Non-resident investments in Bulgarian real estate in January-November 2025 resulted in a net outflow of €18.6 million, while Russia recorded a net outflow of €19.9 million, according to data from the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB).
According to BNB data, a year earlier (January-November 2024), the net outflow of non-resident investments in real estate was estimated at €11.6 million.
The net outflow indicator means that non-residents’ payments under real estate agreements in the country during the period under review were lower than receipts, i.e., sales exceeded purchases in value terms. At the same time, the fact that the total indicator for all non-residents (-€18.6 million) was less than the outflow for the Russian Federation (-€19.9 million) formally indicates a small aggregate net inflow of investment in real estate from other countries (about €1.3 million).
The BNB report, which is referenced by the media, does not provide a separate breakdown by other countries (including Ukraine) in terms of non-resident investment in real estate—only Russia is highlighted separately.
Tomato exports from Ukraine amounted to 553 tons in 2025, which is 31.2% less than in 2024, according to data from the State Customs Service.
In 2025, the main buyers of Ukrainian tomatoes were Moldova (61.5% in monetary terms), Poland (34.1%), and Romania (1.1%). In 2024, Moldova was also the largest buyer, accounting for 86% of exports.
France intends to make Visio the single video communication platform for all ministries and government agencies by 2027, gradually phasing out the use of non-European solutions, including Microsoft Teams and Zoom, according to a statement on the government’s digital development strategy website.
David Amiel, Minister Delegate for Civil Service and State Reform, said the goal of the transition is to “end the use of non-European solutions” and ensure the security and confidentiality of public electronic communications through a “sovereign tool.”
According to the report, Visio was developed by the Interministerial Directorate for Digital Technologies (DINUM) and already has about 40,000 regular users, with deployment continuing to reach 200,000 employees. Among the first organizations to switch to Visio in the first quarter of 2026 are the CNRS, Assurance Maladie, the DGFIP tax service, and the Ministry of the Armed Forces. The CNRS plans to replace its Zoom licenses by the end of March.
It is noted that the solution is being implemented with the support of ANSSI, hosted on the Outscale cloud infrastructure (Dassault Systèmes group), certified by SecNumCloud, and includes AI features—in particular, transcription using technology from French startup Pyannote, as well as real-time subtitling based on Kyutai’s developments, planned for summer 2026.
Imagine this: you’re standing in the lobby of a hotel in Berlin, London, or New York. You’ve got a paper cup of hot coffee in your hands, a crowd of professionals buzzing around you, and business cards in your pocket just begging to change hands. You see a potential partner or an interesting speaker. You want to approach them. You have to approach them. But a thought keeps popping into your head: “What will I say? What if I get the time wrong? What if there’s an awkward silence?”
Welcome to the world of business networking in English. It’s not just about grammar. It’s about psychology, cultural codes, and the ability to turn small talk into big business.
In this article, we’ll break down networking into its basic components: from waiting in line for coffee to discussing professional publications. We’ll give you scripts that work and analyze real-life cases so that you feel confident regardless of your language level.
Many of us, especially in post-Soviet culture, consider small talk to be artificial, hypocritical, or a waste of time. “Let’s get down to business” is our internal motto. But in the English-speaking business environment (especially in the US and UK), small talk is social glue. It is a test of adequacy, emotional intelligence, and “friend or foe”.
If you immediately start by offering to sell your product, you are a spammer. If you start by talking about the atmosphere of the event, you are a pleasant conversationalist.
Coffee breaks are the safest place for networking. Everyone is relaxed, everyone’s hands are full (food/drinks), and everyone is looking for someone to talk to so they don’t have to stand alone, staring at their phone.
Your task is to make a “cold approach” warm.
1. Contextual Openers:
● “I am absolutely dying for a coffee. Long morning, isn’t it?” — Ideal for expressing solidarity.
● “Have you tried these pastries? They look dangerous.” (Have you tried these pastries? They look dangerously delicious.) — Humor always brings people together.
● “I suspect this queue is the most popular place at the conference.” (I suspect this queue is the most popular place at the conference.)
2. Event-related Questions:
● “So, how are you finding the conference so far?” (Well, how do you like the conference so far?) — A classic that works 100%.
● “Did you catch the keynote speech this morning? I found his point about AI fascinating.” (Did you attend the morning presentation? I found his opinion about AI fascinating.)
Situation: You are standing next to someone who is looking at the event program.
You: “Packed schedule today, right? Is there any session you are particularly looking forward to?”
Interlocutor: “Yeah, mostly the panel on Fintech trends.”
You: “Oh, really? That’s actually why I’m here too. I work in banking software. I’m [Your Name], by the way.”
Why did it work? You weren’t selling. You identified a common interest and only then introduced yourself.
In the title of the article, we mentioned “publishing.” In the context of modern networking, this means discussing content: articles, books, LinkedIn posts, or industry news. It’s a transition from “small talk” to “smart talk.” It shows that you are knowledgeable, you read, you are developing.
It is at this stage that the need for a high level of professional vocabulary often arises. Here, online English courses for managers can be a decisive factor in your success, because the ability to discuss trends in Forbes or Harvard Business Review requires a deeper vocabulary than ordering a pizza.
1. Referencing Content:
● “I was reading an article in The Economist yesterday about [Topic], and it reminded me of what the speaker just said.”
● “Have you seen the latest report on market trends published by [Company]? The statistics are mind-blowing.”
2. Asking for Opinions:
● “What’s your take on the new regulations discussed in the morning session?”
● “Do you think this trend is going to stick, or is it just a bubble?” (Do you think this trend will last, or is it just a bubble?)
Situation: You are talking to a colleague from another country during lunch. The conversation about the weather has run its course.
You: “By the way, I saw a lot of buzz on LinkedIn about remote work policies recently. Is your company pushing for a return to the office?”
Interlocutor: “Oh, don’t get me started. It’s a huge debate right now…”
Result: You touched on a “hot” topic (pain point) that affects everyone and provoked an emotional, lively discussion.
When someone asks you, “So, what do you do?”, the worst thing you can say is a dry job title: “I am a manager.” It’s boring. It kills the conversation.
Use this formula: I help [Target Audience] to [Solve Problem] by [Your Solution].
● Boring: I am an accountant.
● Cool: “I help small businesses survive the tax season without losing their minds.”
● Boring: I work in IT.
● Cool: “I develop apps that help doctors diagnose patients faster. Essentially, we save time for hospitals.”
Once you’ve established contact, you can carefully transition to business.
● “It sounds like we are facing similar challenges regarding…” (It seems that we are facing similar challenges regarding…)
● “I’d love to hear more about how you handled [Issue]. Would you be open to a quick chat later this week?” (I would like to learn more about how you handled… Would you be open to a quick chat later this week?)
● “Here is my card. Let’s connect on LinkedIn.”
Networking is a numbers game. You can’t talk to one person for two hours. You need to move on. But how do you end the conversation without offending the other person?
In English, it is important to use what is known as “pre-closing” before leaving.
Phrases for a polite ending:
○ “Please excuse me, I see an old colleague I need to say hi to.”
○ “I’m going to grab another coffee before the next session starts.”
○ “It was absolutely lovely meeting you, John. Enjoy the rest of the conference!” (It was very nice to meet you, John. Enjoy the rest of the conference!)
○ “Thanks for the chat. You gave me a lot to think about regarding [Topic].” (Thank you for the conversation. You gave me a lot to think about regarding…)
○ “I’ll send you that article we talked about via LinkedIn.” (I will send you the article we talked about on LinkedIn.)
When preparing for networking, keep the cultural context in mind. What works in New York may seem strange in London.
Tip: If you are talking to a Brit and they say your idea is “quite interesting”, it could mean either genuine interest or a polite refusal. With Americans, it’s simpler: “Let’s do it” usually means “Let’s do it”.
Even if you have perfect pronunciation, you can fail at communication if you make these mistakes:
Networking in English is a skill that can be trained like a muscle. Start small: smile in line for coffee, compliment the speaker, discuss an article. Each such conversation is a brick in the foundation of your international career. Don’t let the language barrier close the door of opportunity. The business world is open to those who dare to speak first.
Understanding the theory is good, but free communication requires practice under the supervision of a professional. At Business Language school, we understand the value of your time and reputation. We don’t offer magic pills, because quality education is a serious investment of effort and resources. Our courses are designed specifically for top managers and business owners who need not just “textbook grammar,” but lively, convincing business language for negotiations, networking, and management.
We will help you build confidence that translates into successful contracts. Join the professionals who have already chosen development:
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Ukrnafta is systematically upgrading working conditions. In 2025, one of the key focuses will be upgrading transport, special equipment, and domestic infrastructure for production teams.
169 units of new equipment and transport are already in operation in regional divisions.
These include trucks, bulldozers, weighbridges, tankers, methane tankers, steam heating units, buses for transporting personnel, and other critically important equipment for the smooth operation of production and the filling station network.
In total, since 2023, the company has updated more than 700 pieces of equipment, which has already had a tangible effect on production indicators.
“We are consistently replacing outdated equipment and transport. In 2026, we plan to acquire about 100 more units of new equipment, in particular through leasing and grant mechanisms,” said Bogdan Kukura, Chairman of the Board of JSC Ukrnafta.
The safety and comfort of employees is a top priority:
• 32 mobile shelters have been installed.
• 140 mobile homes, some of which had been in operation for 48 years, have been replaced with new ones.
• Personal protective equipment, furniture, wardrobes, and refrigerators have been updated.
• Repairs have been carried out in regional divisions.
Improving working conditions and technical infrastructure remains one of the company’s priorities for 2026, because efficiency starts with safety, comfort, and modern technology.
JSC Ukrnafta is Ukraine’s largest oil production company and operates the largest national network of gas stations, UKRNAFTA. In 2024, the company entered into asset management with Glusco. In 2025, it completed an agreement with Shell Overseas Investments BV to purchase the Shell network in Ukraine. In total, it operates 663 gas stations.
The company is implementing a comprehensive program to restore operations and upgrade the format of its network of gas stations. Since February 2023, it has been issuing its own fuel vouchers and NAFTAKarta cards, which are sold to legal entities and individuals through Ukrnafta-Postach LLC.
The largest shareholder of Ukrnafta is Naftogaz of Ukraine with a 50%+1 share.
In November 2022, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine decided to transfer to the state the corporate rights of the company that belonged to private owners, which is now managed by the Ministry of Defense.
According to Serbian Economist, the Ukrainian chain of seafood restaurants Chernomorka has announced the launch of a farm for growing mussels, sea bass, and sea bream in the Adriatic Sea near the city of Ston (Croatia).
According to the chain, the project is being implemented in the form of mariculture in collaboration with a Croatian team. It provides for constant monitoring of water quality and living conditions, as well as compliance with European food safety standards.
The first commercial deliveries of mussels, sea bass, and sea bream are planned for March 2026. The main sales channel will be the chain’s restaurants, with the possibility of expanding sales to the partner market in the restaurant segment.
Chernomorka was founded in Kyiv in 2013. The founder and co-owner of the project is Olga Kopylova. According to the chain’s website, in December 2025, Chernomorka operated 40 establishments in Ukraine, Moldova, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Poland.
https://t.me/relocationrs/2174
