Бургас

Bulgaria‘s Black Sea Highway: A Key Infrastructure Project Set for 2025 Completion

The Road Infrastructure Agency (API) anticipates a positive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from the Ministry of Environment and Waters for the Black Sea Highway project by 2025. API’s chairman, Yordan Vălchev, shared this news with Money.bg. The project, outlined in the Integrated Transport Strategy 2030, is budgeted at BGN 450 million.

Construction of the highway is expected to commence in late 2026 or early 2027. API plans to launch a tender for the design of a four-lane expansion from Burgas to Malko Turnovo. Options for duplicating the highway from Varna to Dobrich are also being considered.

Engineer Zhivko Nedev, vice-chairman of the Bulgarian Road Association’s Board of Directors, believes the Black Sea Highway is crucial despite its short length. He notes that its construction was first proposed in 1971 as part of a five-highway ring road project.

Nedev sees the Black Sea Highway primarily as a tourist route, but also a transport and, increasingly, an ecological concern due to its planned trajectory through protected zones. The highway is seen as vital for boosting Black Sea tourism and attracting more visitors from neighboring countries.

According to Eurostat, 58% of European Union citizens’ trips to other EU countries in 2023 involved road transport, highlighting the significance of this project. Bulgaria’s strategic location, with five major European corridors passing through its territory, further underscores the importance of the Black Sea Highway.

Image: Highway Construction Scene

Burgas Bus Driver Assaulted and Beaten by Drunken Passenger

A Bus driver in Burgas was brutally assaulted and beaten by a passenger in an early morning incident, according to a statement from the Burgas Municipality press center.

The attack occurred around 6:00 AM today. The bus was parked at the terminal of the municipal carrier "Burgasbus" in the "Med Kens" complex. A young man, visibly intoxicated and acting erratically, boarded the bus and demanded to be taken to a nearby village. When refused, the man proceeded to attack the driver with his fists, leaving the latter hospitalized and under medical supervision.

The alleged attacker was subsequently detained by police. This is not an isolated incident; just yesterday, a similar attack on an ambulance driver in Kameno was reported. The 41-year-old suspect in that case was arrested shortly after the incident.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and follow us on Google News Showcase.

Drunk Passenger Attacks Bus Driver in Burgas, Leaving City Shocked over Christmas

Burgas, Bulgaria – The usually peaceful coastal city of Burgas was left reeling this Christmas, following a brazen attack on a public bus driver by a drunk passenger. The incident, which was captured on CCTV, has gone viral, sparking outrage and soul-searching among locals.

The attacker, identified as 23-year-old Viktor N., boarded the bus at around 9 pm on Christmas Eve, visibly intoxicated. Witnesses reported that he was unsteady on his feet and smelt strongly of alcohol. Despite the driver’s attempts to reason with him, Viktor launched a brutal attack, punching the driver repeatedly until he fell to the floor, unconscious.

A GD TSI, a Common Sight Gone Violent

The driver, a 55-year-old man with over two decades of service, is currently in stable condition in Burgas Regional Hospital. The incident has left his colleagues and fellow Burgas residents shaken. "We’ve seen everything on our routes, but never something like this," commented a fellow bus driver who wished to remain anonymous.

Viktor, who was apprehended at the scene, showed no remorse for his actions. "I was drunk. I didn’t know what I was doing," he told police. However, CCTV footage tells a different story, showing him deliberately approaching the driver with violence intent.

A Christmas Miracle, Thanks to Passengers

The attack could have been worse if not for the intervention of other passengers. A group of young people, who were returning from a Christmas party, bravely stepped in, pinning Viktor down until police arrived. "We couldn’t just stand by and watch," said one of the witnesses, 27-year-old Elena G.

DrunkDriving(R) BusDriverAttack

The incident has reignited debates about alcohol consumption and public safety. "We’ve seen too many incidents like this," said Maya P., a Burgas resident. "It’s high time we had stricter alcohol laws and tougher penalties for public drunkenness."

As Burgas enters the new year, the city is eager to put this Christmas horror behind it. However, the memory of Viktor’s senseless attack will linger, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in plain sight.

Massive Fire Rages in District Between Bill and Lidle; Hazardous Smoke Blankets City

A major fire broke out today in the district located between Bill and Lidle, following a circular route known as "Trapetica." The blaze began when a tire shop caught fire, with the flames subsequently spreading to nearby waste materials.

The fire, initially reported at approximately 11:30 AM, has been fought relentlessly by four fire crews, while local police have cordoned off the area. Residents in close proximity have been temporarily evacuated, and the sound of sirens has punctuated the otherwise hapless scene.

A thick, black pall of smoke has billowed into the sky, carrying with it an acrid smell of burning tires that has permeated the entire city. Authorities expect environmental inspectors to arrive later to take air quality readings and assess any potential hazards.

Follow this developing story and stay informed throughout the day on Google News Showcase.

Headline: Bulgaria Rings in 2025: Rappers, Rockers and Folklore Set the Stage for New Year’s Eve

Bulgaria is gearing up for 2025 with a reprisal of its stunning New Year’s Eve celebrations. Here’s what to expect across the country as the clock strikes midnight.

Sofia: Young Talent and Established Stars

Sofia’s New Year’s Eve concert on "Knyaz Alexander I" square, starting at 21:30, promises a blend of youth and experience. Fifteen-year-old phenom Phillip Donkov, already a social media sensation, will kick off the event. The city’s best will follow, including Factor, Fondatsia, Stanley, Maria Chakarova, Kerana, and the Cosmonauts. However, this year’s concert won’t be broadcast on national TV, so make sure to be there in person. Don’t miss the dazzling light show at midnight, lighting up the city skyline.

Transportation and Logistics

More details on temporary traffic changes and public transport schedules in the Sofia area will be released on December 30.

Varna: A Night with the 90s and Bulgarian Favorites

Varna’s "Together in the New Year’s Night" concert on Independence Square begins at 22:00, lasting until 2:30 AM. Headlining are UK pop icons EAST17, best known for hits like "It’s Alright" and "Let It Rain". Bulgarian favorites like Orlin Pavlov, Deep Zone, and rockers Toma featuring Toma will also take the stage.

Burgas: A Marathon of Music and Dance

Burgas kicks off its New Year’s Eve celebration at 22:30 on "Troykata" square. Singers Mirolubov "Miro" Todorov and Tino will lead the countdown, with DJ Stanley and the Professional Folklore Ensemble "St Strandja" keeping the party going until the early hours. Burgas Municipality is also preparing 2,500 glasses of wine and pieces of New Year’s cake to bolster locals’ and visitors’ spirits.

Plovdiv: Music and Dance under the Stars

In Pловdiv, the official city ceremony starts at 22:00 on Stefan Stambolov Square, featuring the Folk Dance Ensemble "Trakiya" and rockers S.A.R.S.

More New Year’s Eve Celebrations Across Bulgaria

Other Bulgarian cities are preparing their own revelries:

• Veliko Tarnovo: Hosts a concert featuring Trio "Tontsi", Leydi Bi, PFA "Iskra", and B.T.R.
• Ruse: Welcomes Vladislav "The Graf" Ampov for a pauzative New Year’s concert.
• Yambol: Celebrates with "Diana-Express" and Folk Ensemble "Tundzha", featuring Mitko Stefanov’s hits.
• Stara Zagora: Offers a New Year’s Eve dance with Tsvetelina "Donka" Kojuharova and Todor Kojuharov, accompanied by the "Yuzhni Ritmi" orchestra.
• Shumen: Hosts Tangra and "Trakiysko Naslado" orchestra in the New Year’s celebration, led by Mayor Prof. Christo Christov.
• Gabrovo: Marks the New Year on December 30, with Stefan Val Sabine and the "Obitelite Zapodozrenia" ensemble at 19:00.

Join Bulgaria in welcoming 2025 with a bang! From rock, pop, and hip-hop to traditional folklore, there’s something for everyone.