The European Commission presented its recommendations for the economic policies of the EU Member States, the part on Bulgaria being in the three areas, BTA reported.

The first recommendation to Bulgaria is that the country should keep providing temporary and targeted support to households and firms most vulnerable to energy price hikes and to people fleeing Ukraine. It should expand public investment for the green and digital transition and for energy security. For the period beyond 2023, the country is advised to pursue a fiscal policy aimed at achieving prudent medium-term fiscal positions.

The second is that Bulgaria should proceed with the implementation of its Recovery and Resilience plan, and to submit the cohesion policy spending documents until 2027 in with view of starting negotiations with the Commission. 

The country needs to reduce its overall reliance on fossil fuels and fossil fuel imports by accelerating the development of renewables. It should step up efforts to reduce energy demand by increasing energy efficiency in industry and in private and public building stock. Bulgaria should also promote new sustainable solutions in centralized district heating. The Commission also recommends that Bulgaria should diversify gas supply sources and routes by increasing interconnections with neighbouring countries.