Vidka Atanasova joined RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service in Sofia in 2022 after 20 years working in online journalism, including with Dnes.bg and Dnevnik.
A multimillion-dollar project aimed at recreating a lost ancient Thracian city has stirred controversy in Bulgaria. Critics say the mock-up, funded with EU and state funds, has nothing to do with the reality of the ancient city. The authors defend it and say it will attract thousands of tourists.
President Radev and government officials relied on clientelism, but a loophole suggesting the massive flagpole is "relocatable" and questions about a main sponsor have left it on shaky ground.
Though they explore caves for fun, these Bulgarian spelunkers have been hailed for making the "discovery of the year" within the field of speleology. Now their mission is to preserve its splendor.
Despite the ruckus it's caused among Ukrainians amid reports that she's a "sexologist-consultant" who won the job through personal acquaintance and loyalty. Kyiv's appointment of Olesya Ilashchuk as its envoy could turn out to be the best choice for Bulgaria.
Many Ukrainians fleeing the war have sought refuge in nearby Bulgaria. But critics say the government's support for refugees has been chaotic and insubstantial, meaning that highly skilled workers and professionals have no other options but to take menial work.
