The MPs approved, at first reading, the update of the state budget. As of 1 July a differentiated VAT rate is being put in place – for bread VAT will be zero, for natural gas supplies – 9% instead of the current 20%. VAT on wine and beer served at bars and restaurants will be 20%, up from 9%, a reduction that was introduced during the pandemic. Pensions are to go up as well.
The budget is calculated at an economic growth of 2.9% and an annual inflation rate of 11.9%, even though, according to the National Statistical Institute, annual inflation now stands at over 15%.
The most heated debates in plenary were over the increase in the debt limit to EUR 5.1 billion. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Assen Vassilev gave as the reason for this the need to revolve old government debts.
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..
Less than 100 days remain until Bulgaria joins the eurozone, and this is another reason to talk about the incomes of people in Bulgaria, about the Bulgarian economy, about foreign investments and about the domestic labour market which reacts the..
Mostly Cloudy
Rain
Overcast, rain
Cloudy
Cloudy