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.
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Bulgaria's Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BBB' with a Positive Outlook, reported BTA. ''Bulgaria's ratings are supported by its strong external and public finance balance sheets versus..
There are no plans for the privatization of the Vazovski Machine-Building Plants (VMZ) in Sopot, and the information circulating in this regard is speculative, said Bulgaria’s Minister of Economy and Industry Petar Dilov at a working meeting..
In 2024, the real estate market in Bulgaria registered a significant rise, with prices increasing by around 16%, and the number of real estate transactions going up as well. Real estate prices along the Black Sea coast have continued to grow,..
The preparation of the non-banking financial sector for the introduction of the euro is at a very advanced stage and a significant part of it has..
The liberalization of the electricity market for household consumers and their entering the free electricity market, something companies did years..
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