Urban Environment Improvement in Bulgaria: What Large-Scale Programs Are Expected in 2026

Bulgaria is entering a new stage of urban development, stimulated by national and European investments. In 2026, the country will increase its budget for urban improvement – in the first quarter alone, over 200 million leva are expected to be allocated to municipalities for the modernization of water and sewage infrastructure, improvement of park spaces, street repairs, and renovation of residential buildings.

The National Energy Efficiency Program will invest an additional 200 million leva in 2026, with funds used to renovate facades, improve thermal insulation, and install energy-saving installations in thousands of multi-family residential buildings. Municipalities have already approved over 290 projects for renovation according to the new "green" standards.

In addition, in most large cities – Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Stara Zagora – expert groups are working on the renovation of public spaces and experimental "green corridors" with implemented intelligent traffic management solutions, new cycle paths, and children's areas.

In January 2026, Bulgaria will officially introduce the euro as its national currency, which will further facilitate the financing of infrastructure projects and increase investor confidence. Entry into the eurozone will be combined with reforms in urban management and legislative changes for greater transparency in public procurement.

According to the Ministry of Regional Development, by the end of 2026, over 870 km of city streets, 40 new parks and gardens, over 170 km of cycle paths, and renovated public areas in 24 regional centers should be completed.
"The effect of these investments will improve the quality of life and encourage sustainable urban mobility for 4 million people", says the official report.

All projects are in line with the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, and under the green urban environment program from 2024 to 2026, total investments exceeding 2.2 billion leva are expected.