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

Parliament approves budget update at first reading

Photo: BGNES

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. 



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

NSI: Annual inflation in Bulgaria at 3.7 per cent

Monthly inflation in the country was 2% in January and annual inflation was 3.7%. This is according to preliminary data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI). The biggest increases were in the prices of heating and utilities. According to the..

published on 2/14/25 2:06 PM
The signing of the contract between the Sliven Diocese and Electra Trans Global for the land on which the large-scale complex will be built

Bulgarian aircraft repair company invests EUR 60 million in Burgas

One of the largest Bulgarian companies for repairing civil aviation aircraft has chosen Burgas for a major investment in aircraft repair and maintenance, the Municipality of Burgas announced. The company will build one of the largest hangar complexes..

published on 2/12/25 9:08 AM

NSI: Bulgaria exports less, imports more from third countries

In 2024, Bulgaria's exports of goods to third countries decreased by 5.1% compared to 2023, amounting to EUR 15.4 billion (30 114.9 million BGN), according to data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI). Bulgaria's main trading partners..

published on 2/10/25 2:54 PM