EU Sanctions Stance: Bulgaria says it will not veto the EU’s 21st sanctions package on Russia and Belarus, but it will keep pushing back—especially on adding Patriarch Kirill, targeting Lukoil shareholder Vagit Alekperov, and possible knock-on effects for Sofia metro maintenance. Public Finance Pressure: Ecofin opened an excessive deficit procedure for Bulgaria, citing a 2026 deficit around 4.1% of GDP and requiring a correction path by 2029. NATO & Ukraine Aid Limits: President Rumen Radev said Bulgaria has exhausted its ability to supply weapons and ammunition to Ukraine from stockpiles, while offering technical repairs instead. Energy Market Push: Bulgaria and Greece plan a joint strategic document to speed up Southeast/Central Europe energy market integration, building on the Vertical Gas Corridor work. EU ETS & Grid Investment: Bulgaria called for an ETS impact review for energy-intensive industries and urged more investment in power grids, storage and infrastructure digitalisation. Tech Ambition: Bulgaria’s innovation minister pitched AI and digital transformation as a national growth lever, pointing to the BRAIN++ supercomputer and robotics advisory work. Tourism & Business: Bulgaria seeks to win back German tourists with more flights and a “Marshall Plan” promotion push; separately, the BNB confirmed 2027 commemorative and collector euro coins. Crypto Crime: In the US, Bulgarian national Rossen Iossifov was charged over alleged laundering of about $290k in forfeited Kraken crypto while already in federal prison. Agriculture Spotlight: Samokov hosted the 2nd Raspberry Festival, with officials highlighting strong export balance for berries and the role of irrigation.