December 19, 1998 — Bulgaria Is Divided into 28 Regions
On this day in 1998, the National Assembly amended the Territorial Administration of the Republic of Bulgaria Act, changing the country’s regional structure from nine regions to twenty-eight. The reform reshaped Bulgaria’s administrative map and restored a territorial framework closer to the familiar district-based organization used in public administration. The new regions and their administrative centers were later defined by presidential decree in January 1999. This change mattered because regional boundaries affect state services, local governance, planning, statistics, and the relationship between central and local institutions. The reform became part of Bulgaria’s broader post-communist effort to reorganize administration and adapt government structures to new political and economic realities.
December 19, 2002 — The Government Decides to Resume the Belene Nuclear Project
On this day in 2002, Bulgaria’s Council of Ministers decided to resume construction of the Belene Nuclear Power Plant, a project that had been put on hold in 1991. Belene was one of the most debated energy projects in modern Bulgarian history. Supporters saw it as a way to secure electricity production, preserve nuclear expertise, and strengthen Bulgaria’s role in the regional energy market. Critics raised concerns about cost, financing, seismic risk, environmental questions, and dependence on foreign technology. The 2002 decision reopened a long political and economic debate that would continue for years, making Belene a recurring symbol of Bulgaria’s difficult choices over energy strategy.
Explore more of Bulgaria’s story on Bronicable, including our Bulgaria From Above series and our guides to the best of Bulgaria.
Continue with December 18 or December 20. For more stories and places, explore Bulgaria From Above and the guides in our Bulgaria category on Bronicable.
