Bulgaria’s official poverty line for 2026 has been set at 764 leva (390 euros), marking an increase of 126 leva, or 19.7% compared to the current threshold. The figure was announced following today’s meeting of the tripartite council, with details presented by Social Minister Borislav Gutsanov.

According to Gutsanov, the adjustment will directly impact the incomes of more than 790,000 people with permanent disabilities, who will see benefits tied to the poverty line rise accordingly. At the same time, data shows that over 1.4 million Bulgarians live below the new poverty threshold, a number that accounts for 21.7% of the country’s population.

Alongside these figures, the minister presented updated statistics on average salaries. For the second quarter of 2025, the average wage in Bulgaria reached 2,572 leva, representing a 12% rise compared to the same period in 2024. Salaries remained highest in Sofia, where the average stood at 3,489 leva during April–June 2025. Some of the strongest regional wage increases were registered in Blagoevgrad (20.3%), Targovishte (18.3%) and Smolyan (17.3%).

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev also addressed the process leading to the new poverty line. He explained that the National Council of Trade Unions had reviewed a draft decree of the Council of Ministers setting the updated level. The proposal was backed by all participating organizations, with the exception of the Confederation of Bulgarian Trade Unions, which withheld support.