jazz Fest. Paz would take part in the ninth edition of the international festival opened on August 8, Darik Radio reported. During the opening night Paz would present his latest album Revolucion. It mixes Cuban music with electronic sound. Other events scheduled for the ninth edition of the fest include performances of the Radio Belgrade Big Band, the Dutch gypsy trio Tolga and Cuban quartet Sexto Sentido. Some of the Bulgarian performers to take part in the event are Kamelia Todorova, Mihail Yosifov, Teodosi Spasov’s trio and ethno-jazz band Bulgara. August 9, Source: www.sofiaecho.com, Photo courtesy of raulpaz.net http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Level-42-come-to-Bulgaria/55 Shopping British funk band Level 42 would perform in Bulgaria during September for the celebration of the fifth birthday of Jazz FM Radio. The concert was scheduled for September 18 in the National Palace of Culture, avtora.com reported. Tickets could be bought starting August 1.Level 42 returns to the stage with a new album 26 years after the band’s creation. Its name is Retroglide and the tracks would be presented during the Sofia gig.Retroglide would be on sale in Bulgaria starting September 11.The band came into existence in 1980 and is seen as one of the most influential British funk bands. photo courtesy of www.level42.com August 2 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria's-new-property-prices-go-up,-old-property-decreases-in-value/57 Buy, Sell and Rent Property prices in Bulgaria were beginning to stabilise, Capital newspaper reported. The price of old property began to decrease due to the mass construction in bigger cities and in popular resorts. Property prices went up by 4.7 per cent on the average during the first three months of the year, data of the National Statistical Institute said. Until recently new and old property sold at nearly the same prices, Capital reported. Location, quality of additional works and the completeness of the project came as secondary factors. In Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv, Bourgas and Bulgaria’s coastal resort supply already surpassed demand, which started affecting prices, Capital reported. Despite the decrease the National Statistical Institute presented prices remain stable overall without great changes. Six cities registered price decrease in the second quarter of 2006, including Blagoevgrad, Kurdzhali and Plovdiv. August 1 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/55-000-foreigners-await-Bulgarian-citizenship/20 Visas and Relocation Nearly 55 000 foreigners were awaiting Bulgarian citizenship.   In the past four years 20 000 people received Bulgarian passports, Dnevnik newspaper reported, quoting data of the Justice Ministry.   The reason behind the large number of applications awaiting approval was slow procedures. Some of the applications dated back to 2003, Dnevnik reported.   Most of the people applying for citizenship came from Moldova, nearly 30 000 people.   The Justice Ministry said that a boom in the number of applications was registered in 2004 when the number of people awaiting citizenship nearly doubled.   The number one reason given for requesting citizenship was Bulgarian descend. A number of candidates presented documents proving that at least one of their parents was a Bulgarian citizen.   August 01, Sourse www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria-gets-its-first-manga-comics/59 Attractions The first manga comics book to be published in Bulgaria was presented on July 27.   Comics fans, artists and lovers of the most popular online role-playing game Warcraft gathered for the event, avtora.com reported.   The first Japanese-type comics to be published in Bulgaria carries the name Warcraft Manga: The Sunwell Trilogy.   Warcraft Manga is the first part of the three-book series of the leading US comics book publisher TokyoPop Inc. It is also the official comics of World of Warcraft game.   The book has 176 pages of black and white comics created in the typical manga style and in pocketbook format.   July 31 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Increasing-number-of-Bulgarians-to-have-internet-access/55 Shopping By the end of the year 30 per cent of the Bulgarians aged above 15 will have access to internet.   The State Agency for Information Technology and Communications (SAITC) released a report on the development of Bulgaria’s information society in 2005 and 2006.   According to the report the number of people using computers in Bulgaria has increased. Most people use a computer at home and at their work place.   The number of computer owners has increased nearly three times. A big number of families pointed out they bought the computer because of their children. In the coming year 11 per cent of the families having children plan to buy a computer.   Bulgaria was meeting international levels of internet access, the report said. The usage in the country approximated European, as well as international averages.   August 3, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria's-tourism-needs-further-promotion-abroad/64 Travel Agencies To promote its tourism opportunities Bulgaria needed to open tourism bureaus abroad, as well as to set up information centres in other countries, participants in the summit aimed at the creation of national strategy for tourism development said.   Investor interest in Bulgaria's tourism sector was high, Bourgas deputy regional governor Georgi Nikolchev said. Since the sector was important for the development of Bulgaria's economy, a strategic development plan was needed, Nikolchev said.   Representatives of Bulgarian tourism agencies said that international promotion was crucial. Company representatives said that the private sector was ready to aid state institutions in this project.   Tourism information centres would be needed according to resort municipal representatives.   Bulgaria already had developed several tourism opportunities like ski and seaside tourism and now needed to look for other areas. Among these were cultural, religious and alternative tourism, Bulgarian news agency BTA reported.   August 3, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Technical-passports-required-for-new-property-in-Bulgaria/66 Step by Step Guide Technical passports would become mandatory for all new buildings in Bulgaria, according to changes in territorial regulations voted in parliament on first reading on August 2.   The documents would list characteristics of the construction like fire safety, noise isolation, energy saving and others, mediapool.bg reported.   Initially the document would be required for new constructions only, Regional Development Ministry representatives said.   Deputy Regional Development Minister Savin Kovachev said that the introduction of such documentation represented a step back.   According to the Regional Development Ministry a technical passport was needed to ensure energy saving in buildings.   MPs suggested some changes to the regulations between first and second reading. One of the issues that needed to be clarified was the date from which the passports would become mandatory, mediapool.bg reported.   August 3, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Imperial-tobacco-group-shows-interest-in-Bulgaria/37 Doing Business One of the leading tobacco companies in the world, the British Imperial Tobacco Group plans to expand to new markets through the acquisition of smaller companies.   Bulgaria and Turkey were getting ready for the privatisation of their cigarette producing companies, Imperial Tobacco Group managing director Gareth Davies said during an interview for Bloomberg.    During the privatisation procedure for Bulgaria’s Bulgartabac Holding in 2004 the British company was among the three candidates, Dnevnik newspaper reported.   British American Tobacco reached the final stage of negotiations but due to the long procedure the company quit.   Imperial Tobacco also announced plans to sell its production for the first time in the US. The main reason behind the decision was the decreased consumption in the UK and the smaller number of administrative hindrances in the US.   American smoked seven per cent of the overall cigarettes production and were responsible for 30 per cent of the revenue of tobacco companies, Dnevnik reported.   August 3, source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria's-economic-growth-rate-to-exceed-projected-value-for-2006/37 Doing Business Bulgaria's economic growth rate was expected to exceed the 5.3 per cent given as prediction in the beginning of the year, a study of The Centre for Economic Development (CED) shows. According to the report the services sector stood behind the economic development. Industry and construction on the other hand registered a slowdown, Bulgarian news agency BTA reported. Unemployment levels were going down, while Bulgaria's investment income was on the rise for a third consecutive three-month period in a row, the report said. The current account deficit reached 7.3 per cent of the GDP for the period from January to May 2006. It represents 73 per cent of the deficit for the previous year. According to the report direct foreign investment could cover only half of Bulgaria's trade deficit. From the beginning of the year till June prices went up by 2.9 per cent and the levels are expected to remain unchanged over the summer. The report concludes that the financial sector remains stable though some negative trends were observed. Cabinet had to take measures to limit the growing credit expansion of commercial banks which played a negative role for the country's economic stability. August 3, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/August-sees-the-start-of-jazz-fest-in-Bulgaria's-Bansko/54 Fashion Four of the musicians to take part in the Bansko Jazz Fest presented their festival projects during a press conference on August 3.   The fest would start on August 8.   Musicians Angel Zaberski-Junior, Mihail Yosifov and performers Petar Salchev and Petya Drago had already taken part in the previous festivals and the audience knew them well, avtora.com reported.   Yosifov would take part in three different projects to be presented in Bansko.   The opening night would feature theme performances for the first time since the launch of the festival, avtora.com reported. The opening was going to be organised like similar European fests.   Bansko would celebrate the opening of this year’s fest under the sign of Cuban music. The peak of the night would come with the performance of Raul Paz, avtora.com reported.   Paz would visit Bulgaria for the first time. Tickets for his performance could be purchased online at www.ticketstream.cz.   August 4, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Construction-ban-imposed-in-Bulgaria's-protected-coastal-regions/66 Step by Step Guide Environment and Water Affairs Minister Djevdet Chakurov would impose a ban on the construction in Bulgaria’s protected coastal areas located in the Emine-Irakli region. The ban would be in force for a period of one year. The protected areas are home of some rare wildlife species, a Council of Ministers press release said. Chakurov said that Nessebar municipality received 813 plans for construction in the region, including the setting up of resorts. If such projects were carried out unique species could become extinct, Chakurov said. The Cabinet approved an idea for the creation of a workgroup that would draft unified procedures code for future construction in the coastal areas. Representatives of the Environment, Regional Development, Agriculture and Economy ministries would be part of the workgroup. Each month members would meet to decide upon a set of criteria for reviewing construction projects and the issuing of permits. August 4, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/British-and-Americans-to-enter-Bulgaria-without-visa-starting-September/62 Destinations Parliament approved new regulations according to which the citizens of countries in America and British citizens would be able to enter Bulgaria without visas. Starting September 1, the new regulations would apply for citizens of the UK, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, US, Mexico, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Panama, Costa Rica and Honduras, Bulgarian news agency BTA reported. The only requirement would be for the travelers to present a valid passport. A visa-free stay in Bulgaria would be valid for a 90 day period applicable for six months after the first entry to the country. New regulations were accepted as part of Bulgaria's engagement to synchronise visa regime regulations with the EU standards. August 3, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria's-treasures-enjoy-worldwide-interest,-says-Danailov/56 Religious Services Bulgarian archaeological finds enjoyed huge interest abroad, Culture Minister Stefan Danailov said.   On October 13 an exhibition featuring 200 pieces of the Thracian gold treasure would be presented in Paris’ private museum Jacquemart-Andre, Focus news agency reported.   An exhibition is also scheduled in the historic museum in Basel, Danailov said.   Due to the huge interest in Japan the gold mask of king Teres is already exhibited there. The mask was found by the team of Georgi Kitov. Japan would witness another exhibition of Bulgarian treasures in 2008.   Danailov said that most exhibitions were going to take place during the autumn and the winter as the tourist inflow during that time of the year was smaller. August 8, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Three-companies-approved-for-Bulgaria-Air-tender-participation/67 General Information The Privatisation Agency approved three of the four companies that decided to participate in the tender for the acquisition of national air carrier Bulgaria Air.   The deadline for the submission of applications ended last week. Mediapool.bg reported that three of the four companies met all qualification requirements for the acquisition of 99.99 per cent of Bulgaria Air.   Balkan Hemus Group, Air One- Bulgaria and Airlines Bulgaria, owned by the Greek Aegean Airlines were approved, mediapool.bg reported.   New York Investment Limited failed presenting evidence it met all tender requirements, mediapool.bg reported.   Seven companies bought documents for participation in the privatisation process. By August 17 the three selected companies need to present their preliminary offers.   August 8 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Transport-centres-set-up-in-Bulgaria/65 Transportation Bulgaria would set up seven centres for combined transportation, Transport Minister Petar Moutafchiev said.   The centres would be established in Sofia, Varna, Rousse, Bourgas, Plovdiv, Dimitrovgrad and Vidin, Darik Radio reported.   Nearly 800 million euro would be allocated from the EU pre-accession funds for infrastructure developments in Bulgaria, Moutafchiev said. The money would be needed for state railway improvements, though no projects have been submitted yet.   If projects were presented now they could receive funds for execution in 2008, Darik reported.   Moutafchiev said that the debt of the state railways totals 150 million leva. The Transport Ministry would request between 120 and 140 million leva to pay some of the most outstanding debts.   August 07, Source: www.sofiaecho.com , photo courtesy of bdz.bg http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Illegal-constructions-taken-down-in-Bulgaria/66 Step by Step Guide For the first six months of 2006, 195 illegal constructions in Bulgaria have been taken down, the Directorate for National Construction Control said.   The directorate ordered the taking down of 605 illegal construction and the halting of construction work on 235 more.   Bulgarian news agency BTA reported that the directorate performed 4722 construction inspections in the first half of 2006.   The inspections aimed at confirming the legality of construction works. Violations were registered in 1482 cases.   For the same period, the directorate collected 1.69 million leva in the form of fines enforced previously, BTA reported.   August 4, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Airports-and-ports-in-Bulgaria-register-profit,-says-Transport-Minister/62 Destinations Over the past year ports and airports in Bulgaria registered profit, Transport Minister Petar Moutafchiev said. Income from airport activity totals 18 million leva for the first half of 2006, a Transport Ministry report on its work said. Construction of new runways of the Sofia Airport was advancing, Moutafchiev said. According to initial plans some of the traffic could be diverted to the new runway by the end of the month, Bulgarian news agency BTA said. A decision concerning the concession of the airports in Varna and Bourgas was still awaited, the report said. A five-member panel of the Supreme Administrative Court needs to decide whether to grant the consortium between Fraport and BM Star concession rights over the two airports. Moutafchiev also said that the final monitoring report on Bulgaria's readiness to join the EU should not list any problematic developments in the transport sphere. August 9, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria-sending-negative-signals-to-foreign-investors--report/37 Doing Business The decision of the Environment and Water Affairs Ministry to re-examine contracts for natural resources extraction concessions could send the wrong signals to international investors, a statement of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) and the Confederation of the Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria (CEIBG) said. The two organisations said that giving on concession the extraction of natural resources was one of the mechanisms used worldwide to guarantee good public-private partnership. Values of natural resources depended on international stock exchange and varied greatly, Darik Reported. The changes made extraction benefits uncertain. Mainly private companies showed interest in such activities because of flexibility and readiness to act fast, the statement said. The state should provide consistent policies to guide such activities. Another main task was to guarantee the following of ecologic requirements, Darik reported. Denying investors the right to participate in such activities was sending wrong signals abroad, the statement of the two organisations said. August 9, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria's-Cabinet-completes-successful-year-in-office--coalition-leaders/20 Visas and Relocation The first year in office of the Cabinet was successful, Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev said after a meeting of the leaders of Bulgaria’s ruling tripartite coalition. The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), National Movement Simeon II (NMSII) and Movement for Rights and freedoms (MRF) managed to co-ordinate their activities and exercise mutual control over important decisions, Stanishev said. A number of coalition priority projects were already carried out, Stanishev said. Bulgaria was moving closer to EU membership because of all measures taken to meet EU requirements, said he. Coalition rule also achieved fiscal stability, which in turn would guarantee economic growth, said he. The coalition also promised new social policies. Some of these already managed to decrease unemployment, which reached a record low level, Stanishev said. Direct foreign investment also went up as a result of the other positive developments, said he. Foreign investment nears 1.2 billion euro for the period under consideration, said he.  August 10, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/12%-increase-in-Bulgaria's-budget-income-for-2006/42 Human Resources Bulgaria’s budget income went up by nearly 12 per cent for the first six months of 2006, compared to the values for the same period last year. The total amount reached 6 590.6 million leva or nearly 53.6 per cent of the predicted values for 2006. Increase came mainly through the larger amounts collected through taxation. The increase registered there was 17.3 per cent, a Council of Ministers official press release said. Significant increase was registered in indirect taxation. It resulted mainly from the high import rate, high value of crude petroleum and increase in excise duties. The amount that entered the budget through direct taxation totals 68.7 per cent of the annual estimates. More people paid income taxation according to analysts, which contributed to the increase. Expenditure for the same period totals 5 135.7 million leva or 43.2 per cent of the planned annual values. August 11, source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Demand-for-vacation-property-in-Bulgaria-maintains-high-level/57 Buy, Sell and Rent Bulgaria’s vacation property maintained its status as the most profitable real estate investment. A research of imot.bg showed that most luxurious vacation property was located in the coastal Sunny Beach resort, Dnevnik newspaper reported. More than 1600 vacation apartments were offered for sale. Nearly half were located in Sunny Beach. The development, however, did not affect prices. Despite the steady supply prices remained high, real estate agents said. Most owners offered two-bedroom apartments. Average prices of sq m in Sunny Beach reached 975 euro. In Sozopol resort the average price was 930 euro a sq m. Apartments still under construction sold cheaper. In other coastal resorts like Ahtopol, Nessebar and Pomorie prices varied between 580 and 700 euro a sq m, Dnevnik reported. Three-bedroom apartments were not offered that often since investors dealt cautiously with such projects. Demand was not high enough yet and most property seekers still preferred two-bedroom apartments, Dnevnik reported. August 11, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Flights-from-Bulgaria-to-London-without-delays/65 Transportation All flights scheduled for August 11 from Sofia to London were taking place without delays, apart from a canceled afternoon flight of British Airways. The Bulgaria Air and British Airways morning flights took off as scheduled, Bulgarian National Radio reported. A Hemus Air flight to London was also going to take place as announced, company representatives said. To meet security measures at British airports passengers of Bulgarian carriers flying to London are forbidden from carrying hand luggage. Only purses and small handbags holding documents and medicines were permitted. All other personal belongings including laptops, mobile phones, iPods and other devices cannot be carried in the hand luggage, the national radio reported. Increased security measures resulted from the terrorist act attempt that British police prevented on August 10. Police arrested 21 people in relation to the act, which targeted passenger aircraft. August 11, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/New-archaeological-finds-in-Bulgaria/53 Beauty An iron sword and two new tombs were discovered during excavation works on Cape Kaliakra, located in Bulgaria's coastal area. According to the team from the Institute of Archeology with Museum and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences the tombs date back to the period of early Christianity, Bulgarian news agency BTA reported. The remains of two men and one woman were found in the tombs. Archaeologists said that they probably were members of the same family buried at different time. Archaeologists also focused their work on two buildings uncovered previously. One of them was probably set up during the Early Middle Ages and the second dates from the period of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom in 13th and 14th century. Both constructions held large number of artifacts. Archaeologists said that one of the most valuable finds was the iron sword. Such weapons were found rarely, which made the sword rather unique, BTA reported. August 9, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/A-month-of-festivals-in-Bulgaria/59 Attractions The national folklore festival Rozhen 2006 begins on August 12 in the Rozhen region of the Rhodope Mountain. This year 170 folklore bands and 150 performers will take part in the festival, Darik Radio reported. A huge temporary settlement and three stages will be build for the participants. The festival will be opened by 150 back-pipe performers. Some of the most famous Bulgarian folklore singers, such as Valya Balkanska, Nadka Karadzhova and Yanka Rupkina are invited to take part in the festival. Another festival will take place for the first time in Varna. A house music festival will occur on August 18. Bulgarian and foreign DJs will entertain the audience. Kaliakra Rock Fest begins on August 23 in Kaliakra with the concert of one of Russia?s favourite groups Liube. Two days later, on August 25 is the concert of Halloween, Darik said. Twisted Sister and Testament will also perform in Kavarna. August 9, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Property-prices-in-Eastern-Europe-increasing-fast/66 Step by Step Guide Property prices were registering the highest increase in East European countries, data of the British property company Knight Frank, presented in Financial Times shows. Japan continues struggling with price decrease, the report said. Property in Hong Kong was also losing value after a previous boom. Worldwide, property has become 8.5 per cent more expensive, the analysis showed. Significant price increase was observed for property in Bulgaria and Estonia. According to the analysis the increase resulted from the equalisation of prices in Europe. Because of investor interest property prices in Bulgaria went up by 20.5 per cent. According to predictions Slovenia and Slovakia would become Europe's property hotspots in the coming year. Economic recovery would also bring up property prices in Germany. August 14 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria-provides-passports-to-increasing-number-of-foreingers/64 Travel Agencies Bulgaria was providing citizenship to a large number of foreigners who came from countries that were not members of the EU, an article in The Sunday Telegraph titled Bulgaria Opens Back Door to the EU With Give-Away Passports Bonanza said. Citizenship-issuing procedures were abused by corrupt officials shortly before Bulgaria became EU member state, The Sunday Telegraph reported. West European countries, among which UK, already feared the increased number of Southeast European workers expected to travel to EU member states, once Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU. The Sunday Telegraph reported that more than 20 000 Moldavians and Macedonians have already received Bulgarian citizenship in the past few years. At least 55 000 more people were awaiting Bulgarian citizenship, the publication said. Citizenship campaign in Bulgaria began as an attempt to strengthen the link with Bulgarian minorities in neighbouring countries. Yet, a number of applicants do not speak Bulgarian and lack Bulgarian heritage, The Sunday Telegraph reported. August  14 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com, photo courtesy of mvr.bg http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/100-000-people-enjoy-Bulgarian-folklore-in-Rozhen/53 Beauty Nearly 100 000 people witnessed this year the folklore festival in Rozhen, organisers of the event said. Culture Minister Stefan Danailov and Smolyan mayor Dora Yankova took part in traditional folk dancing together with 10 000 other people while trying to set a record, Bulgarian National Radio reported. Folk performances continued during the nights of the two-day fest. Famous Bulgarian folk singers Zlatina Ouzounova, Valya Balkanska and Hristina Liutova performed for the numerous audience. More than 6000 signers, musicians and dancers from various Bulgarian regions took part in Rozhen 2006. Visitors of the festival exceeded the population of Smolyan municipality nearly 2.5 times, the national radio reported. August 14 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Highway-construction-in-Bulgaria-to-begin-in-October/37 Doing Business The construction of Liulin Highway could begin in October, director of the national roads agency Vesselin Georgiev said. By the end of next month the European Commission would select a consultant for the project, Darik Radio reported. Georgiev already signed a contract for the construction of the highway with the Turkish consortium Mapa Cengiz. The European Commission selected the company from among five applicants. The project budget totals 148 million euro and more than 137 million euro have been allocated for the construction works. The project would be executed in three years, during which a 20-km road section needed to be completed, Darik reported. Liulin Highway is part of the European transport corridor 4, connecting Vidin to Koulata through Sofia. The national roads agency would monitor project execution and the meeting of deadlines, Georgiev said. The construction of Liulin Highway is the first project Mapa Cengiz would carry out in Bulgaria. In Turkey, the company has completed more than 20 road projects worth nearly $800 million. August 14 2006, source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Property-companies-to-appeal-construction-ban-in-Bulgaria's-Irakli/57 Buy, Sell and Rent Swiss Properties would appeal the decision of the Environment and Water Affairs Ministry to ban construction in Irakli coastal region for one year, company managing director Stoyan Zahariev said. The company already purchased plots and finalised a project, mediapool.bg reported. Environment and Water Affairs Minister Djevdet Chakurov approved the ban since Irakli was one of the last remaining wild beach areas in Bulgaria. The ban was tabled in Parliament under pressure from NGOs and ecological organisations. Swiss Properties planned to construct vacation houses and apartments in Irakli, mediapool.bg reported. Nessebar mayor Nikolai Trifonov said he had not seen the ban yet though it was going to affect municipal decisions. The municipal architect is the person to issue a construction permit. Swiss Properties had all documents needed for the issuing of such permit, mediapool.bg reported. Owners of plots in the Irakli region also said they were going to protest against the ban. August 16 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Reshuffle-on-Bulgaria's-beer-market/37 Doing Business According to the latest analysis of the Union of Brewers in Bulgaria, Carlsberg brewery was increasing its market share.At the same time, other companies like Kamenitsa and Zagorka were stepping down from their previously dominant position, the survey shows.Karlsberg produces several brands among which Shoumensko, Pirinsko and Tuborg.The report registers a 24 per cent increase in Karlsberg sales for the first months of 2006, compared to sales for the same period last year. Overall beer consumption went up by 11 per cent. Kamenitsa and Zagorka experienced a five to six per cent increase in sales.Carlsberg's increased sales grant the company a 23.22 per cent market share in Bulgaria, the report said. August 14 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Apollonia-arts-festival-starts-in-Bulgaria/54 Fashion The coastal resort of Sozopol would host for the 22nd consecutive time the Apollonia arts festival between September 1 and 10. Apart from the exhibitions and concerts typical for the event, organisers were planning to include the premiers of several plays to be presented in Sofia theatres during the coming season. Some of the plays to be presented during the festival include Don Juan, A Severed Head, The House of Bernarda Alba and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.During the festival Bulgarian band D 2 would present its new album. Rock band Signal, Maria Ilieva, Beloslava and Grafa would also perform, avtora.com reported.The dance troop of Neshka Robeva would present its latest project on September 3. Other events included classical music concerts, photo exhibition and the presentation of new books, avtora.com reported. August 16 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Bulgaria-launches-infrastructure-projects/65 Transportation All four transit road projects Bulgaria approved in 2003 were going to be launched this year, director of the national road agency Vesselin Georgiev said.On August 14 Georgiev presented a new system for automatic border control at the Kalotina checkpoint, Focus news agency reported. The system enabled vehicle classification and automatic control, Focus reported.Bulgaria was also ready to launch regional development programme projects, Georgiev said. Only a number of trans-border control and PHARE projects were not launched yet, Georgiev said. Most of these projects involved the creation of checkpoints at the borders with Turkey and Romania, Focus reported.Georgiev said that when it came to the execution of such projects Bulgaria was moving ahead of neighbouring countries. Next year Bulgaria was going to start work on the Maritsa Highway, as well as on the setting up of a border checkpoint and on several roads, Georgiev said.August 15 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Tourism-packages-in-Bulgaria's-Albena-become-less-expensive/64 Travel Agencies Albena Ltd decided to lower the prices for tourism packages in Bulgaria's coastal resort of Albena by as much as 50 per cent.The offer would be enforced by the end of August, company representatives said. As part of the promotion tourist accommodation at Gorska Feya camping site costs 13 leva a night, breakfast included. All inclusive accommodation in a three-star hotel varied between 44 and 49 leva a night, Bulgarian news agency BTA reported. Byalata Laguna tourism complex would offer a tourism package featuring accommodation and breakfast for 25 leva a night. The full service package in the complex would cost 50 leva a night. According to company representatives Albena was using 90 per cent of its accommodation capacity at the moment. August 18 2006, Source: www.sofiaecho.com http://www.expatinbulgaria.com/news/Property-owners-in-Bulgaria's-Irakli-oppose-construction-ban/57 Buy, Sell and Rent Environment and Water Affairs Minister Djevdet Chakurov lacked the authority to impose a ban on the construction in privately owned plots in the Irakli region, plot owners said.Chakurov imposed a one-year ban on construction in the region, which features some of the last remaining wild beaches in