Fitch Ratings has raised the outlook on Bulgaria's Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) from stable to positive. The current assessment stems from lower macroeconomic risks associated with the Covid-19 crisis, the continuing interest in joining the euro zone, as well as the support from EU funds.
In the coming years, Bulgaria is expected to be one of the main beneficiaries of EU financing, including 16.6 billion euros (27% of GDP in 2020) under the multi-annual financial framework (2021-2027) and 7.5 billion euros (12% of GDP for 2020) in the form of EU grants under the NGEU mechanism. According to Fitch Ratings, this would increase economic growth from projected 3% in 2021 to 4-5% in the period 2022-2025.
In the long run, however, Fitch also points out a number of unfavorable factors, including the demographic structure of the population.
47% of Bulgarians disagree with the statement that Bulgaria's entry into the euro area will boost the Bulgarian economy and raise their living standards. This is the result of a national survey conducted by the Market Links agency between 27 April and..
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) forecasts an acceleration in Bulgaria's economic growth from 1.8% in 2023 to 2.5% in 2024 and to 2.9% in 2025 as public investment increases along with EU funds. OECD expects inflation..
MPs have agreed to extend the 0% VAT on bread and flour, which was due to expire on June 30, until the end of 2024. Under the GERB proposal, traders will be allowed to add a maximum of 15% profit margin on bread, but the proposal is limited to the most..
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