News Archive

A group of seven journalists from national Bulgarian media outlets traveled with USAID to Bucharest, Romania to learn about what USAID has accomplished in their neighboring country. USAID will close its mission to Romania in September 2008, at the same time that USAID will close its doors in Bulgaria and Croatia. Most of the Bulgarian journalists were struck by the similar challenges facing the two countries.

On December 11, USAID sponsored a working breakfast for the members of the new Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). Former staff of the USAID Judicial Strengthening Initiative presented the accomplishments of U.S. assistance programs in the areas of judicial administration and court improvement in the last seven years.

Mission Director Michael Fritz participated in a press conference marking International Human Rights Day organized by the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings. The Commission’s Executive Secretary, Antoaneta Vassileva introduced American director Michael Cory Davis, whose documentary “Cargo” was part of the commemoration of 16 Days Against Violence Against Women.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Cash Center of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) took place in Sofia on December 6. The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Sofia and BNB Governors from the last 20 years. The construction of the Center is expected to take more than one year.

Radio communication equipment and chainsaws provided by USAID will enhance the efficiency of Bulgarian Civil Protection Teams in responding to future wildfires. Deputy Chief of Mission Alexander Karagiannis and USAID Mission Director Michael Fritz presented the equipment to the Ministry of State Policy for Disasters and Accidents in a December 5 donation ceremony in Sofia.