Send to Kindle
Foreign direct investment in Bulgaria reached 2.53 billion euros by the end of September 2025, preliminary data from the Bulgarian National Bank indicate. This marks a 20.9% increase, or €437.8 million, compared to the same period in 2024, when the net inflow totaled €2.09 billion. In September alone, FDI inflows amounted to €473 million, up from €370.2 million in September 2024. These investments correspond to 2.3% of Bulgaria’s estimated GDP, compared with 2% a year earlier. The BNB notes that the figures are preliminary and could be revised in future updates.
The main sources of positive net FDI for the January–September period were the Netherlands with €554.9 million, Italy with €325.2 million, and Greece with €317.1 million. Conversely, the largest net outflows were directed towards the United States (€150.5 million) and Luxembourg (€76.5 million).
Investments in real estate remained in negative territory, totaling minus €15.9 million compared to minus €7.1 million in the same period of 2024. In contrast, share capital inflows were strongly positive, reaching €316.7 million for the nine months, up sharply from €20.5 million a year earlier. Reinvested earnings also contributed significantly, totaling €3.118 billion, compared to €2.013 billion in the first nine months of 2024.
Meanwhile, the flow of debt instruments turned negative, amounting to minus €901.3 million, compared to a positive €61.9 million in the January–September period of 2024. Bulgarian investments abroad decreased, totaling €402.4 million over the nine months, down from €786.1 million a year earlier. In September alone, the net outflow was €48.1 million, compared with €95.8 million in September 2024.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, the average salary in Bulgaria reached €1,369, reflecting an annual increase of 11%, according to data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI)
The Ministry of Interior has published a report detailing its investigation into the activities of the association linked to Ivaylo Kalushev. The document is now publicly available on the Ministry’s website.
Bulgaria is bracing for a challenging day on Wednesday, February 18, as icy conditions, strong winds, and widespread precipitation are expected, the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) reports
Sofia Municipality has initiated the process to acquire 80 new trams, with an initial market consultation already posted on the national public procurement portal.
Bulgaria is set to complete construction of its first observation station for the world’s largest low-frequency radio telescope by the end of 2026
Bulgaria has formally raised concerns about violence and hate speech targeting the Bulgarian ethnic community in the Republic of North Macedonia before the Council of Europe
Financier Levon Hampartzumyan has forecast a gradual rise in loan interest rates in Bulgaria, noting that current levels are historically very low and cannot be sustained indefinitely.
The withdrawal of lev banknotes and coins is continuing in line with the approved schedule, although the pace of the process is expected to ease in the coming period
Bulgaria has officially launched the 2026 tax campaign for income earned in 2025, and early results show strong public engagement.
The latest data from the Bulgarian National Bank reveal a striking growth in large household deposits by the end of December 2025.
In the final quarter of 2025, Bulgaria’s economy showed signs of slowing, with gross domestic product (GDP) rising by 2.9 percent year-on-year, down from 3.1 percent in the same period of 2024.
The introduction of the euro in Bulgaria is unfolding in line with expectations, according to Bulgarian National Bank Governor Dimitar Radev, who spoke at an economic forum in Sofia hosted by The Economist magazine.
Novinite 2025 in Review: A Year That Tested Bulgaria and the World
A Disgraceful Betrayal: Bulgaria's Shameful Entry into Trump's Board of Peace
