Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Tripartite cooperation council fails to reach accord on extending the differentiated VAT rate

Photo: archive

The tripartite cooperation council did not reach accord on extending the differentiated VAT rate until the end of the pandemic.

The caretaker cabinet wants the tax to be 9% for food and non-alcoholic beverages served at eating and drinking establishments, baby products, books, tour operator services and use of sports facilities. The Bulgarian Industrial Association is insisting on the introduction of a lower VAT rate for all food and non-alcoholic beverages. The Finance Ministry says that this will mean more than 500 million euro less for the treasury. The TUs are demanding a reduction of VAT overall from 20% to 15% and oppose the differentiation.

The biggest trade union in the country, the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria, warned there will be protests if there are 15% staff cuts in public administration, as proposed by former Minister of Finance Assen Vassilev from We Continue the Change.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Bulgaria wants to invite mayors from Taraclia to gain insight into how the European Union functions

Bulgaria supports the start of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, said Bulgaria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev during the EU Foreign Affairs Council held in Luxembourg. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos..

published on 10/21/25 9:54 AM

President Radev appoints ambassadors to Belgium, the Netherlands and Kazakhstan

President Rumen Radev has issued decrees appointing Bulgarian ambassadors to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Kazakhstan. The decrees were published in the State Gazette, reported BTA. Natalia Evgenieva..

published on 10/21/25 9:14 AM

Sofia’s Da Fest explores signals from an uncertain world

The 10th edition of the International Festival Da Fest presents works by leading global digital artists. Organised by Da Lab and the National Academy of Art, the five-day event begins today in Sofia. This year's theme, “Anxiety: Signals from an..

published on 10/21/25 9:05 AM