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.
The two largest trade unions in Bulgaria - the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria and the Confederation of Trade Unions "Podkrepa" - are organizing a warning protest in front of the Council of Ministers building. It is planned for..
In view of the country's declining population, the Fiscal Council recommends that the government take savings measures in the 2026 state budget. The measures include: reducing the municipal administration by merging municipalities;..
No disruptions or price increases are expected on Bulgaria’s fuel market following the US sanctions imposed on Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, Bulgarian Petroleum and Gas Association Chairman Svetoslav Benchev told BTA. "For now, I..
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