Bulgaria's government faced a no-confidence vote over its foreign policy, with the ruling coalition defending its alignment with international partners while the opposition called for a shift towards prioritizing national interests. Despite the motion failing, the debate highlighted ongoing tensions over the country's stance on the Ukraine conflict and its foreign policy direction.
The Bulgarian Black Sea coast is facing a severe staff shortage for the 2025 tourist season, with hotels struggling to find workers across various positions, particularly frontline roles. To address this challenge, hotels are increasingly relying on workers from third countries, with over 7,000 people from non-EU countries actively seeking work in Bulgaria.
The DPS declared its commitment to supporting the government until the convergence report on the eurozone is released in June and confirmed it would not vote for the no-confidence motion against Rosen Zhelyazkov’s cabinet. The party also emphasized that all political groups in the government must adhere to agreed clauses and decide by consensus, distancing themselves from legislative proposals involving Delyan Peevski’s faction.
The government has extended the humanitarian aid program for displaced Ukrainian citizens by an additional month to complete a new integration-focused support initiative. Key ministries alongside international and non-governmental organizations will work together to provide legal, psychological, and social assistance aimed at long-term social and economic inclusion.
The UK automotive industry faces a significant threat as the United States prepares to impose tariffs on vehicle imports, potentially putting 25,000 jobs at risk. The IPPR urges the government and industry to focus on transitioning to electric vehicle production and investing in sustainable transportation technologies to mitigate the long-term risks.