Finance
News on banks, loans, the state budget, financial institutions, tax policy, and capital markets.
Attention! Police Warns of Scams in Currency Exchange
The police are warning about a growing number of scams related to the exchange of Bulgarian levs for euros. They advise citizens to be vigilant and not to trust strangers offering favorable exchange rates.
Bulgarians are cleaning out their piggy banks: what to do with lev coins before and after the introduction of the euro
Two working days remain until the end of the year, in which depositing lev banknotes into an account is free of charge, and from January 1, 2026, banks and post offices will also exchange coins in euros at a fixed exchange rate and without commission for six months.
Parliament Discusses Extension Budget for 2026
The Parliamentary Budget and Finance Committee will consider a bill on the collection of revenues and expenditures in 2026 until the adoption of budget laws, proposed by the caretaker government. The extension budget aims to ensure stability and social spending until a solution for next year's budget is found.
Extension Budget 2026: Ensuring State Stability and Social Spending
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced the proposed measures for the extension budget for 2026, guaranteeing the stability of the state, social spending, and the functioning of the state until the adoption of the regular budget.
What Happens When Bulgaria Doesn't Have an Approved Budget: Pros and Cons According to the Fiscal Council
The Fiscal Council analyzes the consequences of a budget not being adopted on time in Bulgaria. The institution points out pros such as more accurate planning and better fiscal discipline, as well as cons such as political instability and delays in investments. The analysis also examines historical cases, including those of 2022, 2023, and 2025.
NHIF: Payments to pharmacies are regular, there are no delays
Currently, there are no overdue payments from the Health Insurance Fund to pharmacies, the NHIF assures. Vasil Hodzhev from the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union shares that no difficulties are expected around New Year.
Bulgarian Banks Introduce Blink Donations by Mobile Number: Fast and Free Donations for Causes
Leading Bulgarian banks are launching the blink donations service by mobile number, enabling fast, easy, and free donations directly through mobile applications. The service is based on blink P2P and supports initiatives such as "Bulgarian Christmas". No fees for transfers up to BGN 300.
The Ministry of Finance presented a new draft budget for 2026 with an updated forecast until 2028.
The Ministry of Finance published a new version of Budget 2026 and the medium-term framework until 2028, with planned fiscal consolidation, a limited deficit and a package of tax and social measures.
Government Provides 60 Million Euros for Firefighting Helicopters and Introduces Amendments to the Civil Aviation Act
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced that the government is providing funds for the leasing of helicopters for firefighting. Legal amendments to improve fire protection have also been presented. Measures for the prevention and response to forest fires are being discussed.
Sale of starter kits with euro coins has begun: What you need to know
As of today, the BNB and banks have started selling starter kits with euro coins featuring the Bulgarian national side. Individuals can purchase up to two kits, while businesses can purchase larger quantities. Here's what the kits contain and what the prices are.
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.
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.
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