The MPs approved, at first reading, the update of the state budget. As of 1 July a differentiated VAT rate is being put in place – for bread VAT will be zero, for natural gas supplies – 9% instead of the current 20%. VAT on wine and beer served at bars and restaurants will be 20%, up from 9%, a reduction that was introduced during the pandemic. Pensions are to go up as well.
The budget is calculated at an economic growth of 2.9% and an annual inflation rate of 11.9%, even though, according to the National Statistical Institute, annual inflation now stands at over 15%.
The most heated debates in plenary were over the increase in the debt limit to EUR 5.1 billion. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Assen Vassilev gave as the reason for this the need to revolve old government debts.
The two most sought-after currencies by Bulgarians in 2024 remain the US dollar and the euro, just as in 2023. The Turkish lira, the Romanian leu and the Serbian dinar were also very popular, followed by the British pound and the Swiss franc. This was..
The overall business climate indicator in Bulgaria has increased in December by 1.7 points from 17 percent to 18.7% compared to November . An increase in the indicator was observed in the industry sector by 1.9 points, in retail trade by 5.7 points and..
The National Assembly postponed the discussion and voting of the most important fiscal law of the land – the national budget for 2025 – for next year. “If we do not have an approved budget by 19 January, then everything in the country will grind to a..
Inflation for 2024 is 2.2% compared to the previous year, the National Statistical Institute reports. In December, this indicator was 0.4%. Annual..
Mostly Cloudy
Partly Cloudy
Clear