Urgent reform of Bulgaria's planning districts is needed, local authorities insist.The current regionalization shows increasing economic imbalances in terms of EU grant assistance. The problem is particularly severe in the Southwestern region, which includes Sofia city. According to the EU cohesion rules, when a region's GDP per capita reaches 100% of the EU average, the regions receive 30% co-financing for EU programs.
In the Southwestern region, due to Sofia's indicators, the coverage is 100%. Transitional regions, with a GDP between 75% and 100% of the EU average, receive 60% grant aid, while underdeveloped regions receive 85%. In Sofia city, the GDP per capita is close to 130% of the EU average, which affects the neighboring districts – Sofia District, Pernik, Kyustendil and Blagoevgrad, where the coverage is between 54% and 31%. The bundling of these districts with the capital city limits their access to EU funds.
In 2025, Bulgarian tourism maintains sustainable growth despite global challenges. According to analysts, a record number of foreign visitors is expected in the coming months as a result of stable international markets and the..
The Bulgarian Investment Agency (BIA) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) are signing a memorandum of understanding that will give new impetus to the trade and economic relations between Bulgaria and Japan. The two countries are seeking..
According to data from the Bulgarian National Bank, household bank loans in Bulgaria surpassed €25.5 billion mark , reaching €25.59 billion by the end of May 2025. The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) reported that the total loan amount had increased by..
The main challenges in introducing the euro in Croatia were the weak economy and poverty of the population. This was said in an interview with the..
Partly Cloudy
Clear