Budget 2026: The Environment Committee Approved the Bill

The Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Water approved on first reading the Draft Law on the State Budget of the Republic of Bulgaria for 2026, marking a key moment in the planning of the country's financial resources for the coming years. The decision was made with a majority of 11 votes "for", against 9 "against", with none of the committee members choosing to abstain.

The Minister of Environment and Water, Manol Genov, presented the main parameters of the draft budget of his ministry, revealing the main priorities and financial ambitions for the following year. The focus of his presentation was on the planned revenues, with Minister Genov pointing out that the net growth in 2026 will reach 244 million euros compared to the revenues realized during the current year. This increase shows a desire to optimize financial flows and to effectively manage the funds in the field of environment and water.

Despite the optimism from the increase in revenues, Minister Genov acknowledges certain limitations in the proposed budget framework. He stressed that the budget is "very modest" both in terms of capital expenditures and in terms of personnel expenses. This finding suggests that priorities have been set in the context of economic realities and that compromise solutions have been sought. At the same time, the minister confirmed that this is "the possible budget," hinting at the need for adaptability and pragmatism in the management of financial resources. The event, with its significance for the future of environment and water policies, passed under the spotlights, attracting the attention of the political elite and interested parties.