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

AFP: Poor infrastructure reduces Bulgaria's benefits from Schengen

Photo: BTA

Significant economic benefits are expected for Bulgaria (population 6.5 million) and Romania (19 million), which have become full members of the Schengen area. According to estimates, GDP is likely to grow by at least 1% in both countries, an analysis by AFP shows. 

In Bulgaria, the poor state of infrastructure is likely to limit the positive impact: narrow roads, highways that are often poorly maintained, few bridges over the Danube River, which is the border with Romania, non-existent or destroyed railway lines, etc. As for tourism, the sector is counting on an increase in the number of travelers to neighboring Greece, AFP predicts. "Bulgaria and Romania belong to Schengen. You have shown vision, patience and determination," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a special greeting for 2025, BGNES reported.



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

Beans, sausages and folk tunes: A colourful feast in the village of Zhitnitsa

The second annual Bean and Sausage Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of flavour and folklore in Zhitnitsa , a village in southern Bulgaria. On 7 September, the grounds of the local equestrian centre will host food lovers keen..

published on 9/7/25 8:05 AM

Bulgaria and NATO to hold BULGARIA 2025 Emergency Management Exercise

From today until September 12, NATO and Bulgaria will hold one of the world’s largest and most complex emergency management exercises — BULGARIA 2025, the Ministry of Interior announced. It will be hosted by the Professional Training Centre for first..

published on 9/7/25 7:00 AM
Radmila Šekerinska

NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska to visit Bulgaria

NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska arrives in Bulgaria today for a two-day visit, according to a NATO press statement. The Deputy Secretary General will have a number of bilateral engagements. While in Bulgaria, Ms Shekerinska will..

published on 9/7/25 6:45 AM