Bulgaria: Consumer Protection Commission Reports Surge in Complaints After Euro Adoption
Just two weeks after Bulgaria officially adopted the euro, the Consumer Protection Commission (CPCo) is handling an unprecedented volume of consumer reports.
Foreign investments in Bulgaria have soared in the first ten months of 2023, reaching nearly EUR 3.4 billion—an impressive increase of over EUR 1.1 billion from the same period in 2022, marking a remarkable 53.6% year-on-year growth. Preliminary data from the Bulgarian National Bank highlights this as the country's highest foreign investment surge in almost 15 years.
Minister of Economy and Industry Bogdan Bogdanov recently met with Steve Matushak, the manager of the US-based ADM's plant in Razgrad, Northeastern Bulgaria. During the meeting, ADM expressed commitment to sustainable development in the region, outlining plans to invest further in the municipality. The company, a major corn processing entity in Bulgaria, aims to boost energy efficiency in its production processes. Matushak emphasized ADM's environmental goals, targeting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, natural gas consumption, water usage, and waste output.
Minister Bogdanov emphasized Bulgaria's appeal as a conducive environment for business growth, showcasing expanding investments by existing companies as a testament to the country's potential. He pledged support for ADM's future plans, affirming the government's efforts to foster a stable and predictable business climate for sustainable corporate development. Deputy Economy Minister Ivaylo Shotev was also present at the meeting.
ADM's operations primarily cater to Balkan markets while exporting products to nearly 60 countries globally, providing an extended market for Bulgarian corn producers worldwide. Additionally, ADM contributes over BGN 60,000 to support the local community.
The completion of ADM's recent expansion investment in 2021 doubled the plant's production capacity.
Bulgaria is set to take an active role in oil and gas exploration in the Black Sea, joining forces with international energy companies OMV and NewMed, outgoing Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov announced
Bulgarian companies seeking support for development and modernization will receive European funds significantly faster, thanks to recent measures by the Ministry of Innovation and Growth (MIG).
The process surrounding Bulgaria’s transition to the euro is unfolding smoothly and compares favorably with similar experiences in other countries
The process of converting Bulgarian levs to euros continues smoothly, with 48.3% of the national currency already withdrawn from circulation
As Bulgaria phases out the lev at the end of January, the numismatic market is already responding to the change, though not all coins are attracting attention.
In Sofia, panel apartments continue to play a significant role in the housing market, making up more than a third of all property transactions in 2025
Bulgaria's Strategic Role in the EU's Drone Wall Defense Initiative
When Politics Means Violence