The geographical structure of Bulgaria’s external debt has changed significantly since 2002, the Bulgarian National Bank announced. In the past, most government bonds were owned by American pension funds. Now, 80% of the bonds are owned by European banks and pension funds. About 16% of the government bonds are bought by Bulgarian investors.
Over 80% of Bulgaria’s external debt is in Euros, 8% is in US dollars and the rest is in Bulgaria Leva and other currencies. Bulgaria enjoys significant interest among investors and pays interest rates typical of a rich country. Most new loans are borrowed to refinance old debts and net debt is not growing, which is one of the conditions for Eurozone membership, the Bulgarian National Bank further notes.
In its "Economic Freedom of the World, 2025" ranking , the Canadian Fraser Institute gives Bulgaria a score of 7.13 out of a maximum of 10 points. This places the country 56th out of 165. It ranks between Greece and Thailand. In 2024, Bulgaria was 52nd..
As of October 1, the base interest rate in Bulgaria is 1.81%. The rate has been declining for the 12th consecutive month, this time by 0.01% compared to September 2025. The base interest rate in Bulgaria, which is used to calculate the annual..
Bulgaria’s accession to the eurozone will reduce transaction costs with key trade and investment partners, according to the annual U.S. State Department report on the investment climate in the country, reported BGNES. The report emphasizes that..
The government approved the draft Law on the 2026 State Budget, as well as the Updated Medium-Term Budget Forecast for the 2026–2028 period. In..
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