Economy
Current economic news — markets, investments, business, inflation, and financial policies in the country and globally.
The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry successfully hosted a regional meeting of European global trade centers.
The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) successfully organized and held the regional meeting of the European World Trade Centers. The participants discussed current topics related to the multifunctional use of buildings and real estate within the framework of the World Trade Centers. The meeting was assessed as very fruitful for all attendees.
Energy Minister Stankov: Bulgaria is accelerating the construction of the Vertical Gas Corridor and green energy connections in the region
The Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov announced that Bulgaria will be the first country to start the construction of the Vertical Gas Corridor, a project that will increase the gas transit capacity through the Kulata-Sidirokastro entry point by 50%. Our country is recognized as a key partner in the energy sector and will play an important role in the development of green energy corridors that will transport cheap, clean energy from the Caspian region to Europe.
Sustainable development and decarbonization - key priorities for Bulgaria in the green transition
The Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov emphasizes that the green transition and decarbonization are an opportunity for a logical, cost-effective and sustainable new development model. He calls for a balance between ambition and pragmatism, highlighting the role of business and industry as drivers of change. Deputy Minister Atanas Kostadinov emphasizes the need for integrated, comprehensive and unified water management in line with the national strategy.
The Bulgarian Industrial and Commercial Chamber and the Chamber of Mineral Waters are discussing new opportunities for more effective use of natural resources.
The chairman of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Tsvetan Simeonov, held a meeting with representatives of the Chamber of Mineral Waters in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Geothermal Association, and other experts. The main topic of the discussion was the opportunities for more effective utilization of mineral waters in the country, including through necessary legislative changes and solutions at the local level. The participants also discussed ideas for a pilot project for the development of health and balneological tourism in the Nikolaevo region.
The Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov participated in the opening of an innovative carbon capture project in Norway.
The Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov participated in the official opening ceremony of the Longship project in Norway - the world's first carbon capture facility in the cement industry. The event marks the start of the transportation of captured CO₂ for the decarbonization of the European industry.
The Bulgarian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is discussing future partnerships.
The Chairman of the Bulgarian-Ukrainian Industrial Chamber (BUIC) Liliya Ivanova met with the Chairman of the BCCI Tsvetan Simeonov to discuss upcoming initiatives for the development of bilateral trade and economic relations between Bulgaria and Ukraine.
Deputy Minister Nenov: A clear vision for the future of coal regions in Bulgaria
The Deputy Minister of Energy Krasimir Nenov stated that Bulgaria now has a clear picture of the prospects for the coal regions in the country, based on the updated Integrated Energy and Climate Plan. According to him, coal-fired power generation will maintain a key role in the energy transition, while work is underway on the transformation of these regions and the development of new economic activities.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food grants 11.7 million euros for afforestation and restoration of forest areas.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food, Dr. Lozana Vasileva, announced that at the end of 2024, a working group was established with the aim of maximizing the utilization of the instruments of the Strategic Plan for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas in support of the forestry sector. The announcement of the call for the intervention "Afforestation and Restoration" with a budget of 11.7 million euros is forthcoming.
The Bulgarian economy is climbing in the competitiveness ranking, but still faces challenges
According to the annual ranking of the Institute for Management Development in Switzerland (IMD), Bulgaria ranks 57th out of 69 countries in terms of competitiveness in 2025. The country is making some progress compared to the previous year, but still faces a number of challenges related to corruption, lack of skilled workforce, and insufficient investment in innovation. Nevertheless, Bulgaria has significant strengths, such as macroeconomic stability, affordable labor force, and growing exports of ICT services, which can be used to improve competitiveness.
Bulgaria is among the leading countries in the management of European structural funds
Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth Martin Danovski stated that Bulgaria is among the top three countries in the management of financial instruments, part of the European Structural Funds. Our country has the necessary infrastructure for innovative development and focuses on technology transfer.
The Consumer Protection Commission takes strict measures against unjustified price increases before the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria.
The chairperson of the Consumer Protection Commission, Maria Filipova, explained that the most severe sanction for unjustified price increases during the transition to the euro is the compulsory return to the old prices and compensation of damages to consumers. The Commission conducts joint inspections with the National Revenue Agency, focusing on food stores and catering and entertainment establishments.
The Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov strengthens the partnership with Norway and Germany for a green transition.
The Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov held meetings in Norway and Germany to discuss key issues such as renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, carbon capture and storage technologies, as well as investment opportunities. The meetings underlined the strategic role of Bulgaria as an energy hub in Southeastern Europe and the potential for deepening international cooperation in the decarbonization process.
Digital product passport: New standards and challenges for business
The study shows that 83% of the participants in an information session on the digital product passport (DPP) are aware of the upcoming regulations, but only 29% are actively preparing. The standardization process at the European level is underway, with 6 out of a total of 8 modules already in public discussion. Key challenges are related to recycling, policy coordination, and the promotion of the circular economy.
Fraport AG's approved leader takes over the management of the airports in Burgas and Varna.
Michael Roesch, an experienced executive with extensive experience in managing airports around the world, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD. He takes over the position from Dr. Frank Quante, who is retiring after nearly five years of transformational leadership to take on a new managerial role within the Fraport Group in Turkey.
The energy transition of Bulgaria: A bridge between industrial heritage and green leadership
Minister Zhecho Stankow presented to European colleagues Bulgaria's ambitious vision for energy transformation. The country is focused on innovative technologies such as carbon capture and storage, development of energy storage capacities, and increasing energy efficiency in buildings. The government is working to position Bulgaria as an energy balancer in the region, with investments in green corridors and shared projects with neighboring countries.