Employment Agency Reports Stable Job Market in Bulgaria: 16,000 Hired in October
Bulgaria’s labor market remained stable in October, with the Employment Agency reporting a registered unemployment rate of 5.15 percent
Simeon Dyankov (left) and Boyko Borissov (right)
Simeon Dyankov, a former finance minister, expressed that the Bulgarian economy is performing reasonably well, although discussions regarding the macro framework for 2025 are currently stalled due to the absence of a functioning parliament and government. He noted that finance minister Ludmila Petkova has called on politicians to outline necessary budget measures and determine the deficit. According to Dyankov, Bulgaria has not seen a deficit of this nature in 25 years, and he does not anticipate significant parliamentary debate on the issue.
Dyankov criticized the campaign promises made by politicians, pointing out that 8 billion leva is the outstanding capital expenditure, yet only 4 billion leva of those commitments have been realized. He warned that a 3% deficit poses serious risks and emphasized the importance of discussing progressive taxation, which requires a stable government. While he reassured that Bulgaria is not on the verge of a Greek-style economic crisis, he acknowledged the need for scrutiny over government spending.
He stated that Bulgaria is far from meeting the criteria for Eurozone membership, specifically the inflation threshold, and warned that a 3% deficit could lead to the country being excluded from the Eurozone. He believes that societal readiness for the euro is crucial, and he suspects that politicians may be hesitant about entering the Eurozone. Furthermore, Dyankov commented on the discomfort some politicians feel regarding the conditions tied to the Recovery and Sustainability Plan, predicting that Bulgaria will take out at least two more loans by the end of this year and three additional loans next year.
The European Commission has revised its outlook for the Bulgarian economy, projecting a slowdown in growth over the next few years
The Bulgarian National Bank plans to release a 2-euro commemorative coin titled “Bulgarian Alphabet” in the second half of 2026, highlighting one of the nation’s most significant cultural and spiritual symbols
The number of Bulgarians holding over 1 million leva (half a million euros) in bank accounts continues to rise, according to recent data from the Bulgarian National Bank
The official website dedicated to Bulgaria’s transition to the euro, evroto.bg, has published the full set of information materials used during the national awareness campaign
Economist Dimitar Sabev, from the Institute for Economic Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, has assessed the draft budget and broader economic situation in Bulgaria
As Bulgaria prepares to join the eurozone, many people who have been collecting coins from daily change may be wondering what to do with their small change
Bulgaria's Strategic Role in the EU's Drone Wall Defense Initiative
When Politics Means Violence