Topic · 8 pages
Black Sea
The Black Sea shapes life in Varna, from beaches and sea temperature to shipping, the port and regional security. Everything we have published about the sea itself is collected here.
Latest
- US troops, NATO and Bulgaria's military in 2026: bases, battlegroup, spending and F-16s
Bulgaria hosts rotating US troops at four Bulgarian-owned joint facilities. Explainer on the NATO battlegroup, Bezmer, defence spending and F-16s.
- Bulgaria's 2026 tourist season in numbers: 7 million visits
Bulgaria logged over 7 million tourist visits in January–September 2026, but foreign visits fell 2.1% in August. Key figures and what they mean for Varna.
- Bulgaria and Turkey in 2026: relations, the Turkish minority and 1989
About 508,000 people in Bulgaria identify as Turks. The 1989 exodus, the DPS, and Bulgaria–Turkey ties in 2026: trade, Black Sea and border, with sources.
- Varna fishing port modernisation about 20% done, due November 2027
The EU-funded upgrade of Varna's fishing port in Asparuhovo is 15–20% complete; it is built in two stages so boats keep working until November 2027.
- Varna and Black Sea security: Navy, mines and the Russian consulate
Varna is home to Bulgaria's Navy. What we know about Black Sea mines, the Bulgaria–Romania–Turkey mine group, the Hrabri and the Russian consulate.
- Black Sea shipping attacks and drones in 2026: 570 ships hit, now off Bulgaria
Over 570 ships hit in the Black Sea in 2026, the FT reports. Latest: the Contship Jet, struck off Cape Kaliakra on 28 Oct; its 18 crew were taken to Varna.
- France backs Black Sea security hub in Varna during minister's visit
France's foreign minister backed a Black Sea maritime security hub in Varna and Constanta at the Naval Academy; the mayor asked for more drone tracking.
- Black Sea drone attacks off Bulgaria: Contship Jet hit off Kaliakra
Drones have hit ships off Bulgaria since 6 Oct 2026. Update 1 Nov: Contship Jet hit off Cape Kaliakra on 28 Oct, 18 crew safe in Varna, pollution checks.