Key Changes and Effects
- Mandatory screening of foreign investments in strategic sectors: media, key resources, transport.
- The European Commission gains greater authority—able to intervene in risky deals and disputes.
- New regulations require higher transparency, deal structuring, and ESG compliance from companies.
- M&A activity continues but becomes slower and costlier due to increased checks and diligence.
- Bulgaria reports over 27% growth in FDI since the start of the year, mainly for smaller deals.
Driving Forces and Stakeholders
- EU and European Commission—set the legislative and regulatory framework.
- National regulators and government—adapt local laws, conduct screenings.
- Local and foreign investors—seek agile and strategic business solutions.
Three Possible Scenarios for Autumn/Winter 2025
- Realistic: Deals slow down; thorough checks boost certainty but increase costs, raising demand for specialized consulting.
- Optimistic: Stricter standards foster sustainable development and trust, leading to higher quality, longer-term investments.
- Pessimistic: Complex screening deters capital, delays projects (especially in sensitive sectors), negatively impacting growth.
Economic and Market Outlook
- Moderate GDP growth expected in autumn/winter 2025, with Bulgaria remaining attractive for investors.
- Eurozone integration (from 2026) may bring large European deals and greater predictability, though increasing administrative burden is evident.
- ESG transformation will be crucial—companies that develop new strategies early will be among the winners.
Disclaimer: This article is an analytical review by the BurgasMedia editorial team and reflects the opinions of an expert group based on current events. The conclusions are hypothetical and not forecasts. The editorial team is not responsible for future discrepancies and urges readers to form their opinions based on verified sources.