Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Parliament approves budget update at first reading

Photo: BGNES

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. 



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

Financial Supervision Commission: The assets of private pension funds have reached EUR 13 billion

The assets of private pension funds have reached EUR 13 billion. According to data from the Financial Supervision Commission, they have increased by more than 20% compared to the same period last year.  As of September 30, 2024, the number of..

published on 11/21/24 5:30 PM

Bulgarian economy registers upsurge, yet unevenly distributed over different regions

There has been an upsurge in the economy in every region of Bulgaria, the effects of the Covid crisis have been overcome, tourism has fully recovered, which is evident in Bulgarian seaside regions and spa resorts - this is the conclusion that is drawn..

published on 11/19/24 11:51 AM

More than EUR 1 billion to be allocated for agriculture and the development of local economies

More than EUR 1 billion will be invested in agriculture and rural areas in Bulgaria in 2025. According to a decision by the Monitoring Committee of the Strategic Plan for Agricultural Development, the funds are aimed at modernizing agriculture and..

published on 11/17/24 10:07 AM