AGP Executive Report

Circular Economy Skills: A new Erasmus+ project, Become, is training educators and employers across Finland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Bulgaria to build practical know-how for circular economy jobs, as the EU still recycles just about 12% of materials. Climate & Heritage in Focus: Drought has exposed new fossil finds along the Danube near Ruse, where volunteers searched for mammoth remains and uncovered ancient animal traces and even WWII-era relics. Bessarabian Bulgarian Culture: Bolhrad marked its 205th anniversary with major cultural events and a Bulgarian delegation, highlighting the city’s role as a living centre of Bessarabian Bulgarians through churches, schools and community memory. Media Literacy Through Ancient Script: Bulgarian-Canadian artist Mira Svilenova is bringing Glagolitic research into cross-cultural education and media literacy ahead of a Sept. 9 exhibition at Bulgarian National Radio. Human Rights & Housing: The European Court of Human Rights ruled Bulgaria violated Roma families’ rights in Sofia after demolishing homes without an effective way to challenge the decision. Contemporary Art Calendar: Plovdiv’s City Art Gallery announces its Week of Contemporary Art (theme: “Bug in Reality”) opening Sept. 3. Education Update: Bulgaria’s school year will start Sept. 15, as required by law, after debate over Sept. 14. Museum Crime Warning: Europol says museum heists are turning more violent, with social-media-linked opportunists using force and intimidation.

Roma Rights in Court: The European Court of Human Rights ruled Bulgaria illegally demolished Roma families’ homes in Sofia without a real chance to challenge the orders, ordering damages and procedural reforms. Education Policy: Bulgaria’s Education Minister says the new school year must start on September 15 under the law, after debate over September 14. Higher Education Changes: Parliament’s education committee reviewed amendments to the Higher Education Act focused on tuition fee caps and student scholarships, including lowering the share used to calculate fees. Culture & Community Abroad: Bolhrad in Ukraine marks its 205th anniversary with Bulgarian participation, spotlighting Bulgarian heritage in Bessarabia. Contemporary Art: Plovdiv’s City Art Gallery opens a new Contemporary Art Week on September 3, themed “Bug in Reality.” EU Culture Capital: Trenčin, Slovakia, wears the EU Capital of Culture 2026 crown with a programme built around “Awakening Curiosity” and social bridge-building. Eurovision Politics: Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS says it won’t take part in Eurovision 2027 in Burgas, citing the contest’s loss of neutrality. Nature & Education: Bulgaria’s first permanent seagrass exhibition opens near Burgas, linking ocean literacy with conservation and climate resilience. Sports & Culture: Roger Federer returns to Arthur Ashe Stadium for an exhibition doubles match during US Open “fan week.”

Eurovision Politics: The Netherlands’ public broadcaster Avrotros says it will boycott Eurovision 2027, arguing the contest can no longer be “neutral” amid the Gaza war and unclear rules on which countries at conflict can compete—while next year’s show is set for Burgas, Bulgaria. Sports & Culture Spotlight: Roger Federer returns to Arthur Ashe Stadium for a special US Open exhibition doubles match, pairing with Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi and John McEnroe, as he also looks ahead to his Hall of Fame induction. Civic Life in Sofia: NGOs including cyclist groups plan a protest after police operations in Sofia parks targeting cyclists and IEV users, calling it intimidation without enough safe cycling infrastructure. Foster Care Reform: A Pleven discussion urges more foster families and legal changes so foster parents can sign both civil and employment contracts, with stronger institutional support for a more stable system. Heritage & Learning: Bulgaria launched a national digital philatelic gallery, digitizing 5,800+ stamps from 1879 to today with details on designers, themes and history. Local Festivities: Vidin Fair opened with traditional music and major performers, while Albena marked its 57th anniversary with concerts, Brazilian-themed programming and fireworks. Museums for All: Six Bulgarian museums joined a dementia-friendly network with a growing digital map to make cultural spaces more welcoming for people with dementia and their families. Bulgaria Abroad: Bulgaria was guest of honour at France’s 103rd Lavender Fair in Digne-les-Bains, spotlighting Bulgarian rose traditions and culture. Travel & Connections: Direct Sofia–Yerevan–Sofia flights resume on November 7, boosting people-to-people links for business, culture, sports and tourism.

Cultural Diplomacy: Bulgaria marked 205 years in Bolhrad with a meeting on Georgi Sava Rakovski High School alumni, using local history to pass memory to younger generations. Heritage & Identity: Bulgaria was guest of honour at France’s 103rd Lavender Fair in Digne-les-Bains, spotlighting Bulgarian rose traditions, fragrances and folk performances. Arts & Inclusion: Six Bulgarian museums joined a dementia-friendly network, creating a growing map of cultural spaces designed for people living with dementia and their families. Education & Culture: Sofia University placed 901–1,000 in the 2026 Academic Ranking of World Universities, the only Bulgarian institution in the top 1,000. Music Industry: Sofia hosts the SoAlive Music Conference & Festival (Oct 14–16), bringing 300+ music professionals to discuss AI, copyright and the future of live music. Travel & Lifestyle: Direct Sofia–Yerevan flights resume Nov 7, opening new routes for business, culture and tourism. EU Culture Politics: The Netherlands boycotted Eurovision again for 2027, citing Gaza humanitarian suffering and press-freedom concerns.

Sofia Airport Upgrade: Jetex and SOF Connect are set to open a VIP lounge at Vasil Levski Sofia Airport, aiming for 30,000+ passengers in 2027 and a more “five-star” travel experience. Bulgarian Heritage & Memory: President Iliana Iotova marked the Ilinden–Preobrazhenie Uprising with a call to preserve historical memory and defend Bulgarians in North Macedonia. National Commemorations: Bulgaria also observed the 149th anniversary of the Battle of Shipka, with official ceremonies and a memorial service. Culture & Community Events: Plovdiv hosts the 17th Plovdiv Cup Aerobics Open in October (free admission), while Telford’s Balloon Fiesta finale includes a Community Carnival Day featuring Bulgarian folk dancers and interfaith groups. Film & Festivals: Three student films from Tomashpolskyi’s Kyiv workshop are headed to international festivals, including a Sofia stop for socially minded work. Education Debate: Bulgaria’s Education Minister says the new “Virtues and Religion” subject won’t undermine secular schooling and is linked to tackling child aggression. Regional Spotlight: A train attack hit an Odesa-bound passenger service carrying nearly 600 people, including 15 children.

Historical Memory & Identity: President Iliana Iotova urged Bulgarians to defend historical memory and reject hatred during the 123rd anniversary commemoration of the Ilinden–Preobrazhenie Uprising at Petrova Niva, calling it a sacred national place and addressing the treatment of Bulgarians in North Macedonia. Heritage in Focus: The Buzludzha Memorial House—once a communist monument and now an endangered landmark—was inaugurated 45 years ago, with its future tied to preservation efforts after years of vandalism and collapse. Cultural Sports & Community: Over 500 athletes from 12 countries will compete in the 17th Plovdiv Cup Aerobics Open in October (Oct 16–18), with free admission and events for children, juniors and seniors. Regional Spatial Debate: The Veliko Tarnovo Historical and Spiritual Capital of Bulgaria Association is pushing for formal recognition of the city’s national role in the 2026–2040 spatial development framework. Tradition & Faith: The 33rd National Gathering of the Bulgarian Sarakatsani took place near Sliven, spotlighting faith, memory and passing traditions to younger generations. Local Investment for Culture & Lifestyle Makers: Pernik launched an investment portal and a free “Investment Ambassadors” network to support investors, including in creative industries.

Historical Memory & Identity: President Iliana Iotova called for preserving historical memory at the 123rd anniversary commemoration of the Ilinden–Preobrazhenie Uprising in Petrova Niva, urging Bulgarians not to ignore hatred and division toward their community in North Macedonia. National Heritage in Action: Bulgaria marked the 149th anniversary of the Battle of Shipka with official ceremonies in Gabrovo, including a memorial service and speeches framing Shipka as a symbol of sacrifice and unity. Community Traditions: The 33rd National Gathering of the Sarakatsani took place near Sliven, with clergy and community leaders stressing faith, memory, and passing cultural heritage to children. Culture & Travel Spotlight: A fresh look at Rila Monastery highlights its UNESCO status, architecture, and frescoes—another reminder why Bulgaria’s spiritual landmarks keep drawing pilgrims and tourists. Youth & Creativity: Burgas will host the Who Creates? International Youth Film Festival (Aug 25–27), bringing nearly 190 films from 42 countries made by young creators aged 10–25. Education & Values Debate: Education Minister Georgi Valchev said the new “Virtues and Religion” subject won’t undermine Bulgaria’s secular education and is meant to address child aggression while keeping parental choice central. Civic Innovation: Pernik launched investpernik.com and an “Investment Ambassadors” network to offer free, no-commission guidance to investors, including in creative industries.

Commemoration & Identity: Bulgaria marked the 149th anniversary of the Battle of Shipka with an official ceremony in Gabrovo, attended by President Iliana Iotova and Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov, while church leaders framed the event as a lesson in sacrifice and unity. Tradition & Community: The 33rd National Gathering of the Sarakatsani took place near Sliven, bringing together members from Bulgaria and Greece and stressing faith, memory, and passing cultural heritage to the next generation. Education & Values Debate: Education Minister Georgi Valchev said the new “Virtues and Religion” subject will not weaken the secular nature of Bulgarian schooling, and linked the reform to tackling child aggression; he also commented on a Plovdiv youth assault case, arguing the students’ profile largely matches the average. Culture & Travel: A feature on Rila Monastery spotlights its UNESCO status, architecture, and frescoes, reinforcing its pull for Orthodox pilgrims and tourists. Youth & Creativity: Burgas will host the Who Creates? International Youth Film Festival (Aug 25–27) with nearly 190 films from 42 countries, giving young creators a platform for stories and experiments. Environment & Eurovision 2027: Green Balkans proposes the bearded vulture as a Eurovision 2027 symbol, tying the idea to conservation efforts after vulture deaths linked to poison bait.

Juvenile Justice & Social Media: Bulgaria’s Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev says new measures are being discussed to curb antisocial behaviour by minors, including tougher qualified offences for some juvenile crimes and possible reduced penalties in other cases, alongside legislation that would restrict social media access by age. Wildlife Protection: In Kalofer, pasture users were briefed after poison baits killed eight vultures in Central Balkan National Park; participants stressed the crime’s danger to protected birds and humans, and discussed prevention with police, environmental agencies and farmers. Sport & Community: Pamporovo opened the DECATHLON Persenk Ultra Mountain Running Festival with 800+ runners from 26 countries, featuring distances from 20 km to 100 km and a push to reconnect youth with nature. Air Passenger Rights: The EU kept and expanded protections under updated airline rules, including clearer price transparency and stronger family seating, while compensation for major disruptions remains in place. Cultural Ties Abroad: Bulgaria’s consul general in Nis visited the Zvonce area to meet the Bulgarian community and support centre activities, including a local initiative providing school uniforms. Environment & Eurovision: Green Balkans proposes the bearded vulture as Bulgaria’s Eurovision 2027 symbol, linking the bird’s conservation story to the species’ recovery after poison-bait deaths. Youth Film: Burgas will host the Who Creates? International Youth Film Festival (Aug 25–27) with nearly 190 films from 42 countries, spotlighting creators aged 10–25.

Mountain Sports & Tourism: Over 800 runners from 26 countries are taking part in the DECATHLON Persenk Ultra Mountain Running Festival in Pamporovo, running distances from 20 km to 100 km until August 23, with local officials and Olympic champion Ekaterina Dafovska at the opening. Culture & Community Abroad: Bulgaria’s Consul General in Nis visited the Zvonce area in southeastern Serbia, meeting the Bulgarian minority community and supporting projects like school-uniform delivery for local students. Human Rights: Saudi dissident Abdulrahman al-Khalidi has been freed after nearly five years in administrative detention in Bulgaria, following a change in his control measure. Literature Spotlight: An exhibition in Taraclia, Moldova, marks the birthday of Bulgarian children’s author Angel Karaliychev, featuring his “A Fairy-Tale World” works and related materials. Film & Youth Culture: Burgas will host the first Who Creates? International Youth Film Festival (Aug 25–27) with nearly 190 films from 42 countries, created by young filmmakers aged 10–25. Nature & Eurovision Symbol: Green Balkans proposes the bearded vulture as Bulgaria’s Eurovision 2027 symbol, linking the bird’s reintroduction story to species protection. Education & Talent: Bulgaria’s team returned from the International Geography Olympiad in Istanbul with one bronze and two silver medals, and Bulgaria will host the event in 2029. Digital Lifestyle: Bulgaria introduced a new residence scheme for digital nomads, offering eligible non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens a way to live and work remotely under specific income and documentation requirements.

Eurovision 2027 in Burgas: Bulgaria’s Black Sea city has been officially picked as host, with the government earmarking €20M by year-end and Burgas already pitching its Sea Garden, the Bridge pier and nearby wetlands as a tourism magnet. Digital Lifestyle: Bulgaria introduced a new residence option for digital nomads, with a dedicated permit for eligible non-EU/EEA/Swiss remote workers, tied to visa, income and insurance requirements. Immersive Art Boom: MINA Sofia’s first year drew 60,000+ visitors to its 360-degree museum experience at Serdika Center, showing strong appetite for familiar themes delivered through tech. Film & Festivals: Golden Rose Bulgarian Feature Film Festival 2026 announced its lineup for Varna (Sept 17–24), while Cinefest Sudbury revealed early 2026 selections including a satire on celebrity worship. Culture & Faith: Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s exhibition spotlights the Bulgarian-born duo’s wrapping legacy, and St. John of Rila celebrations continue with Sofia Opera and the Orthodox Church marking the feast day. Human Rights Debate: The Bulgarian Helsinki Committee warns against replacing juvenile justice reform with harsher penalties for minors, arguing support measures work better.

Eurovision in Burgas: Bulgaria’s Black Sea city of Burgas is moving into full state-backed preparations for Eurovision 2027, with EUR 20 million earmarked by year-end and the organizing committee stressing deadlines and national investment. Film & festivals: Fantastic Fest unveiled its 2026 lineup, including the Resident Evil reboot and genre premieres, while CineLink Docu Awards highlighted Central and Eastern European documentary projects. Culture & heritage: Bachkovo Monastery’s Hegumen presented BTA with a Bachkovo Charter in Cyrillic and Glagolitic, and a new National Academy of Art Burgas master’s program launches on the cultural heritage of the Black Sea coast. Arts residency: “Things from Here, People from Elsewhere” opens in Shiroka Laka, showcasing installations created during the Tikla residency by artists from Bulgaria, Norway, China and Hungary. Human rights & youth justice: The Bulgarian Helsinki Committee warns that replacing delayed juvenile justice reform with harsher penalties would be ineffective and against children’s rights. Community & inclusion: A Bulgarian-supported project will bring a mobile youth center to Taraclia villages in Moldova, aiming to boost young people’s participation in cultural life. Science for everyday health: BAS scientists secured protection for a bioactive natural compound combination targeting metabolic health, with human validation planned. Religion & society: Portugal’s new niqab/face-covering ban in public spaces is set to disproportionately affect Muslim women, drawing criticism from rights groups.

Performing Arts: Plovdiv’s Ancient Theatre hosted the thriller-musical “Sweeney Todd,” bringing Victorian grotesque and film-noir tension to the stage with local artists and digital scenery. Music & Culture Diplomacy: Sofia Municipality asked BNT for detailed feedback on its Eurovision 2027 bid, pushing for more transparency after Burgas was chosen. Heritage & Faith: In Burgas, UOC hierarchs joined celebrations tied to St. John of Rila, while church leaders also met to discuss aid for Ukrainian refugees. Education & Culture: Burgas’ National Academy of Art launched a master’s on the cultural heritage of the Black Sea coast, linking research with cultural tourism skills. Community & Identity: Bulgaria took part in an international cultures school assembly in New Zealand, with a teen presenting Bulgarian language, traditions and Cyrillic heritage. Sports Youth: Bulgaria’s U14 girls won the Slovenia Ball title, with coach Petrova calling it the start of bigger goals. Arts Abroad: Dilijan opened “Textile Dialogues,” an international textile art exhibition with workshops for children and teens. Digital Safety: The UN urged platforms to protect children online, warning against unregulated AI and attention-harvesting business models.

Eurovision & Tourism: Bulgaria’s Black Sea city Burgas is officially set to host Eurovision 2027, and the Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association is already pitching it as a chance to boost shoulder-season tourism—plus push for better transport links along the coast. Education & Culture Leadership: More than 400 school principals across Bulgaria are joining a free summer online academy (Aug 24–Sep 7) with practical workshops on leadership, teacher support and even using AI to save time. Arts & Heritage Training: The National Academy of Art’s Burgas branch launches a master’s programme on the Cultural Heritage of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, spanning antiquity to the late 20th century with fieldwork and heritage-tourism focus. Bulgarian Spiritual Culture: BTA’s LIK magazine was presented at Rila Monastery for St. John of Rila’s feast day, marking the saint’s 1,080th death anniversary and 1,150 years since his birth, with church leaders and scholars discussing his legacy in contemporary Bulgarian culture. International Cultural Exchange: Bulgaria took part in a school cultural assembly in Christchurch, New Zealand, with a 14-year-old presenting Bulgarian history, Cyrillic, rose oil and John Atanasoff. Public Health Debate: Chief State Health Inspector Angel Kunchev says some doctors recorded MMR vaccinations that weren’t actually administered, and proposes they cover treatment costs for affected children. Environment: Heavy smoke from wildfires in Serbia blanketed Sofia and western Bulgaria, with authorities advising residents—especially vulnerable groups—to limit outdoor activity.

St. John of Rila celebrations: Bulgaria’s spiritual calendar is in full swing at Rila Monastery as BTA’s LIK magazine launches its August issue dedicated to St. John of Rila’s 1,080th death anniversary, with Patriarch Daniil and other church leaders highlighting the saint’s role in Bulgarian identity and hope. Culture & research spotlight: Historian Maria Zlatkova says the monastery’s modern history (1944–2019) is still under-researched, while speakers frame LIK’s editorial approach as a bridge between journalistic and religious language for today’s readers. Public health controversy: Chief State Health Inspector Angel Kunchev proposes that doctors who reported MMR vaccinations for children later found without antibodies should cover treatment costs and parents’ sick notes, after data showed many “vaccinated” cases lacked antibodies in Lovech region. Games & entertainment: Gamescom 2026 is set for a record-scale edition with 1,600+ exhibitors from 67 countries and Bulgaria debuting as a national pavilion. Eurovision update: Burgas has been selected as host city for Eurovision 2027, with plans for major events around the contest week. Kids’ safety: Plovdiv’s Children’s Council met with officials and students to discuss education, healthcare, violence, and online safety, including risks linked to vapes and laughing gas. A new cultural landmark: A Friedrich Schiller bas-relief was unveiled in Sveti Vlas, placed in the “Alley of Nations” as a tribute to European brotherhood.

Rila Monastery & St. John of Rila: Bulgaria’s cultural spotlight is on the 1,080th anniversary of St. John of Rila’s Dormition, with BTA’s LIK magazine launched at the monastery library and speeches from Patriarch Daniil, Bishop Evlogii and others stressing the saint’s role in Bulgarian spiritual identity. Culture & Research: Historian Maria Zlatkova says the monastery’s modern history (1944–2019) is still insufficiently studied, while LIK’s issue explores how journalistic and religious language can meet modern audiences. Public Health Debate: Chief State Health Inspector Angel Kunchev proposes doctors who recorded MMR vaccinations without antibodies later found in children should cover treatment and sick-note costs, pointing to regional measles patterns. Children & Safety: Plovdiv’s Children’s Council discussed education, healthcare, violence, online safety and vape/laughing-gas risks, feeding children’s proposals into national policy work. Animation in Varna: The World Festival of Animated Film returns Sept 2–6 with 60+ films from 20 countries and workshops, exhibitions and masterclasses. Eurovision 2027: Burgas is confirmed as host city for Eurovision 2027, with dates set for two semifinals and the grand final. Tech & Rights: The EU’s e-Evidence rules take full effect, letting investigators in member states demand digital data directly from major tech firms. Western Bulgaria Smoke: Eight municipalities reported smoke, with authorities pointing to fires in Serbia and Albania as the likely source. Fantastic Fest 2026: Genre cinema fans get a lineup preview, including “Resident Evil” and “Beware Boiúna,” as the festival announces its full slate.