Radio Free Europe Suspends Its Services in Bulgaria and Romania on 31 March

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) has announced it will cease operations of its services in Bulgaria and Romania on 31 March due to budget cuts.

The company’s president, Steve Capus, praised the work of the Bulgarian team and said the decision had been driven solely by financial considerations.

The director of the Bulgarian service, Ivan Bedrov, said efforts were under way to ensure that activities in Bulgaria could continue even after the closure, according to a statement published on the outlet’s website.

On Wednesday, Capus wrote on X that the decision to close the services in Bulgaria and Romania was not made lightly and is necessary due to “ongoing budget challenges”.

.@RFERL's Bulgarian and Romanian Services(@SvobodnaEuropa and @EuropaLiberaRo) will close on March 31, 2026.

RFE/RL President & CEO @SteveCapus:

"This decision has not been taken lightly and is primarily driven by ongoing budgetary challenges. We are proud of the unflinching,... pic.twitter.com/eG64KFRHzp

- RFE/RL Pressroom (@RFERLPress) February 25, 2026