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

Daniel Mitov

Rising number of Moroccan nationals attempt illegal crossings into Bulgaria

Interior Minister Daniel Mitov told reporters that migrant pressure and attempts to cross the Bulgarian-Turkish border illegally are decreasing . He said that compared to 2023, attempts at illegal crossing had decreased by around 70%. The minister..

published on 7/3/25 5:46 PM

On 4 July, Parliament will vote on the third motion of no confidence.

The plenary debate on the third motion of no confidence against Rosen Zhelyazkov's government, proposed by the Revival party, has concluded . According to the National Assembly's rules, the vote must take place at least 24 hours after the debates end...

published on 7/3/25 4:15 PM

The EU is investing over €37 million in the construction of truck parking areas in Bulgaria

The European Commission has announced that the EU will invest nearly €37.5 million in the construction and modernisation of six parking areas with a total of 816 spaces for heavy goods vehicles. According to BNR correspondent in Brussels Angelina..

published on 7/3/25 3:47 PM