The Transport Commission to the National Assembly approved on first reading the Draft Law on the State Budget of the Republic of Bulgaria for 2026. The document was presented by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadjov and adopted with 11 votes “for”, 7 votes “against” and without a single “abstention”.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Grozdan Karadjov stated during the meeting that no significant changes are envisaged in the new budget of the ministry compared to the previous one. As the main difference, he pointed out that part of the expenses of BDZ (Bulgarian State Railways) will now be financed directly from the central budget.

Karadjov emphasized that the priority infrastructure projects will not be terminated, preserving the established sequence and degree of significance. He clarified that a large part of them have European funding, which does not allow for a slowdown in the pace of implementation. Regarding projects without European funding, the minister pointed out that a reduction in the pace and planning of a more moderate program are possible for them.

The minister confirmed that no funds for new investments are provided for in the current budget. He added that the difference at BDZ is about 13 million euros, as it was necessary to renovate and expand the functions of the existing depots in connection with the upcoming arrival of the new trains, which are longer.

Karadjov assured that the ministry will comply its budgetary procedure with the general state framework, while maintaining its commitment to key projects in the transport sector.