The passengers of the first cruise ship for the 2025 season, moored at the Danube Tours Pontoon, were welcomed today at the Ruse port. The River Adagio is carrying nearly 150 American tourists on the Vienna - Danube Delta route.

"Thanks to your efforts, professionalism and vision for the future, more and more tourists have the opportunity to experience the beauty of Ruse, learn about its history and feel the hospitality of its residents. You contribute to the establishment of our city as a desirable destination and to the promotion of its cultural and natural potential." This is how the Mayor of Ruse Pencho Milkov congratulated the Executive Director of Danube Tours Galina Petrova. He wished the company's team that the 2025 season would bring even more opportunities for development, partnerships and satisfaction from the work done.

The guests from the USA were welcomed with traditional Bulgarian products and folklore music. The guests had the opportunity to enjoy the authentic Bulgarian atmosphere and then visit Ruse and the region.

The Shinkyokushin Karate Cup Tournament for Children of the Ruse School of Sports took place over the weekend at the Yalta Sports Complex. The traditional competition was attended by 110 representatives of the school sports schools in Ruse and Shumen, as well as clubs from Sevlievo, Novi Pazar, Stara Zagora and Varna.

The event was opened by Deputy Mayor Borislav Rachev, who congratulated the organizers of the event, represented by the director of the school, Maya Petrova, for inspiring future generations to follow the path of discipline, respect and continuous self-improvement. The Deputy Mayor emphasized that such competitions popularize the sport of karate and encourage a healthy lifestyle among young people. “This tournament is extremely useful, as it provides an opportunity to test the capabilities of young karate players before the state championships,” said Rachev.

Some of the strongest teams in Bulgaria took to the tatami in the hall. The athletes from Ruse managed to cope with their competitors and won second place as a team. The winners were the athletes from Shumen, and the athletes from Sevlievo took home the bronze.

Today, the regional conference of BTA under the project "Europe in the Balkans: Together through Knowledge", implemented by the agency with the support of the European Commission, was held at the BTA Press Club in Ruse. The discussion focused on the updates in the EU Cohesion Policy for the 2021–2027 period and the results achieved in the 2014–2020 period. A special emphasis was placed on skills as a driving force for regional development and the contributions of Bulgaria and the Balkan countries to Europe’s progress. The forum was attended by representatives of local and national authorities, as well as the education sector, with the Deputy Mayor Encho Enchev as a guest at the meeting.

"Our geographical location on the banks of the Danube makes us a key point for cooperation both nationally and internationally. I believe that through knowledge, the sharing of best practices, and joint efforts, we can overcome challenges and take advantage of the new opportunities provided by the European Union. Today, more than ever, the Balkans must not only be part of Europe but also a driving force behind its development. To achieve this, we must invest in education, the exchange of information, and collaboration between institutions, businesses, and civil society," the Deputy Mayor addressed the attendees.

He also highlighted the key role of Ruse Municipality in maintaining and developing the material and technical infrastructure of educational institutions, for which European project funding is essential. The Deputy Mayor further directed attention to upcoming important infrastructure projects, including the renovations of "Otets Paisiy" Primary School, "Slantse" Kindergarten, "Zora" Kindergarten, the major renovation of the dormitory of the Angel Kanchev Vocational School of Agriculture, and the Secondary School Dormitory, as well as the ongoing equipping of the newly built "Radost" Kindergarten.

The forum was opened by BTA’s Director General Kiril Valchev, who emphasized the significance of the Danube city as a symbol of the Bulgarian people's openness to diversity and receptiveness to innovation while maintaining strong national traditions. According to him, Ruse has always been the city through which various European innovations have entered Bulgaria via the Danube. Kiril Valchev explained that the conference date was not chosen by chance—it was held right after the closing of the 64th edition of the "March Music Days" festival. "The music festival is an example of Bulgarians’ curiosity about the world, featuring a diverse program from all corners of the continent—from Brahms and Dvořák at the opening to Verdi at the final concert, alongside Bulgarian composers and performances by musicians of various nationalities."

Other participants in the forum included Deputy Regional Governor Georgi Georgiev, the Mayor of Byala Dimitar Slavov, the Rector of Ruse University "Angel Kanchev" Assoc. Prof. Dr. Desislava Atanasova, the Head of the Regional Education Department in Ruse Dr. Rositsa Georgieva, the Director of the "Education and Culture" Directorate of Ruse Municipality Tsvetoslav Dimitrov, the Director of the Regional History Museum in Ruse Prof. Nikolay Nenov, the Chairperson of the "Euroregion Danubius" Association Lili Gancheva, the Manager of the Regional Information Center Diana Avramova, as well as Boyko Vassilev—journalist, television host, and executive producer of the "Panorama" program on BNT.

With an Impressive Concert at the Grand Hall of the Dohodno Zdanie, the 64th Edition of the "March Music Days" International Festival Concluded

The 64th edition of the "March Music Days" International Festival concluded with a spectacular concert at the Grand Hall of the Dohodno Zdanie. The Festival Orchestra and Choir, under the baton of Maestro Emil Tabakov and Steliana Dimitrova-Hernani, performed Verdi’s Requiem alongside world-renowned soloists Krasimira Stoyanova, Violeta Radomirska, Mauro Secci, and Pit Tanapat.

The closing concert was particularly significant for the Festival Orchestra, which this year marked its 15th anniversary and its 10th participation in the festival. The ensemble featured 80 musicians from 19 countries and four continents, turning the evening into a true celebration of music.

Deputy Mayor of Ruse Encho Enchev addressed the audience, expressing his satisfaction with the successful execution of the festival.
"Seventeen exciting days and nights have passed, filled with the creative energy of hundreds of renowned artists, ensembles, and orchestras from Bulgaria, Europe, and beyond. The 23 concerts, accompanying events, and the tremendous public interest have reaffirmed the prestige of the Ruse festival, organized by Ruse Municipality," the Deputy Mayor emphasized.

He also extended his gratitude to the festival’s Artistic Director Iva Chavdarova and all those who contributed to the realization of the events and concerts.

A special tribute was paid to Prof. Georgi Spasov—an esteemed flutist and musician, a long-time participant in the festival. Born in Ruse, the artist is celebrating 60 years of artistic activity, during which he has continuously supported young musicians from his hometown and across Bulgaria.
"The school that Prof. Georgi Spasov has established in Bulgaria is not only unparalleled but also crucial for the development of Bulgarian musical culture," noted Deputy Mayor Enchev.

In recognition of his contribution to the establishment of the Bulgarian flute school, the advancement of musical culture, and the inspiration of generations of young talents, Deputy Mayor Enchev presented Prof. Spasov with an honorary plaque from the Municipality of Ruse.

The event’s host emphasized the importance of the collective efforts of artists, organizers, partners, sponsors, donors, and the media in turning the festival into a true celebration of music and the arts.

Special thanks were extended to the Ministry of Culture for its unwavering support, as well as to business sponsors, including:
 A1 Bulgaria, United Bulgarian Bank,Investbank,Overgas, Dunarit, Gamaconsult, Linamar Light Metals, Bulmarket, Dunavtours AD, ViK (Water Supply and Sewerage), Municipal Markets, Raynov Winery,Hotels: Dunav Plaza, Bistra & Galina, Ana Palace

Key Partners in Organizing the Festival Included: Ruse State Opera, National School of Arts "Prof. Veselin Stoyanov" ,Ruse Art Gallery, Regional Library "Lyuben Karavelov", Municipal Enterprise "Ruse Art"

Through the broadcast of Bulgarian National Radio, Live7 TV, and a partnership with the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA), the festival reached thousands of music lovers across the country.

Mayor Pencho Milkov Participates in the Opening of the "Spring Surgical Days" Scientific Symposium

Mayor Pencho Milkov took part in the opening of the "Spring Surgical Days" scientific symposium, organized jointly by Medica Medical Institutions and Ruse University "Angel Kanchev". The event, held from March 28 to 30, brings together over 400 renowned doctors from Bulgaria and abroad, representing Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

The participants are specialists in general and thoracic surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, urology, maxillofacial surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, pediatric surgery, and anesthesiology. For the first time, achievements in cardiac surgery will also be presented.

"In a world where medical challenges know no borders, this international forum serves as a vital bridge for knowledge, innovation, and mutual understanding. It creates an environment where complex medical cases can be discussed from different perspectives, shaping the future of surgical practice," said Mayor Pencho Milkov.

He emphasized that by bringing together surgeons with diverse experience, cultures, and specializations, the organizers are creating a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
"Every lecture, discussion, and panel carries the potential for new discoveries that could save human lives," he added.

International Medical Expertise in Ruse

Following the official ceremony, Mayor Milkov engaged in discussions with international guests, receiving positive feedback on the high level of medical expertise and modern healthcare in Ruse. The conversations also touched on the local government's support for the development of hospital facilities.

The event was also attended by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Desislava Atanasova – Rector of Ruse University, Prof. Dr. Dobromir Dimitrov – Rector of Medical University – Pleven, Dr. Valeri Veselinov – Deputy Chairman of the Bulgarian Medical Association, Prof. Penka Stefanova – Chair of the Bulgarian Scientific Society of Pediatric Surgery and other distinguished medical professionals.

Six world-renowned pediatric surgery lecturers traveled to Ruse for the event: Prof. Dr. Devendra Gupta – Founder of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, Prof. Dr. Xia Amine – President of the Arab Pediatric Surgery Association, Tunisia,Dr. Iftikhar Jan – Professor at Khalifa University, Prof. Dr. Tsvetomir Lukanov – Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon, University Hospital Heidelberg, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Inan – Head of Pediatric Surgery, Trakya University, Edirne, Dr. Laura Valfre – Head of Neonatal Surgery, Bambino Gesu Hospital, Rome.

The symposium also includes a special session for nurses, recognizing their crucial role in surgical procedures and post-operative patient recovery.

Prof. Ognian Hadjiyski, Chairman of the Scientific Committee and Head of the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery at UMHAT "University Multi-profile Hospital for Active Treatment" Medica Ruse, highlighted that this year’s key focus is on internationally renowned physicians and scientific specialists.