Bulgaria
Eastern EU members “failing to address corruption effectively”, finds Transparency International
Many of the newer EU member states saw their scores deteriorate on the latest Corruption Perceptions Index amid growing state capture and efforts by governments to undermine judicial independence.
Slovenia ranks first in emerging Europe in social mobility
Most economies are failing to provide the conditions in which their citizens can thrive, said the World Economic Forum on releasing its new social mobility index.
East Asian investors ramp up investments in Central and Eastern Europe
China became the top investor in CEE in 2019, leading fellow East Asian investors that accounted for a growing share of M&A in the region. More deals are expected to follow, says a new report from law firm CMS.
Bulgaria’s opposition files no-confidence motion against government over failed environmental politics
“Someone signed a signature to turn Bulgaria into a dump for the world,” says opposition leader, as alleged imports of mafia waste from Italy, water shortages and deadly air pollution add to the accusations against Boyko Borissov’s government.
"The Auditor" becomes Bulgaria's new environment minister
Economist Emil Dimitrov has no experience in environmental protection, and critics fear he will be unable to resolve the problems he inherits from Neno Dimov, who stepped down after being arrested for abuse of office.
Bulgarian environment minister arrested over water crisis
Neno Dimov was detained over illegal siphoning from a reservoir that deprived a major industrial town of water supplies. He is the first serving minister ever to be arrested in Bulgaria.
CAPITAL ECONOMICS: CEE growth comes off the boil in 2019, but loose money and strong demand will bolster growth in 2020
The European Commission’s batch of Economic Sentiment Indicators (ESIs) fell sharply in December, although they remain consistent with regional GDP growth holding steady at around 3.6% y/y in Q4. Robust domestic demand should help to cushion the blow
OUTLOOK 2020 Bulgaria
Bulgaria aims to adopt the euro and hopes to join the ERM2 in April. A failure to achieve this would be a blow for Prime Minister Boyko Borissov’s scandal-hit government as parties start to position themselves ahead of the 2021 election.