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

Bulgaria does not plan to purchase submarines by 2032

''There’s no money for new submarines'', said Bulgaria’s Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov. That’s why the defense investment projects through 2032 do not include the purchase of submarines, whether second-hand or small ones, added Chief of..

published on 6/7/25 10:48 AM
Maria Shamburova was crowned as the 57th Rose Queen of Kazanlak

Maria Shamburova was crowned as Kazanlak’s 57th Rose Queen

At an official ceremony held in Kazanlak, Maria Shamburova was solemnly crowned as the town’s 57th Rose Queen. The coronation show of the Rose Queen marked the beginning of the culminating days of the Rose Festival in Kazanlak. The festival will..

published on 6/7/25 10:05 AM

Sunny until noon, clouds and some rain in the afternoon

At night, precipitation will stop and the cloudiness will break and decrease. In the morning hours, short-term fog will form in the plains and around water basins. On Saturday before noon it will be mostly sunny. In the afternoon,..

published on 6/6/25 7:05 PM