Big Win for Bulgaria and Romania as Austria Lifts Schengen Veto!
Austria has officially announced that it is lifting its veto on Bulgaria and Romania’s accession to the Schengen Area by land
The Financial Supervision Commission (FSC) has alerted its regulated entities about advancing to the next phase of preparations for introducing the euro in Bulgaria, highlighting the crucial role of the non-banking financial sector.
As outlined in the Action Plan for euro adoption, the FSC is tasked with initiating the process of updating information systems in the non-banking sector by November 30, 2024, to facilitate operations with the euro. To assist in this transition, the Minister of e-Government will provide methodological instructions aimed at adapting financial information processing systems in line with the euro's introduction.
All investment intermediaries, management companies, those overseeing alternative investment funds, insurance firms, reinsurance companies, pension insurance companies, and their managed funds are required to complete their system adaptations for euro transactions by March 31, 2025. This deadline also applies to the Central Depository PLC, which must ensure its registers and clearing and settlement systems are euro-compliant.
By the end of March 2025, the Bulgarian Stock Exchange PLC and other financial trading venues must have their systems adjusted to handle euro transactions effectively. The FSC emphasizes that by the introduction date of the euro, all accounting account balances—encompassing assets, liabilities, and capital—must be converted accordingly.
Additionally, it is essential to align with the various general and specific requirements stipulated in the Law on the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria. The FSC stresses the importance of implementing and completing the necessary measures as per the Plan within the specified timelines.
Thousands of Bulgarian consumers who invested in the British company BETL have reported that the company has stopped paying daily dividends and appears to have ceased its operations.
In recent weeks, there has been ongoing concern regarding the state's expenses for next year, with projections showing that costs far exceed available funds
The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) has voiced strong opposition to a proposed 10% tax on banks' excess profits, citing concerns that it would destabilize the financial sector
Economist Rumen Galabinov has stated that Bulgaria's potential future membership in the Eurozone could significantly benefit the country's economy
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for Bulgaria in the third quarter of 2024 grew by 2.4% compared to the same period in 2023
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has projected that Bulgaria will join the eurozone in 2026
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