https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/rss Tue, 19 May 2026 18:14:14 +0300 en hourly 1 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129364-business-and-labour-unions-support-7-8-increase-to-minimum-pension-effective-ju https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1129364-business-and-labour-unions-support-7-8-increase-to-minimum-pension-effective-ju Tue, 19 May 2026 17:53:13 +0300 Representatives of business and labour unions supported the 7.8% increase to the minimum pension effective July 1 of this year through an amendment to the so-called budget extension act during meeting of the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation on Tuesday.  Representatives of employer organizations, including the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA), the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), and the Confederation of Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria (KRIB) supported the proposed amendments to the extension budget, while only the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association (BICA) refrained from supporting the bill. BICA Chair Rumen Radev said the reason for this position is a matter of principle, as the association believes that pension amounts should be determined based on social security contributions rather than administrative means. Labour and Social Policy Minister Nataliya Efremova expressed the Ministry’s support for the amendments, introduced by MP Vladimir Rakov of Progressive Bulgaria and a group of MPs. The aim of the proposal is to ensure that, under an extended budget framework, pensioners receiving the minimum pension, along with all others in the country, will receive a 7.8% increase under the so-called Swiss rule starting July 1. Over 800,000 pensioners receiving the minimum pension in Bulgaria will receive the updated amount of EUR 347.51 when their July pensions are paid, without having to wait for the adoption of the regular budget for 2026. The reason for the proposed amendments is that, according to the Social Insurance Code, all employment pensions are adjusted annually as of July 1 using the Swiss rule, but the amount of the minimum pension for the relevant year is determined by a regular law on the state social security budget, and under the terms of an extension budget, this cannot happen, as the minimum thresholds applicable through 2025 are being applied. Bulgaria Kristina Ivanova Мartin Lekov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1129427-opportunities-for-broader-bulgarian-british-economic-ties-discussed-at-forum-in- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1129427-opportunities-for-broader-bulgarian-british-economic-ties-discussed-at-forum-in- Tue, 19 May 2026 17:51:23 +0300 Opportunities for expanding economic ties between Bulgarian and British businesses were discussed at a forum in Plovdiv, the Municipality's press centre reported Tuesday. Representatives of the city’s business community and institutions discussed the prospects for companies in the city and the region to enter new foreign markets.  The event was organized by the British Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, the British Embassy in Bulgaria, and the Chamber’s Regional Ambassador for Plovdiv, Ivan Fratev. Among the official guests at the event were British Ambassador to Bulgaria Nathaniel Copsey, Plovdiv Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov, and Plovdiv Deputy Mayor for Construction, Investment, Municipal Property, and Economy Haka Sakabov. Dimitrov said that Plovdiv is a city that combines opportunities for work and professional development, quality education, and leisure time. It attracts many young people, and a few months ago, Eurostat identified Bulgaria's South-Central Region as the leader in annual gross domestic product growth, he noted. Deputy Mayor Sakabov emphasized the importance of such initiatives for the development of the local economy and partnerships between businesses, institutions, and international organizations. According to him, Plovdiv continues to establish itself as a modern economic and investment hub that attracts the interest of both Bulgarian and foreign companies. Economy Dimitrina Solakova BTA correspondent Irina Shopova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1129380-regulator-proposes-23-anti-crisis-measures-for-fuel-market https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1129380-regulator-proposes-23-anti-crisis-measures-for-fuel-market Tue, 19 May 2026 17:11:18 +0300 The Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) has adopted a package of 23 anti-crisis measures for the fuel market following a preliminary investigation launched in March due to the global oil crisis and the worsening situation in the Middle East, the regulator said. According to the Commission, the measures were prepared based on an analysis of the market, the ongoing proceedings against the Lukoil group for possible abuse of a dominant market position, as well as two completed proceedings against the company. The report will be sent to the Council of Ministers, the National Assembly, and involved institutions. The regulator says that the investigation analyzed the markets for fuel production, imports, storage, and wholesale and retail fuel trade, as well as the actions of the caretaker government. According to the main conclusion, the state delayed, rather than prevented, the “price spiral” in fuel prices. The Commission said that an intervention through a special administrator for Lukoil led to a discrepancy between wholesale prices and the prices at the company’s gas stations, creating risks for small traders, producers, and importers. The regulator noted that following the commission’s intervention in April, this practice was discontinued. Among the proposed measures is the creation of a task force under the Council of Ministers, involving institutions and industry representatives, to monitor fuel supplies, prices, storage levels, and the risk of fuel shortages. The proposal also includes the introduction of a weekly official fuel index with public information on international quotations, prices, trade margins, and stock levels in order to increase market transparency. The package also includes stricter oversight across the entire supply chain, from production and imports to retail trade, as well as the preparation of a continuity plan for refinery operations and diversification of crude oil supplies. Additional proposals include targeted support schemes for the automotive transport sector, agriculture, fisheries, and fertilizer production through compensation for part of their fuel and raw material costs. Among the stabilizing measures are financial instruments to ensure liquidity and guarantees for critical supplies, the possibility of extending the postponement of toll fee increases during periods of strong price pressure, and the creation of a temporary fuel stabilization fund financed through additional VAT revenues. The Commission also proposes temporary mechanisms against speculative price increases, changes to the requirements for biofuel components and excise tax rates during prolonged price pressure, as well as a compensation mechanism at the producer or importer level with traceability throughout the entire supply chain. Long-term measures include reforming access to tax warehouses, expanding storage capacity, incentives for new market participants, and steps to reduce dependence on fossil fuels through the electrification of transport and improved energy efficiency for businesses. The regulator noted that the Commission for Protection of Competition continues its work on the ongoing proceedings against the Lukoil group, while simultaneously carrying out continuous monitoring of the fuel market. In March, the Commission requested detailed information from Lukoil Neftochim Burgas and Lukoil Bulgaria, as well as from the other major companies in the wholesale fuel market, in connection with the ongoing proceedings against the Lukoil group for possible abuse of a dominant market position. Economy Zhenya Ilcheva Petya Petrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128990-confederation-of-independent-trade-unions-president-says-budget-situation-does- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128990-confederation-of-independent-trade-unions-president-says-budget-situation-does- Tue, 19 May 2026 13:41:00 +0300 Commenting on the data and measures in the 2026 budget procedure announced on Monday by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Galab Donev, Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) President Plamen Dimitrov told reporters on Tuesday that "according to our analysis, the budget situation does not appear to be as dire as it was portrayed." Dimitrov added that more clarity is needed on what the analysis presented by the government is based on. Regarding the idea of a 10% spending cut, Dimitrov said that the devil is in the details. "If the proposal is for across-the-board cut for everyone, we are against it," he said. He added that in some sectors, incomes are close to the minimum wage, and spending cuts are out of the question. According to him, it makes sense to discuss this in certain sectors that, as he put it, have received larger pay raises, such as the security sector. Dimitrov reiterated that there are sectors that are underfunded, citing public transportation as an example. The fact that the 5% is missing from the income policy is also a problem, Dimitrov added. He said that the CITUB supports an increase in the maximum insured income threshold. According to Dimitrov, measures should be put in place to support the poorest, such as a subsidy equal to the cost of a basic food basket for people with incomes at or below the poverty line. Dimitrov added that CITUB will ask for a discussion on the measures presented by Galab Donev at the meeting of the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation (NCTC) later on Tuesday, where the social partners are set to discuss the two draft laws related to high prices of goods and services.  Dimitrov opened a forum on macroeconomic challenges, fiscal policy, sectoral transformations, and social sustainability in Bulgaria earlier on Tuesday. The event was organized by CITUB. "There is no drama regarding the deficit," Dimitrov said at the forum. "The problems with the deficit cannot be explained by spending on wages and pensions," he added. According to Dimitrov, it is not true that wages in the public sector exceed those in the private sector. "If this is true for the security sector, it is not true for the entire public sector," he noted. Trade unions have no say in wages in the security sector, Dimitrov said, pointing out that this was a political decision voted by parliament. Regarding the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), CITUB data indicates that consumption remains constant for the period 2021–2025. "The share of gross fixed capital formation and exports in GDP must increase if we want to achieve sustainability," Dimitrov added. Economy Risida Dimitrova Borislava Bibinovska https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128900-general-labour-inspectorate-receives-european-labour-authority-best-practices-aw https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128900-general-labour-inspectorate-receives-european-labour-authority-best-practices-aw Tue, 19 May 2026 11:55:50 +0300 The General Labour Inspectorate (GLI) Executive Agency received an award from the European Labour Authority (ELA) for best practices for its online tool which allows workers to check if they are working undeclared, the agency's press office announced on Tuesday. The award was presented by ELA Executive Director Cosmin Boiangiu at an official ceremony in Larnaca, Cyprus. The Bulgarian General Labour Inspectorate was recognized for its innovative self-assessment tool, which helps workers determine for themselves the likelihood that their work, or part of it, is undeclared to national authorities. They also receive guidance on how to respond if they find that their labour and social rights are at risk, the GLI added. "The effectiveness of this tool stems from the clear signals it sends to workers, helping them determine whether they are working under conditions of declared employment. Referring workers to specific institutions for assistance raises their awareness and contributes to the earlier identification and prevention of risky situations," the press release quoted Denitsa Nikolova, Labor Mobility Inspector at the GLI Executive Agency, saying upon receiving the award. The tool is freely available to workers and employers. In early March, the General Labour Inspectorate Executive Agency was honoured in the category "For a person or organization that has contributed to limiting and preventing the informal economy through an active position" in the National Awards "Business to the Rules" competition, organized by the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association. Economy Risida Dimitrova Nelly Zheleva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128845-deputy-pm-reports-bulgaria-will-seek-active-policy-at-european-level-in-energy-s https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128845-deputy-pm-reports-bulgaria-will-seek-active-policy-at-european-level-in-energy-s Tue, 19 May 2026 11:06:05 +0300 Speaking at the 17th Green and Energy Forum, organized by Manager Magazine at Inter Expo Center here on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov said that Bulgaria will seek a more active policy at the European level in the energy sector, with the main priorities being industrial competitiveness and energy security. The Minister reported that under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, projects are already underway in the areas of renewable energy, energy storage, and energy system modernization. Pekanov noted that Bulgaria will insist that similar investments be included in the European Union’s next multiannual financial framework, particularly regarding the modernization of the power transmission grid. Regarding the water and sewerage sector, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that legislative changes are being prepared to meet European requirements without leading to higher water prices. He was adamant that the cabinet will not allow water prices to rise in 2026. He said that the restructuring of Bulgarian Energy Holding is among the complex reforms related to the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan. Pekanov warned that there is a risk Bulgaria may fail to absorb all available funds under the Plan. He added that the country has received half of the funds over the past five years, and the remaining money must be absorbed in the next three months. The key challenge in the coming months is securing nearly EUR 3 billion, with the country set to receive half of that amount in June and the remainder in August. Key reforms that Pekanov highlighted were related to the rule of law, such as the establishment of a new anti-corruption commission and changes to the mechanism for overseeing the prosecutor general. Economy Nikolay Zabov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128852-experts-at-sofia-forum-say-world-is-facing-its-biggest-energy-crisis https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128852-experts-at-sofia-forum-say-world-is-facing-its-biggest-energy-crisis Tue, 19 May 2026 11:00:21 +0300 The world is facing its biggest energy crisis due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, experts agreed during the 17th Green and Energy Forum in Sofia, organized by Manager Magazine at the Inter Expo Center on Tuesday. Preslav Raikov, commodities trading manager at Magic Flame Group, said the world is currently experiencing the biggest energy shock in history. According to him, the conflict in the Middle East has now continued for a third month, affecting economies worldwide. "The impact is also being felt in Bulgaria. Many farmers woke up to fuel prices that are 40% higher, while fertilizers have also become more expensive. This creates uncertainty, and many agricultural producers do not know what their final costs will be," he said. According to Boyan Rashev, energy expert and founder of the Mind Your Future platform, the world is in the midst of its biggest energy crisis, although its full effects are not yet being felt because countries are currently relying on reserves. He warned, however, that these reserves could last only until June. "The countries that have long neglected the foundations of the global energy system will suffer the most," Rashev said. Svetoslav Georgiev, director of the Geological Institute at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, said that as a net importer of oil, Bulgaria has no choice but to follow global oil prices, with the increase inevitably affecting end consumers. Plamen Dimitrov, member of the board of the Bulgarian Geopolitical Society, said the shock from the oil shortage does not yet appear as severe because oil now accounts for a smaller share of global GDP than during previous energy crises. Economy Yoanna Vodenova Kamelia Tsvetanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128828-bulgaria-needs-faster-wind-energy-growth-former-caretaker-environment-minister- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128828-bulgaria-needs-faster-wind-energy-growth-former-caretaker-environment-minister- Tue, 19 May 2026 10:38:44 +0300 Bulgaria needs to accelerate wind energy development and add 6 to 7 GW of wind capacity, former caretaker Minister of Environment and Water Julian Popov said here Tuesday. He spoke at the 17th Green and Energy Forum, organized by Manager Magazine at Inter Expo Center. Popov said Bulgaria is lagging in wind energy development, with several projects blocked over what he called “unfounded claims” about the impact of wind turbines on nature, particularly birds. He said Bulgaria would retain its central role in the regional energy market if it builds new wind capacity. Otherwise, capacity will be developed mainly in Greece and Romania, and Bulgaria risks becoming an electricity importer. Popov said coal is likely to disappear from Bulgaria’s energy mix by 2030. He added that the main projects under way in Bulgaria are backed by private investment. This applies to the entire solar sector and, to a large extent, to the energy storage sector, including batteries, he said. Economy Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128806-unemployment-rate-in-bulgaria-remains-stable-at-5-27-in-april-2026 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128806-unemployment-rate-in-bulgaria-remains-stable-at-5-27-in-april-2026 Tue, 19 May 2026 10:03:44 +0300 Bulgaria's unemployment rate stood at 5.27% in April 2026, remaining close to the level recorded in the same period in 2025, the Employment Agency said on Tuesday. More than 15,700 people found employment during the month with the support of the agency. Of them, 14,716 unemployed people started work through labour office mediation, while another 1,035 employed people, students and pensioners received assistance for career development or job changes. At the end of April, the number of registered unemployed people in the country was 149,517, marking a slight decline compared with March, which the agency described as another sign of labour market resilience despite the dynamic economic environment. Efforts also continued to target economically inactive people. More than 5,500 people were encouraged to take first steps toward entering the labour market through labour office initiatives and the work of Roma and youth mediators. At the same time, 1,027 people from vulnerable groups started subsidized employment, including people with disabilities, young people without professional experience, people over 55 and the long-term unemployed. Most of them joined projects under the Human Resources Development Programme 2021-2027, co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus. During the month, the Employment Agency issued more than 10,200 training vouchers for unemployed and employed people. Businesses announced 9,965 vacancies on the primary labour market in April, mainly in manufacturing, trade and car repair, hotels and restaurants, public administration, administrative services, education, agriculture and construction. Among the most sought-after professions were personal services workers, caregivers, sales staff, industrial and construction workers, machine operators, drivers and waste collection workers. According to Eurostat, Bulgaria remained the eurozone country with the lowest unemployment rate in March, with only the Czech Republic reporting lower unemployment in the EU. Economy Yoanna Vodenova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128719-green-and-energy-forum-to-take-place-in-sofia https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128719-green-and-energy-forum-to-take-place-in-sofia Tue, 19 May 2026 07:51:00 +0300 The 17th edition of the Green and Energy Forum will take place in Sofia on Tuesday, organizers from Manager Magazine said. The event will begin at 9:30 am at Inter Expo Center. The forum is scheduled to be opened by Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov and former environment minister Julian Popov. The programme includes discussions on Bulgaria's energy and climate vision, the geopolitical role of oil, gas and rare earth metals, and Bulgaria's positioning in the sector. Another panel will focus on Bulgaria's energy transition, including energy storage, regional connectivity, nuclear energy and small modular reactors, renewable energy integration and grid security. Participants will also discuss Bulgaria's deposit return system, the potential of geothermal energy, innovations in renewable energy and energy storage, and the energy challenges facing heavy industry in Europe. Economy Yoanna Vodenova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128566-vazrazhdane-sees-more-debt-social-insurance-hikes-behind-government-plans https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128566-vazrazhdane-sees-more-debt-social-insurance-hikes-behind-government-plans Mon, 18 May 2026 19:27:16 +0300 A Monday's press conference has indicated that the government of Rumen Radev is still trying to gain a full picture of Bulgaria’s financial state, despite Radev, in his capacity as president, being among the country’s best-informed political figures over the last nine years, Vazrazhdane said in a press release on Monday. The statement was in response to the plan presented on Monday by Finance Minister Galab Donev, that aims to maintain the 5% salary increase in the public sector envisaged in the so-called budget extension act, while reducing spending on wages and related social security contributions under institutional budgets by 10% as of September 1, 2026, without cutting the salaries and remuneration of employees. "Although the Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister assures us that taxes will not be raised after the social insurance contributions and the maximum social insurance income are raised, working people will in effect have less money. We recall that the raising of social insurance contributions was one of the reasons for the thousand-strong protests in December last year, which brought down the government of Borisov and Peevski", the press release continues  The party views the proposed reforms as not leading to any substantial reductions in bureaucracy, but that currently unfilled positions will be reduced and public officials fired based on their party affiliation, who will be replaced by others close to the ruling party. The party foresees the country's debt continuing to grow because the budget will once again be set with at least a 3% deficit, a budget trajectory that, according to them was set by former Finance Minister Assen Vassilev, Radev's caretaker governments, and what they referred to as the "GERB and Peevski government". Economy Atanas Malakchiev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128544-bilateral-chambers-of-commerce-in-bulgaria-outline-expectations-for-bulgaria-s-n https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128544-bilateral-chambers-of-commerce-in-bulgaria-outline-expectations-for-bulgaria-s-n Mon, 18 May 2026 19:11:51 +0300 The Community of Bilateral Chambers of Commerce in Bulgaria has issued a joint position on Monday in which representatives outline their expectations for the governance of Progressive Bulgaria and their readiness for policy dialogue. The position is addressed to the Chair of the National Assembly, the members of the 52nd National Assembly and the Prime Minister of Bulgaria.  "The community of bilateral chambers of commerce appeals to all of you to express our readiness for dialogue on policies concerning the development of the business environment, the economic climate, social engagement and sustainable development, in which competitiveness and innovation in Bulgaria are leading goals," the document says.  In it, representatives of the business community outline three main pillars that they consider central to the future legislative and executive policies.  First and foremost, they put "the principles of democracy and the rule of law," followed by "human rights and freedoms" and "economic development and social justice." The chambers underscore their expectations of stability and predictability, clear rules, transparent procedures, preservation of tax stability and framework, as well as efficiency in the implementation of each project with public funds. According to the statement, the absolute majority achieved by the party in the 52nd National Assembly, in addition to opening up opportunities, is also burdened with responsibilities that go beyond the implementation of a pre-election programme.  The joint position was signed by representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria, Belgium-Bulgaria-Luxembourg Business Club; British-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce; Bulgarian-Spanish Chamber of Commerce; Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce; Bulgarian-Swiss Chamber of Commerce; Bulgarian-Czech Chamber of Commerce; German-Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce; Greek Business Council in Bulgaria; Italian Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria; Confindustria Bulgaria and the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria. Economy Delyan Petrishki Atanas Malakchiev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128516-bulgarian-industrial-association-withholds-support-for-adopted-bills-to-end-unfa https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128516-bulgarian-industrial-association-withholds-support-for-adopted-bills-to-end-unfa Mon, 18 May 2026 18:59:54 +0300 The Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA) is withholding support for the adopted amendments to the Consumer Protection Act and the Protection of Competition Act, introduced by Progressive Bulgaria MP Yavor Gechev and a group of MPs, reads a BIA position paper sent on Monday to Finance Minister Galab Donev in his capacity as Chair of the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation (NCTC). The statement was prepared in connection with the upcoming NCTC meeting on Tuesday. BIA stated that it supports the need for consumer protection, increased transparency, and the curbing of unfair commercial practices. The Association, however, added that these goals cannot be achieved through "vague concepts, high penalties, administrative price assessments, and the daily burden on businesses with new registries and reports". The organization argued that the proposed bills, in their current form, risk producing the opposite result - greater uncertainty, higher administrative costs, fewer promotions, more cautious pricing, weaker competition, and higher final prices. BIA's proposals for regulatory changes to the two draft bills include: the preparation of a comprehensive preliminary impact assessment, including an assessment of the administrative burden, the effect on small and medium-sized enterprises, the effect on promotions, private labels, price competition, and the risk of higher retail prices. The Association urged for the removal of the concept of "fair price" as a legal category altogether. If necessary, the State may publish statistical and informational indexes, but not an administratively determined fair price, which would inevitably influence the market, BIA added. They insisted that the process for "economically unjustified" price increases should be clarified or entirely redrafted, avoiding a blanket ban applicable to virtually any price movement. BIA proposed limiting the obligations for daily publication of price information and assessing whether this would lead to anti-competitive effects, introducing explicit safeguards to protect trade secrets and sensitive business information, clarifying the concept of "joint dominant position" in accordance with established competition law standards, and to avoid the possibility that similar conduct under similar market conditions automatically gives rise to suspicion of a violation. The Association insisted it is necessary to provide for a realistic transition period following the adoption of all methodologies and subordinate legislation, so that businesses have time to adapt their systems and processes. On May 12, the parliamentary ad hoc budget committee adopted the two bills aimed to contain prices and end unfair trade practices. Economy Kristina Ivanova Ekaterina Toteva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128563-democratic-bulgaria-insists-this-year-s-deficit-to-be-limited-to-3- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128563-democratic-bulgaria-insists-this-year-s-deficit-to-be-limited-to-3- Mon, 18 May 2026 18:56:00 +0300 Democratic Bulgaria (DB) insists that the budget deficit should be limited to 3% already this year and to no more than 2.5% next year, MP Martin Dimitrov told journalists on Monday. His comment was prompted by Monday’s statement of Finance Minister Galab Donev, in which he announced part of the government’s financial measures and reviewed the state of the budget. “We are hearing too many excuses, a certain amount of complaining, while there should be firm and concrete goals,” Dimitrov said. According to Democratic Bulgaria, under a democratic and reform-oriented government the deficit can be contained. “We are hearing ideas for good measures, but at this stage we do not have guarantees of determination in the government’s actions,” he said. Similar to the ruling party, DB believes that taxes should not be increased, but limiting the deficit is important for curbing inflation as well, because spending, borrowing, and deficits during the rule of GERB and MRF – New Beginning were generators of inflation, Dimitrov said “That is why we expect firm commitments from this government,” he stressed. Vladislav Panev said out that it is important to see the medium-term programme for the next three years to make sure that the commitment not to change taxes will remain in place through to 2028. “We would like to praise the government for some bold reforms it hinted at, such as reducing budget expenditures relative to GDP,” Panev said. Democratic Bulgaria will support a 10% reduction in state administration spending, the removal of the automatic mechanism for determining salaries in the public sector, as well as a cap on remuneration for senior state officials and inspections of public procurement procedures. According to Panev, however, now is not the right time to increase the maximum social insurance income threshold. According to Bozhidar Bozhanov, some of the measures that Democratic Bulgaria insists on were missing from the finance minister’s agenda presented today, including requiring civil servants to also pay social security contributions, gradually reducing the number of pensioners employed in the administration and the Ministry of Interior, and limiting healthcare expenditures. “Every single budget item must be optimized as much as possible and corruption pipelines must be shut off,” Bozhanov stated. Among DB’s other proposals are measures in the energy sector, reforms to public procurement in hospitals, and urgent reform of the disability evaluation system. Economy Nelly Zheleva Petya Petrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128550-bulgaria-air-resumes-seasonal-sofia-burgas-service-from-june-5 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128550-bulgaria-air-resumes-seasonal-sofia-burgas-service-from-june-5 Mon, 18 May 2026 18:24:00 +0300 Bulgaria Air is resuming its seasonal route between Sofia and Burgas, with the first flights starting on June 5 and operating up to four times a week. From June 30, the route will be operated daily, the airline announced. The flights will operate during the June–September period, with the schedule including evening flights on the Sofia–Burgas route. Bulgaria Air has also increased the frequency of flights to Madrid, Athens, and Varna during the summer season. Economy Petya Petrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128545-supreme-administrative-court-revokes-emissions-derogation-for-maritsa-east-2-pow https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128545-supreme-administrative-court-revokes-emissions-derogation-for-maritsa-east-2-pow Mon, 18 May 2026 18:12:48 +0300 Bulgaria’s Supreme Administrative Court announced Monday that it has revoked an emissions derogation granted to the state-owned coal-fired power plant Maritsa East 2 TPP following a series of legal challenges brought by the environmental organizations For the Earth and Greenpeace Bulgaria. Environmental groups welcomed the ruling, describing it as a landmark decision for public health and environmental protection in Bulgaria. According to a post on the Greenpeace Bulgaria website, Maritsa East 2 TPP had been allowed to emit sulfur dioxide at nearly twice the permitted level and mercury at more than four times the legal limit, without a deadline or a concrete plan to reduce harmful emissions. The Monday court ruling is final and upholds an earlier decision by the Administrative Court in Stara Zagora, which annulled a December 21, 2018 decision by the executive director of Bulgaria’s Executive Environment Agency to update the plant’s integrated permit. The dispute centered on a derogation allowing the state-owned thermal power plant to deviate from European Union environmental standards concerning sulfur dioxide emissions. According to the court, the ruling fully complies with a judgment issued by the Court of Justice of the European Union in case C-375/21, following a preliminary reference submitted during the proceedings. The Supreme Administrative Court found the environmental authority’s decision unlawful because it failed to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the cumulative effects of pollution and did not take into account all relevant scientific data. The judges also concluded that the derogation contradicted measures included in the active air quality plan of the municipality of Galabovo and failed to meet EU legal requirements governing such exemptions. The case has gone through several rounds of litigation. In 2023, the Supreme Administrative Court overturned an earlier ruling by the Administrative Court in Stara Zagora and ordered the case to be reheard by a different panel due to significant procedural violations. The lower court had initially rejected the appeal filed by For the Earth – Access to Justice against the 2018 decision updating the integrated permit of Maritsa East 2 TPP. "This is a turning point for the right of Bulgarian citizens to clean air and a healthy environment," said Meglena Antonova, director of Greenpeace Bulgaria. She added that the Supreme Administrative Court ruling "sends a clear signal that Bulgarian institutions can no longer ignore the law and people’s health in the name of polluting technologies and political dividends". She called on the government, including the Environment Agency and the Ministry of Environment and Water, to develop a plan with specific conditions and deadlines that would determine how the power plant operates in the future. “It is time for the workers at the plant to receive a realistic outlook for the future of their jobs, while the government actively works to provide alternatives,” Antonova added. Economy https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128406-bulgarian-retail-association-calls-for-urgent-changes-in-rules-for-hiring-third- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128406-bulgarian-retail-association-calls-for-urgent-changes-in-rules-for-hiring-third- Mon, 18 May 2026 17:21:53 +0300 The Bulgarian Retail Association (BRA) Monday expressed concern over the difficulties in hiring workers from third countries and called for urgent changes to the administrative procedures. In a statement on the matter, they say that businesses are facing "an artificially created administrative blockage", and instead of addressing the labour shortage in the sector, the government is creating uncertainty for employers. BRA was established in early 2009 and its members include some of the largest Bulgarian and international retail chains operating in Bulgaria through independently owned or leased stores. The association represents a wide range of sectors, including fashion, footwear, sporting goods, perfumery and mobile telecommunications. The association notes that procedures for hiring foreign workers take between six and nine months, which they consider unacceptable given the fast-paced nature of the retail sector. According to BRA, the lack of coordination between institutions, the requirement to submit documents in person, and the absence of feedback lead to significant delays and financial losses for businesses. The statement also says that employers face difficulties in securing visas for workers from third countries, including India, where documents for workers from Nepal are processed. The association warns that this creates a risk of corrupt practices and further prolongs the procedures. The BRA notes that following Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen Area, the country risks "becoming a transit zone" for foreign workers if it does not offer faster and more transparent hiring rules. The association is calling for an increase or elimination of quotas on the hiring of workers from third countries in sectors with proven labour shortages, for the full digitization of procedures, and for the creation of a unified information system to track applications. Other demands include the introduction of stricter oversight of administrative processing deadlines, the acceptance of electronic apostilles, and the opening of a Bulgarian consulate in Nepal. Economy Kristina Ivanova Zhenya Ilcheva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128376-bulgaria-s-water-reservoirs-are-80-full https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128376-bulgaria-s-water-reservoirs-are-80-full Mon, 18 May 2026 17:17:42 +0300 As of May 18, the amount of available stored volumes in complex and significant reservoirs is 5,178.0 million cubic meters, which represents 79.22% of their total volume, said Monday the Ministry of Environment and Water, which manages water resources in 52 significant and complex dams. The Kamchia reservoir is 100% full, while the Srechenska Bara, Hristo Smirnenski, Yovkovtsi, Ticha, Yasna Polyana, Asenovets, Borovitsa, Studena, Domlyan, Pchelina, Krichim, Kardzhali, Ivaylovgrad and Rozov Kladenets reservoirs are over 90%. The Kamchia, Pchelina and Pancharevo dams are overflowing. The Ministry of Environment and Water reminded local authorities to implement the measures provided for in the Flood Risk Management Plans 2022–2027 and to monitor current hydrometeorological information and forecasts for hazardous phenomena published on the official website of the Ministry. On May 14, the Minister of Environment and Water, Rositsa Karamfilova-Blagova, recalled that Prime Minister Rumen Radev had requested from her and the Minister of Regional Development an analysis of the state of the water reservoirs and preventive measures to avoid a repeat of last year's water supply crisis in the Pleven Region. Economy Borislava Bibinovska Atanas Malakchiev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1128344-cities-success-measured-by-care-for-its-most-vulnerable-residents-president-io https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1128344-cities-success-measured-by-care-for-its-most-vulnerable-residents-president-io Mon, 18 May 2026 16:26:43 +0300 A city’s success is measured not by its skyscrapers, technology or gross product, but by whether its most vulnerable residents have a home and security, President Iliana Iotova said at the World Urban Forum Summit in Baku, as quoted by the President’s Press Secretariat on Monday. The event is themed Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities. Iotova stressed that investments should be directed primarily toward people. "Technologies must serve people, not replace them. Artificial intelligence, digital systems and smart cities will have real value only if they benefit humanity, reduce inequalities and make life more accessible, safer and more dignified," she said. According to Iotova, housing policy should not be merely a sectoral policy, but a policy for the future of society itself. “We need cities that do not divide people by income, generation or origin. Cities that give opportunities. Cities that create community,” she said. The President noted that cities today represent geopolitics in action and that the way they are built will determine not only quality of life, but also the stability of societies, the resilience of countries and trust in political systems. Citing data showing that by 2050 seven out of every ten people worldwide will live in cities, Iotova said that nearly 2.8 billion people currently live without housing that meets the principles of human dignity. “To meet the needs by the end of this decade alone, the world must create one home every second,” she said. “A home is not a commodity, but the beginning of everything else. Without it, there is no stable job, no school for children, no healthcare, no citizens who feel part of their community. When a city loses the ability to shelter people, it has not lost buildings – it has lost meaning,” she said. Iotova also addressed urbanization in the context of military conflicts and climate change. “More than 60% of people fleeing wars seek refuge in cities because there they find security, work and schools,” she said, adding that these people are not a threat but a potential resource. According to her, a prepared city turns newcomers into citizens, employees, taxpayers and neighbours, while an unprepared city pushes them to the margins and into invisibility. Iotova presented the situation in Bulgaria, pointing to an ageing population, internal migration, depopulating regions and inequalities between major urban centres and small towns. “We know what it means for one city to grow while another nearby fades away. We know what it means for young families not to be able to afford a home and for entire generations to lose their sense of perspective. These realities place us before the same challenges, regardless of where in the world we come from,” she said. Monday is the second day of Iotova’s visit to Azerbaijan, at the invitation of President Ilham Aliyev, to take part in the Summit during the 13th session of the World Urban Forum. On the first day, Iotova met with Aliyev. The main topic of their talks was expanding energy cooperation between Bulgaria and Azerbaijan. Iotova set out Bulgaria’s ambition to increase gas supplies from Azerbaijan to Europe through Bulgaria via the Greece-Bulgaria gas interconnector.  Iotova’s delegation also includes Veliko Tarnovo Mayor and National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria Management Board Chair Daniel Panov. Local government representatives from different parts of Bulgaria will also take part in the forum, which continues until May 22. The 13th session of the forum has brought together more than 40,000 participants from 182 countries. The World Urban Forum was established by the United Nations in 2001 in response to accelerating urbanization and its impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change and public policies. Held every two years in different countries, the forum has established itself as the leading global event in the field of urban development. At Azerbaijan’s initiative, a summit involving heads of state and government was held for the first time. World Tatiana Marinova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128313-labour-ministry-to-reimburse-232-000-vehicle-owners-for-high-fuel-prices https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1128313-labour-ministry-to-reimburse-232-000-vehicle-owners-for-high-fuel-prices Mon, 18 May 2026 16:04:22 +0300 A total of 232,000 low-income vehicle owners will receive EUR 20 in compensation for high fuel prices in April. The Social Assistance Agency will begin disbursing the funds on May 19, the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy announced. The Agency will transfer the funds to the bank accounts of those receiving the assistance. Between May 20 and 27, payments will be made to approximately 33,000 people who receive their social assistance at post offices, the Ministry added. Individuals who own a motor vehicle or are paying off a vehicle under a lease agreement are eligible for the compensation. To receive the EUR 20 benefit, their average monthly gross income for 2025 must be up to EUR 652.41, which is twice the poverty line for last year. Eligibility for the support is determined following a review by the National Revenue Agency. A total of 210,934 low-income individuals received EUR 20 in compensation from the government due to rising fuel prices in March. Economy Kristina Ivanova Lilia Yordanova