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 total output at basic prices from the agriculture sector in 2024 amounts to €4,970.1 million, which is 7.9% less compared to the previous year. This decline is due to two main factors: a 3.2% decrease in the quantity of agricultural..
One of the largest cargo ships in the world docked for the first time at the Port of Varna, delivering 58,000 tons of rapeseed, BGNES reported. The shipment arrived from Canada and will be refined in Bulgaria. The delivery was made due to a..
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Bulgaria's Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BBB' with a Positive Outlook, reported BTA. ''Bulgaria's ratings are supported by its strong external and public finance balance sheets versus..
The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) has revised upwards its expectations for Bulgarian economic growth in 2025 but lowered its GDP growth forecast for..
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