Sofia  - An eight-hour electricity outage hit part of Bulgaria's capital Tuesday, the latest in a series of power cuts that have disrupted business, everyday life and internet links.

Other neighbourhoods in the city of 1.2 million went without electricity for part of Monday and last Wednesday - all for what the CEZ power company says is routine maintenance. Further weekday power cuts are planned, the company says.

Czech-based CEZ, which bought major utility interests in Bulgaria in the last few years, says it met legal requirements to announce the cuts in advance in two local newspapers.

Bulgaria, a Balkan nation that is among Europe's poorest, joined the European Union last year. (dpa)