Parking fees in Sofia higher than in Moscow and Madrid - Colliers
A survey of cities around the globe in June 2009 placed Sofia as the 13th most expensive city in Europe in which to park, and 38th in the world.
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Fri, Jul 03 2009
About today
* Independence Day – Belarus.
Sofia
27° / 17° C
Top stories
Justice secretary Jack Straw refuses pardon for Michael Shields
Jul 02 2009 18:25 CET
by Gabriel Hershman
Controversial incident hinged on defence plank of mistaken identity but Straw appears unconvinced.
Voter turnout on July 5 to surpass European elections – pollsters
Jul 02 2009 17:02 CET
by Clive Leviev-Sawyer
Gallup says voter turnout in Bulgaria’s national parliamentary elections could reach up to 60 per cent. In the country’s European Parliament elections in June 2009, it was just less than 40 per cent.
Surprise, shock at Sanader resignation
Jul 02 2009 12:06 CET
by Clive Leviev-Sawyer
Croatian prime minister concedes border dispute with Slovenia contributed to his decision to quit; Slovenia says it hopes Croatia’s EU prospects get back on track.
Euro area unemployment highest since May 1999
Jul 02 2009 13:31 CET
by Clive Leviev-Sawyer
Unemployment in euro area was 9.5 per cent in May 2009, new Eurostat figures say. Joblessness figures in all EU states are higher than a year ago.
Swine flu escalates in the Balkans
Jul 02 2009 14:17 CET
by Nick Iliev
More cases in Bulgaria as new surveillance equipment arrives from the US. Meanwhile, the Greek government confirms more than 100 cases of people affected by the H1N1 strain.
July Morning kills youth in Kamen Bryag
Jul 01 2009 10:30 CET
by Nick Iliev
The authorities were alerted at 1.45am and a paramedics unit and the fire brigade were dispatched to the scene. Emergency units were delayed reaching the site by the hundreds of kiosks and tents that were pitched all over the perimeter.
Galev election posters
Jun 30 2009 17:05 CET
by The Sofia Echo staff
Election posters for Galev, released from prison for the duration of the election campaign, have started to appear.
Latest news
Justice secretary Jack Straw refuses pardon for Michael Shields
Controversial incident hinged on defence plank of mistaken identity but Straw appears unconvinced.
EU launches 140 million euro call for greener energy research
The EU launches a 140 million euro call for proposals for cutting-edge research aiming to put hydrogen buses, clean power stations and greener laptops on the market two to five years earlier than planned.
Voter turnout on July 5 to surpass European elections – pollsters
Gallup says voter turnout in Bulgaria’s national parliamentary elections could reach up to 60 per cent. In the country’s European Parliament elections in June 2009, it was just less than 40 per cent.
UK health minister: Swine flu pandemic can no longer be contained
Latest case confirmed in Bulgaria in June 2 has come from Britain
Andy Burnham, British health secretary: Cases are doubling every week and on this trend we could see more than 100,000 cases a day by the end of August.
Angles and demons
In the closing days of Bulgaria’s parliamentary elections campaign, the Bulgarian Socialist Party demonises Ivan Kostov; Boiko Borissov labels Sergei Stanishev a populist and for most right-wing politicians, Ahmed Dogan is demon-in-chief.
Swine flu escalates in the Balkans
More cases in Bulgaria as new surveillance equipment arrives from the US. Meanwhile, the Greek government confirms more than 100 cases of people affected by the H1N1 strain.
Euro area unemployment highest since May 1999
Unemployment in euro area was 9.5 per cent in May 2009, new Eurostat figures say. Joblessness figures in all EU states are higher than a year ago.
Policeman refuses 800 euro bribe
Less than a week ago, another police man at the Kulata border crossing point was seen accepting a bribe from a man who also had a banning order but attempted to enter Greece. The officer will face criminal charges.
Council of international adoptions has no cases pending
For the first time since its formation in 2003 not a single case is awaiting review by the council.
Surprise, shock at Sanader resignation
Croatian prime minister concedes border dispute with Slovenia contributed to his decision to quit; Slovenia says it hopes Croatia’s EU prospects get back on track.
Save the Bulgarian mountains
The organisation fears that with the arrival of the next Government, the systematic destruction of natural habitat will continue.
Editor's choice
Angles and demons
In the closing days of Bulgaria’s parliamentary elections campaign, the Bulgarian Socialist Party demonises Ivan Kostov; Boiko Borissov labels Sergei Stanishev a populist and for most right-wing politicians, Ahmed Dogan is demon-in-chief.
Policeman refuses 800 euro bribe
Less than a week ago, another police man at the Kulata border crossing point was seen accepting a bribe from a man who also had a banning order but attempted to enter Greece. The officer will face criminal charges.
Bulgaria opens first genome centre on Balkans
Agriculture Minister Tsvetanov opened the first genome centre of the Balkans at Sofia University.
EU launches 140 million euro call for greener energy research
The EU launches a 140 million euro call for proposals for cutting-edge research aiming to put hydrogen buses, clean power stations and greener laptops on the market two to five years earlier than planned.
Surprise, shock at Sanader resignation
Croatian prime minister concedes border dispute with Slovenia contributed to his decision to quit; Slovenia says it hopes Croatia’s EU prospects get back on track.
This week's The Sofia Echo
Rainbow rights
Western embassies support the Rainbow parade after criticism from conservative groups and the clergy and silence from politicians
Non-partisan candidates
The Galevi case could further undermine Bulgaria’s image abroad
The distant vote
Voting from abroad becomes a hot issue in the Bulgarian parliamentary elections campaign
Stemming the tide
Mediterranean countries including Greece, Cyprus, Malta and Italy win backing from the European Council for a tougher line on illegal immigration
Economies and the ‘hood
Bulgaria’s five neighbouring countries have economic troubles of their own
Crash landing
The sky is the limit? For SkyEurope, that might no longer be the case as it seeks new investors to avoid going out of business
Refuse trench war
A total of 203 refuse sites will have to be shut down by July 16 because of an EC directive that would leave 120 municipalities with no place to store unwanted refuse
One Man Show
Businesses run by dominant owner-managers are tricky customers when it comes down to equity deals
Applied Science
Waking up and modernising a mastodon is never easy, especially when the animal in question is the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Sights in stone in Sakar
A medieval fortress, stone churches and Thracian dolmens
Salt & Sweet Cookery
A charming bistro has recently opened, focusing on fresh and healthy dining, in a darling stylish setting.
Culture shock
When the US bureau of alcohol, tobacco and firearms wanted to break the spirit of the Branch Davidian defenders at the siege of Waco, they boomed out the track My Achey Breakey Heart continuously.
Painting with words
Irish author Deirdre Madden can think of no occupation that she would like better
The English Angle: Dis(respect)
I watched an old British film from 1961 the other day, set in London. The landmarks may still be the same but everything else has changed drastically in the almost 50 years since. In particular, the old social bonds have weakened dramatically
Offline: Social fever
Only for someone who has lived under a rock for the past year, would it be news that social networks have really, really exploded
Macro: Bargaining
Some degree of horse-trading is unavoidable in politics. To rail against the practice in principle is pointless and counterproductive, but one can understand why political deals get such a bad rap in Bulgaria, beyond the implied negative connotations of the word itself.
Editorial: Parading rights
Opinion polls in Bulgaria have shown a prevalence of homophobic attitudes. In public life, being openly gay is unusual, limited usually to people in entertainment and the arts. Unlike other European countries, if any politician of note is gay, they do not say so, probably well aware that to do so would be career suicide.
Austrian Actionism in Sofia
On June 11 2009, Austrian minister for education, arts and culture, Claudia Schmied and her Bulgarian counterpart Stefan Danailov and Edelbert Köb, director of the Museum for Modern Art in Vienna, Mumok, opened the first exhibition of Austrian Activism in Sofia City Gallery. The exhibition in Sofia includes works by Otto Meuhl, Günter Brus, Hermann Nitsch, Rudolf Schwarzkogler, Arnulf Rainer, Valie Export, Marina Abramovic and several Ives Klein works.
German ambassador farewell dinner
British ambassador Steve Williams and Mrs Fiona Williams hosted an intimate dinner at their residence on June 17 to wish ‘au revoir’ to their dear friends Michael Geier, the outgoing German ambassador, and Mrs Julia Geier
Today
Real Madrid sign Karim Benzema from Olympique Lyonnais
This is the latest reinforcement that the Queen of Europe has made so far this summer, in a bid to knock their arch rivals off their perch in the next campaign.
Net Prophet
I remember the days long ago when people who were interested in acquiring a significant other used to simply head out to a bar or, God forbid, let one of their friends do a little matchmaking for them.
Justice secretary Jack Straw refuses pardon for Michael Shields
Controversial incident hinged on defence plank of mistaken identity but Straw appears unconvinced.
Karl Malden, mentor to Michael Douglas, dies at 97
Veteran actor had one of the longest careers in Hollywood and also one of the most enduring marriages, having recently celebrated his 70th wedding anniversary.
EU launches 140 million euro call for greener energy research
The EU launches a 140 million euro call for proposals for cutting-edge research aiming to put hydrogen buses, clean power stations and greener laptops on the market two to five years earlier than planned.
Past 7 days
Net Prophet
I remember the days long ago when people who were interested in acquiring a significant other used to simply head out to a bar or, God forbid, let one of their friends do a little matchmaking for them.
Pop idol Michael Jackson dies aged 50
Michael Jackson will be yet another legendary figure who will go down in history immersed in controversy and mystery. His contribution and impact on the world of music is immense, unparalleled and unquestionable. He was an extraordinary talent who touched the hearts and minds of millions of fans worldwide.
Strong earthquake shakes Greek island of Crete
Earthquake rocks Crete but no reports of casualties as yet
Farrah Fawcett dies at 62
1970s 'perfect' poster girl became a respected actress but later endured a protracted battle with cancer
Pop idol Michael Jackson dies aged 50
Michael Jackson will be yet another legendary figure who will go down in history immersed in controversy and mystery. His contribution and impact on the world of music is immense, unparalleled and unquestionable. He was an extraordinary talent who touched the hearts and minds of millions of fans worldwide.
Past 30 days
Net Prophet
I remember the days long ago when people who were interested in acquiring a significant other used to simply head out to a bar or, God forbid, let one of their friends do a little matchmaking for them.
Pop idol Michael Jackson dies aged 50
Michael Jackson will be yet another legendary figure who will go down in history immersed in controversy and mystery. His contribution and impact on the world of music is immense, unparalleled and unquestionable. He was an extraordinary talent who touched the hearts and minds of millions of fans worldwide.
No Bulgarians aboard crashed Air France flight 447
Brazil defence minister confirms debris was from flight 447. French aviation officials have said they may never find the flight data recorders of an Air France jet that went missing over the Atlantic, due the extreme depths in the ocean at that particular area, in areas exceeding 6 000 metres.
Kill Bill star David Carradine dies at 72
Actor was filming in Thailand when he was found dead in his hotel room
Real Madrid move in on Cristiano Ronaldo, Berbatov to stay put
Berbatov’s agent Emil Danchev vows that the striker will still be a United player next season. Is anyone bidding for the Bulgarian's services though?
Today
Justice secretary Jack Straw refuses pardon for Michael Shields
Controversial incident hinged on defence plank of mistaken identity but Straw appears unconvinced.
Karl Malden, mentor to Michael Douglas, dies at 97
Veteran actor had one of the longest careers in Hollywood and also one of the most enduring marriages, having recently celebrated his 70th wedding anniversary.
Going native?
Prepare for some unusual rustic adventures as you delve deeper into the ‘real Bulgaria’
Bulgarian philosopher recognised in Spain
Tsvetan Todorov, a Bulgaria-born French philosopher and intellectual, was awarded the prestigious Prince of Asturias award on June 18, Dnevnik daily reported. The prize is bestowed annually in Spain during a special ceremony in Oviedo, the capital of the principality of Asturias. The recipients are usually recognised for their great achievements in the sciences, humanities or public affairs.
Peering into a flawed mirror
An American journalist's perspective: the media in the region have loyalties, accept financial support, and get around truth-telling.
Past 7 days
Macedonia name dispute talks resume on June 22
At meeting in Geneva, UN mediator Matthew Nimetz will ask representatives of Athens and Skopje how they see the way forward to resolve the long-standing dispute.
Greek PM firm on Macedonia name dispute
History cannot be rewritten, and it is up to Macedonia to make the choices that will put it on track to be integrated into Nato, the EU, Kostas Karamanlis says.
Pop idol Michael Jackson dies aged 50
Michael Jackson will be yet another legendary figure who will go down in history immersed in controversy and mystery. His contribution and impact on the world of music is immense, unparalleled and unquestionable. He was an extraordinary talent who touched the hearts and minds of millions of fans worldwide.
Customs announces results
THE National Customs Agency chose an alternative way to present the results of its activity in 2002 by calculating the revenues it produces in monthly wages.
Romania supports Greece in Macedonia name dispute – Basescu
Principle of good neighbourliness is an obligation for all countries whether or not they are European Union members, Romanian president Traian Basescu says during visit to Athens.
Past 30 days
Macedonia name dispute talks resume on June 22
At meeting in Geneva, UN mediator Matthew Nimetz will ask representatives of Athens and Skopje how they see the way forward to resolve the long-standing dispute.
Pop idol Michael Jackson dies aged 50
Michael Jackson will be yet another legendary figure who will go down in history immersed in controversy and mystery. His contribution and impact on the world of music is immense, unparalleled and unquestionable. He was an extraordinary talent who touched the hearts and minds of millions of fans worldwide.
Romania supports Greece in Macedonia name dispute – Basescu
Principle of good neighbourliness is an obligation for all countries whether or not they are European Union members, Romanian president Traian Basescu says during visit to Athens.
Greek PM firm on Macedonia name dispute
History cannot be rewritten, and it is up to Macedonia to make the choices that will put it on track to be integrated into Nato, the EU, Kostas Karamanlis says.
Hillary Clinton on Macedonia name dispute
Dispute must be resolved by parties themselves, but US is urging a resolution because it would be in everyone’s interest and add another member to the EU, US secretary of state says.
Today
Council of international adoptions has no cases pending
For the first time since its formation in 2003 not a single case is awaiting review by the council.
Past 7 days
Strong earthquake shakes Greek island of Crete
Earthquake rocks Crete but no reports of casualties as yet
Is there light at the end of the tunnel?
Confronting the economic crisis in the Balkans: An Analysis.
The comfort of strangers
...or why people in Bulgaria have more than just two friends
Photo Gallery: Michael Jackson through the years
Michael Jackson's road to fame from his time with the Jackson 5 to his last days as the King of Pop
600 workers from Rousse shipyards go on protest
Rousse Shipyards released its entire workforce in April 2009 on a 10-day unpaid leave.
Past 30 days
Strong earthquake shakes Greek island of Crete
Earthquake rocks Crete but no reports of casualties as yet
Pop idol Michael Jackson dies aged 50
Michael Jackson will be yet another legendary figure who will go down in history immersed in controversy and mystery. His contribution and impact on the world of music is immense, unparalleled and unquestionable. He was an extraordinary talent who touched the hearts and minds of millions of fans worldwide.
British and Irish investors lose 13.2M leva in Bansko
A combination of bad circumstances, poor management and rampant corruption, particularly from the British-based and British-run company, Bulgarian Development UK, is to blame.
Bulgaria falls in love with fast food
Bulgaria emerges as the surprise 'winner' in survey of countries with preference for fast food
Bulgarian ATM skimming gang arrested in Greece
Bulgarian ATM gang apprehended in a joint Greek-Bulgarian police operation. Similar operations in the past against Bulgarian skimmers have occurred in the United States and Australia.
Stocks Jul 03 2009
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