Pensions will keep being paid through post offices for the next few years. The government has given the service to Bulgarian Posts until 30 June 2031, the government press office said.

The rules and terms do not change. The cap on state aid for the service rises to €20m a year. The decision also sets out how the state will cover the cost to the company.

Pensioners can collect their pension and any supplements at any post office, not only the one that serves them. People who get a pension for permanently reduced capacity to work, and those aged 68 and over, can have it delivered to their permanent or current address.

The service also covers prisoners and people in social care homes, to whom the post office pays pensions and pension money orders. Extra payments to those entitled to them also go through the company.

Earlier the same day, prime minister Rumen Radev set out the main points of the 2027 budget. Pensions will rise by 8%, public sector pay by 5% and teachers' pay by 7.5%.