Economy
Current economic news — markets, investments, business, inflation, and financial policies in the country and globally.
Banks to Ensure Smooth Transition to Euro Over New Year's Holidays
The Association of Banks in Bulgaria (ABB) has assured that the banking system will ensure a smooth transition to the euro during the New Year's holidays. The transition is planned for December 31st to January 2nd, with temporary system interruptions. Citizens are advised to have sufficient funds on their cards and in cash.
GDNP Launches "Christmas Campaign 2025": Inspections for Safe Christmas Goods
The National "Christmas Campaign 2025" of GDNP starts on December 1st, focusing on safe children's toys, electrical decorations, and pyrotechnics. Inspectors will check for markings, instructions, and warnings to protect consumers.
Temporary traffic change on A3 "Trakia" near Yambol from December 1st
From December 1st, the traffic organization near Yambol on A3 "Trakia" will be temporarily changed due to repair work on the carriageway to Burgas. Traffic will pass in the active lane, and the work is expected to be completed by next week under favorable conditions.
UK gives green light to activities with "Lukoil" until February
OFSI issued a temporary license allowing work with "Lukoil International" and its Bulgarian subsidiaries, despite sanctions. The license is valid until February 26th, and for the subsidiaries - until February 2026.
Restoring Dialogue: Meetings between Employers, Unions and Government for the 2026 Budget
Meetings between employers, unions and the government are being restored to discuss the 2026 Budget. Leaders of GERB, representatives of the Confederation of Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria (KRIB), the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA), the Confederation of Labour “Podkrepa” and the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria (CITUB) are participating in the negotiations, with a focus on achieving macroeconomic parameters acceptable to business and society.
API tightens plan for the repair of the Asparuhov Bridge in Varna: starting in 2027 at the earliest
API announced a step-by-step plan for the survey and major repair of the Asparuhov Bridge in Varna - expertise by the spring of 2026, engineering order after that and real construction work no earlier than the spring of 2027, without completely closing the bridge.
BNB Sets Buffers for Risk Exposures of Six Systemically Important Banks
The Bulgarian National Bank has set the buffer levels for risk exposures of six systemically important banks in the country. The buffers come into effect on January 1, 2026, with a change for Eurobank Bulgaria.
The 2026 Budget Project: Analysis of Changes and Proposals in the Budget and Finance Committee
The Budget and Finance Committee reviewed the 2026 Budget project at its second reading. The main highlights include the deficit, tax and social security contribution increases, as well as key proposals for changes related to gambling, public debt, administration, and religious denominations.
SFRA approved the aid intensity for damages to agricultural crops in 2025 - up to 80% of the costs for some crops
The State Fund Agriculture (SFRA) approved the aid intensity to compensate for damages to agricultural crops from hail, storm, heavy rain, flood and drought in 2025. The aid intensity varies up to 80% of the costs for some crops, such as tomatoes, fruits and vineyards.
Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania Strengthen Transportation Cooperation: New Projects and Strategic Priorities
The Council of Ministers approved a memorandum to strengthen transportation cooperation between Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania. Joint road and railway projects are planned to connect the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Danube River, as well as improvements to European transport corridors. The Road Infrastructure Agency is implementing projects with funding from the Interreg VI-A Greece - Bulgaria 2021-2027 program.
The Social Security Budget for 2026 Adopted: Changes in Pensions, Contributions, and Benefits
The Budget and Finance Committee adopted the Social Security Budget for 2026 on second reading. Increases in the minimum wage, insurance income, and the amount of some benefits are planned. Proposals that did not receive support were also discussed.
Mass Inspections of Cableways, Ski Lifts, Elevators, and Swimming Pools Before Winter Season
The State Agency for Metrological and Technical Surveillance (DAMTN) is launching mass inspections of passenger cableways, ski lifts, elevators in accommodation facilities, and swimming pool elements. The inspections will be conducted from December 1st to 19th, 2025 to ensure safe operation.
370 Violations in Inspections of Construction near Rivers and Ravines: DNCC and SGCC Found Problems Nationwide
DNCC and SGCC discovered 370 violations during inspections of construction sites near rivers, ravines, and floodplains in Bulgaria. Minister Ivanov reported illegal construction, lack of coordination, and inaccurate cadastral maps; measures to resolve the problems have been proposed.
EBRD and UniCredit Bulbank Provide €100 Million for Green Investments in Bulgaria
The EBRD and UniCredit Bulbank have signed an agreement for a portfolio guarantee of €50 million under the InvestEU programme. This will enable the disbursement of €100 million for green projects, supporting the transition to a sustainable economy in Bulgaria.
New Year's holidays without POS terminals: payments only in cash due to the transition to the euro
On the night of December 31st to January 1st, POS terminals and ATMs in Bulgaria will stop for several hours due to technical preparation of the banking systems for the introduction of the euro, which will force traders and customers to rely only on cash payments