Analysis
In-depth analyses, informed forecasts, and interpretations of important events and trends.
Bulgarian e‑commerce is growing, but why does the "corner store" still rule the game
Online commerce in Bulgaria is growing at double-digit rates, but the corner store remains key for daily purchases. Habits, trust, proximity and income structure are holding the dominance of the "corner store", despite the e‑commerce boom.
Unemployment in the Eurozone in February 2026: Data Analysis and Trends
Overview of unemployment data in the EU and the Eurozone in February 2026. Analysis of changes, comparison with previous periods, and highlights on youth and female unemployment.
The "Excise Calendar" continues: higher excise duties on cigarettes until 2029 and pressure on smokers
From May 1, 2025, a phased "excise calendar" is in effect – by 2029, the minimum excise duty on cigarettes should reach about BGN 258 per 1000 pieces, and excise duties on smoking tobacco and heated products also increase in specific steps each year.
Vacation rentals under fire: new regulation threatens thousands of offers on "Airbnb" and "Booking"
The new EU regulation on short-term rentals introduces mandatory digital registration and strict control over listings on "Airbnb" and "Booking", which could remove thousands of illegal or irregular properties from the market across Europe.
Business in Bulgaria: Slowdown in Industry and Uncertainty in the Future
Economic review for March 2026 in Bulgaria: decline in business climate, industry under pressure, retail struggling, and services cooling enthusiasm. Construction remains stable.
Gasoline prices in Europe: where Bulgaria stands as of March 30, 2026
Gasoline prices in Europe are rising in March 2026, and Bulgaria remains in the cheaper segment of the market, but with a significant increase in the last month.
Poverty among the elderly in Bulgaria: why the risk remains high in 2026
In Bulgaria, older people continue to be among the most vulnerable groups. Low pensions, high expenses and weak purchasing power keep the risk of poverty high.
Bulgarian labor market in 2026: low unemployment doesn't solve the deficit of workers
Unemployment in Bulgaria is around 3.1–3.7%, but companies still can't find people. The shortage is most acute among young and skilled workers, which indicates a structural problem, not peace of mind.
Why tourism in Bulgaria remains seasonal: where, when and from whom the overnight stays come
Tourist overnight stays in Bulgaria are growing, but remain highly concentrated in the summer, on the Black Sea coast and in a few key regions. The analysis of the months, types of tourism and origin of guests shows why seasonality is still the big challenge.
Are large chains and platforms eating up the small store? How concentration changes prices and choices in Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, an increasing share of food trade and services is controlled by several large chains and online platforms. The turnover of top retailers is growing faster than the market, e-commerce is concentrated around a small number of platforms, and the regulator reports high markups in food. How does this affect prices, choices and the future of the neighborhood store?
Bulgaria in a Crisis Zone: What Remains of Transportation Security?
Systemic shock in global transportation: Bulgaria at the center of the crisis, blockades in the Persian Gulf and alternative routes.
To entrust the decision to a machine: where we accept algorithms and where we still seek the human
From the diagnosis in the hospital to the credit and the sentence - algorithms already participate in decisions that change fates. In some areas, people are willing to accept the "cold" accuracy of the machine, in others they insist on a human face, empathy and responsibility.
Freelance Generation: Can a "gig"-economy bring security after 40 years?
Project employment, platforms and "gig"-work give freedom and choice, but raise serious questions: how do you live with an unstable income after your 40s and who will pay the pensions in a world without classic employment contracts?
Entrepreneurship in Europe: A Boom in Founders Amidst Economic Uncertainty
Founder growth in Europe! LinkedIn reports a surge in entrepreneurs. What's behind this trend? Economics, changing attitudes, and the young generation's reactions to the labor market.
Oil towards $120 a barrel: the war with Iran shakes the markets and the Strait of Hormuz
The US-Israel-Iran war launched oil above $100, blocked the Strait of Hormuz and startled the world's stock exchanges, while there is no clear strategy for exiting the conflict.