Parliament adopts 2026 budget: New salaries, €10.1 billion in debt, and changes to benefits

Budget 2026: Key decisions of the National Assembly

The National Assembly adopted at the second reading texts of the 2026 state budget, confirming a minimum wage in the administration of 620.20 euros and approving the assumption of new state debt amounting to 10.1 billion euros.

"The law aims to preserve the income of civil servants by adjusting insurance contributions and the tax burden from August 2026."

Insurance contributions and social benefits

• Change in insurance: From August 1, 2026, the ratio between employer and employee contributions becomes 80:20, and from January 1, 2027, it transitions to 60:40.
• Social thresholds: The thresholds for access to one-time pregnancy assistance and child benefits are increased. The income threshold for the full amount of benefits is now up to 415 euros.

Debt and investments

The new debt of 10.1 billion euros includes a targeted loan of 3.261 billion euros under the "Securing Europe" (SAFE) instrument to support the defense industry. The maximum amount of state debt at the end of the year cannot exceed 37.7 billion euros.

Political debates

The deputies also voted on the possibility for the Council of Ministers to redistribute funding under the Investment Program for Municipal Projects. Asen Vassilev ("We Continue the Change") criticized the measure as a "step backward," arguing that it gives sole power to the Minister of Regional Development in distributing funds for the municipalities.