Bulgaria
Showman Slavi Trifonov has a strong chance of leading Bulgaria’s next government
Polls indicate a fragmented parliament after April general election, putting Trifonov in kingmaker position.
Bulgaria has EU's poorest regions
GDP per capita in the North-West region of Bulgaria is just 32% of the EU average.
Bulgaria to reopen restaurants and night clubs despite surging coronavirus cases
Government bows to pressure from hospitality industry and hopes for pre-election feelgood boost just as a new wave of the virus gathers force.
Huge queues outside hospitals in Bulgaria after PM announces vaccination free-for-all
Despite widespread vaccine scepticism, thousands of Bulgarians who dream of life returning to normal take advantage of weekend mass immunisations.
Bulgaria considers building small nuclear reactor
US NuScale and Kozloduy NPP agree to explore deployment of SMR in Bulgaria as doubt remains over future of Belene power plant construction.
Abuse and hate speech against LGBTI people rises across Europe and Central Asia
Crackdown on democracy and civil society during pandemic accompanied by increase in hate speech by politicians finds ILGA-Europe report.
Resilient emerging Europe labour markets to bounce back post-crisis
Unemployment growth has been modest and a return to tight labour markets is expected as economies recover from the coronacrisis.
BALKAN BLOG: Bulgaria’s hidden mental health crisis
The authorities have ignored a spike in depression and anxiety among Bulgarian children and parents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bulgaria’s GDP down 3.8% y/y in 4Q20, flash estimate shows
ING raises 2021 forecast after National Statistical Institute's estimate for economy's Q4 performance is considerably better than expected.
Bulgaria’s prosecution files charges against former ministers over Belene nuclear project
Prosecutors say mismanagement led to a loss of over €250mn related to the project to build the Belene nuclear power plant.
BALKAN BLOG: No “Navalnying” in the Balkans is the uncompromising message from Russia
Moscow delivered a stern rebuke over Bulgaria's PM's criticism of opposition politician Navalny's arrest, and has taken a tough tone on several issues in the Western Balkans in recent days.
Bulgaria’s industrial production falls 3.3% y/y in December
Production was affected the coronavirus pandemic and the tough restrictions imposed by the government to contain the spread of the virus.
46% of Bulgarian companies cut investment during coronacrisis
Investment strategies of Bulgarian companies have been substantially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with 46% of them investing less than planned, an EIB survey shows.