Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

AFP: Poor infrastructure reduces Bulgaria's benefits from Schengen

Photo: BTA

Significant economic benefits are expected for Bulgaria (population 6.5 million) and Romania (19 million), which have become full members of the Schengen area. According to estimates, GDP is likely to grow by at least 1% in both countries, an analysis by AFP shows. 

In Bulgaria, the poor state of infrastructure is likely to limit the positive impact: narrow roads, highways that are often poorly maintained, few bridges over the Danube River, which is the border with Romania, non-existent or destroyed railway lines, etc. As for tourism, the sector is counting on an increase in the number of travelers to neighboring Greece, AFP predicts. "Bulgaria and Romania belong to Schengen. You have shown vision, patience and determination," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a special greeting for 2025, BGNES reported.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

President Rumen Radev gives awards to three Air Force officers

Three Air Force officers were presented with the Presidential Badge of Honor, BTA reports. The head of state presented the award to Major General of the Reserve Ivan Parapunov, Lieutenant Colonel Stefan Stefanov and Major Dimitar..

published on 10/15/25 4:40 PM

The largest trade union in Bulgaria calls against early elections

Early elections will not help anyone. If elections were held now, the caretaker government would have no power to draft the most difficult budget in the past 30 years. This was what the president of the Confederation of Independent..

published on 10/15/25 1:08 PM

Bulgaria's toll system begins fining overloaded trucks

Starting October 15, Bulgaria's toll system has begun weighing heavy vehicles over 3.5 tons while they are in motion. The weighing process is fully automated. "Currently, 10 out of nearly 100 planned devices have been certified. The sensors..

published on 10/15/25 10:27 AM