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.
The Bulgarian National Bank held an auction for the sale of securities with 3-year maturity at a 3% interest rate. At the auction, the Ministry of Finance offered bonds worth EUR 150 million. Interest will be paid once in 6 months, with the loan..
The Bulgarian National Bank published a review of measures aimed to address the risks to the banking system, including those stemming from loans secured by residential real estate. ''Such concerns are well-founded given the situation in the real..
The international rating agency Standard & Poor's (S&P Global Ratings) has affirmed Bulgaria's 'BBB/A-2' long-term and short-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings. The rating outlook remains positive. If a stable..
IT is one of the leading sectors in terms of salary increases and interest by job seekers in Bulgaria. Before the pandemic all kinds of experts were..
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