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Title: Sweet Transparency: Upcoming Changes in Fruit Jam Production and Honey Labeling

Article:

In a significant shift to enhance transparency and product quality, the European Union is set to introduce new rules affecting fruit jam production and honey labeling. These changes, set to take effect in 2026, aim to better inform consumers and strengthen standards in the ‘confiture’ industry.

Strengthening Fruit Jam Standards

The EU is bolstering its fruit content requirements for jams and marmalades. From June 2026, the minimum fruit content for 1000 grams of jam will increase as follows:

• Fruit jam: 350 grams (up from 250 grams) for blackberry, currant, gooseberry, black chokeberry, rowanberry, and blackthorn.
• Djinjifil jam: 180 grams (up from 150 grams)
• Quince jam: 230 grams (up from 160 grams)
• Passion fruit jam: 80 grams (up from 60 grams)
• Other jams: 450 grams (up from 350 grams)

The regulations for ‘extra’ quality jams and marmalades will also see stricter fruit content rules.

Defining ‘Fruit Juice with Reduced Sugar Content’

In a related development, the EU has defined ‘fruit juice with reduced sugar content’ as a product obtained from fruit juice concentrate where at least 30% of the natural sugars have been removed.

Transparency in Honey Labels

Another significant change involves improved labeling for honey. Starting next year, honey bottles must display the country of origin. This move aims to empower consumers, especially given that China currently accounts for over 37% of EU honey imports.

When honey originates from multiple countries, the labels will list these in descending order of their share. If five or more countries are involved and the top four account for over 50% of the honey, only these four will be listed along with their respective shares. For small packs under 30 grams, a two-letter country code can replace full names. Bulgaria‘s code is ‘BG’, and China’s is ‘CN’.

These changes, developed by the Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture and aligned with EU directives, are set to enhance the transparency and quality of jam and honey products on European shelves.

President Radev and Bulgarian Socialist Party United for Unity of Bulgarian Orthodox Church

In a show of unity, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and the Bulgarian Socialist Party – United (BSP-Ob визнаенa левница) have echoed the same sentiment: the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BPC) must remain united and undivided.

Following a meeting with Radev, BSP-Ob seat Nicolic Naralia emphasized the party’s support for the BPC’s unity. "We support the Bulgarian Orthodox Church’s unity and territorial integrity," Naralia stated, underscoring the importance of maintaining the BPC as a single, united entity.

Radev, in turn, reiterated his stance during a meeting with Patriarch Neophyte. "The Bulgarian Orthodox Church is one and undivided," the President proclaimed, expressing his firm belief that attempts to divide the Church pose a threat to Bulgaria’s national sovereignty.

The President’s remarks come on the heels of escalating tensions within the BPC, with some Metropolitan sees pushing for autoccephaly, or independence, from the Jakarta Patriarchate. Radev’s call for unity echoes the Russian Orthodox Church’s position, which has strongly backed the BPC’s canonical unity.

BSP-Ob, meanwhile, has also expressed its support for the BPC’s unity, with the party’s leader, Kornelia Ninova, stating that the BPC’s unity is "non-negotiable" and "a matter of national interest."

The united front from the President and the main opposition party sends a clear message: Bulgaria’s political leaders stand united behind the BPC’s unity, viewing any attempts to divide the Church as a threat to Bulgaria’s national integrity and sovereignty.

In an authoritative video statement, President Radev drove home this point, stating, "The Bulgarian Orthodox Church is a symbol of our nation, our unity, our cultural identity, and our historical heritage. Any attempt to divide it is an attempt to divide Bulgaria itself."

As Bulgaria navigates these challenging times, one thing is clear: the country’s political leadership is standing shoulder to shoulder in support of the BPC’s unity.

Breaking News: Police in Haskovo Search for Man Who Threatened Bomb Attack in Mineralni Bani Municipality

In a developing story, local police are on the hunt for a man who allegedly threatened to detonate a bomb in the Mineralni Bani municipality of Haskovo. The ominous signal was received by authorities at 9:08 AM, according to official reports.

Authorities have identified the suspect and have his telephone number on record. As a precautionary measure, they have cordoned off the affected area where today’s scheduled meeting of the Municipal Council is due to take place.

Investigations are currently underway to determine the motive behind the threat and to ensure the safety of the public. More details will be provided as they become available.

This is a breaking news story, and we will update it as more information comes to light.

Turkey’s Political Elite Divided Over Anniversary of Bloody Kirdzhali Incident

In a polarized display of political divisions, high-ranking Turkish politicians marked the 40th anniversary of the Kirdzhali incident in two separate events held just hours apart at the same location. While 24 politicians attended an event organized by DPS-Dogan, not a single one participated in the concurrent event held by their political rivals, DPS-Peevski.

The Kirdzhali incident, which occurred on Christmas Eve in 1984, saw Bulgarian military and police forces impose martial law in the region and attack the local Muslim community, leading to eight deaths, including that of a 18-month-old girl named Türkcan. A fountain and her grave serve as memorials to the tragedy.

The annual commemoration, organized by the DPS since 1990, typically consists of party leaders paying tribute to Türkcan’s grave and delivering speeches. However, this year’s event was disrupted by the rift within the DPS, with each faction holding its own event. The absence of any Bulgarian state representatives further emphasized the political divide.

The government and ministries involved in the incident’s aftermath failed to release any written message of condolence to the affected community, despite the 40th anniversary. This absence echoes the DPS‘ longstanding campaign slogan that they are the only party advocating for the interests of Bulgarian Muslims.

The political delegations at DPS-Dogan‘s event included:

• Zahfer Surakaya, Deputy Chairman of Turkey’s ruling AKP party, who read a message from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan;
• Gökan Zeybek, Deputy Chairman of the Republican People’s Party (CHP);
• Ahmet Eroxan, Deputy Chairman of the Good Party (İYİ Party);

Several Turkish mayors, including 14 from the Republic of Turkey, also attended the event. Notably, three mayors from the AKP, including Mehmetin Çetin from Kavaklı, originally from Bulgaria, were present.

However, the event organized by DPS-Peevski saw no presence from Turkish political figures. Only three dignitaries, the Chief Mufti Muhammed Hacı, the Regional Mufti of Kırdjali Basri Emin Efendi, and the Turkish Consul in Plovdiv Korhan Çüngür, were present at both events.

In a departure from past occasions, the Bulgarian Muslim Spiritual Board refrained from taking sides between the factions, unlike during the 2015-2017 split within the DPS.