Trade & Investment Newsletter 14 - 20 July 2025
BULTISAD-Bulgar-Türk Ticaret ve Sanayi Odası -Bulgarian-Turkish Chamber of Commerce
Enhancing trade and investment relations between Turkiye and Bulgaria
News from our Members
PETERKA PARTNERS Opens Its Tenth Office in Southern Poland
PETERKA PARTNERS has officially launched its new office in Rzeszów – the capital of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, located in southeastern Poland, near the Polish-Ukrainian border. This new location reflects the firm’s response to the growing needs of clients in the region and its continued ambition for expansion across Central and Eastern Europe.
The Rzeszów office is led by experienced Polish legal professionals – attoney-at-law Dagmara Klimek and advocate Dawid Lewicki – both of whom have taken on the role of Director of the Office in Rzeszów. The local team already includes ten members, with further growth planned in line with the firm’s increasing regional activity.
The new office will provide comprehensive legal and tax services to both domestic and international clients, supporting them in day-to-day operations as well as in the execution of complex local and cross-border transactions.
About PETERKA PARTNERS
PETERKA PARTNERS is a regional law firm originating from Central and Eastern Europe, currently operating ten fully integrated offices across nine countries in the region. Its "single firm" model enables the provision of services across multiple jurisdictions under one agreement and a unified fee structure, ensuring consistency and efficiency for clients. The firm has been active in Poland for fifteen years – initially with an office in Warsaw and now also in Rzeszów – employing over 30 lawyers and tax advisors nationwide.
💶 Eurozone & Monetary Policy
Bulgaria Gears Up for the Euro: Essential Cash Register and Vending Machine Updates (KEY DATES)
With Bulgaria preparing to adopt the euro as its official currency, changes in how retail transactions are processed are on the horizon. One of the more practical aspects of this transition involves the reconfiguration of cash registers and vending machines. The National Revenue Agency (NRA) has clarified the necessary steps and obligations, aiming to help merchants navigate the transition smoothly.
Bulgaria: Lev to Euro Exchange - What You Need to Know Before 2026
Some Bulgarians are beginning to exchange their leva for euros ahead of the country’s eurozone entry, only to find that the rates offered at banks and exchange offices differ from those announced publicly. Many are learning the hard way that until the official switchover on January 1, 2026, the fixed conversion rate of 1.95583 leva for 1 euro is only guaranteed at the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) cash center. Banks and currency exchange offices can still apply their own rates - and many do, often to the detriment of the customer.
Bulgarian euro coins will 'speak' of national history and spirituality
From 1 January 2026, Bulgaria will join the Eurozone, and the lev and stotinki will become a thing of the past. While the new currency will have a different appearance, it will preserve familiar symbols and images. The designs of the Bulgarian euro coins have already been approved by the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) and the European Commission, and the selected motifs reflect the country’s history and spirituality.
Bulgaria sells 3.2 bln euro in bonds after eurozone greenlight
Bulgaria raised 3.2 billion euro ($3.7 billion) in a two-part Eurobond offering, placing 2 billion euro in ten-year notes and 1.2 billion euro in 20-year notes, the finance ministry said on Wednesday
Finance Deputy Minister: Credit Upgrades Reflect Trust in Bulgaria’s Stability and Eurozone Path
Deputy Finance Minister Metodi Metodiev described the recent upgrades to Bulgaria’s credit rating by three international agencies as a clear sign of growing investor confidence and validation that the country is on the right path. Speaking to the Bulgarian National Radio, Metodiev noted that the rating hikes coincided with a landmark decision from Brussels earlier this month, confirming that Bulgaria will adopt the euro as of January 1, 2026.
Scope upgrades Bulgaria's credit ratings to 'A-'
Scope Ratings raised Bulgaria's long-term local- and foreign-currency issuer and senior unsecured debt ratings to 'A-' from 'BBB+' to reflect the country's euro area accession from January 1, 2026 and revised the outlooks to stable from positive, it said.
https://seenews.com/news/scope-upgrades-bulgarias-credit-ratings-to-a-1278420
Bulgarian Energy Sector Poised for Growth as Eurozone Entry Spurs Major Funding Boost
Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov shared encouraging news for Bulgaria’s energy sector, highlighting that financial institutions are prepared to provide funding eight times greater than what is required for the construction of the Vertical Gas Corridor infrastructure. He attributed this favorable development to the positive momentum following Brussels’ announcement confirming Bulgaria’s eurozone entry starting January 2026.
📈 Economy & Industry
Bulgaria's c-bank raises 2025 GDP growth f'cast to 2.9%
Bulgaria's economy is projected to expand by a real 2.9% in 2025, the central bank said, revising upwards its March forecast by 0.1 percentage points (pp).
Bulgaria's industrial strategy will be ready by the end of 2026
Bulgaria's national industrial strategy will be finalized in the second half of 2026. This became clear during a meeting between representatives of the Association of Industrial Capital in Bulgaria (AICB) and the Ministry of Economy and Industry (MEI), led by Deputy Minister Doncho Barbalov.
More Than Money: The Real Drivers of Digital Transformation in Bulgarian SMEs
Digitalization is no longer a concept of the future. It is the present reality in which businesses operate, compete, and create value. For micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), embracing digital transformation is not a luxury - it is essential for staying competitive, adapting to change, and ensuring long-term viability.
Bulgarian energy storage battery project receives strategic status
The first Bulgarian project has received strategic status under the EC's Net Zero Emissions (NZIA) Regulation. The innovative project "BG EXERON X-BESS" in the field of batteries and energy storage technologies has already been entered into the European Commission's public register of strategic projects.
Bulgaria granting SMEs 64 mln euro to boost energy efficiency
The Bulgarian innovation ministry has launched a 126 million levs ($75.4 million/64.4 million euro) grant scheme to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in improving energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy, it said.
OECD Economic Outlook, Volume 2025 Issue 1
GDP is expected to increase by 2.6% in 2025 and 2.3% in 2026 driven by household consumption growth, supported by ongoing high income and credit growth, and higher government investment with the rollout of EU funds. Exports will grow slowly reflecting weaker growth in other EU economies. Headline inflation has been rising and wage pressures remain elevated. Sustained wage growth risks hindering the moderation of inflation.
Key indicators for Bulgaria - Lastest data as of July 3, 2025
In June 2025, the industrial confidence indicator decreased by 0.7 percentage points in comparison with May 2025, according to the business inquiries of NSI.
https://www.nsi.bg/en/press-release/key-indicators-for-bulgaria-8213
Bulgaria’s Annual Inflation Rises to 4.4% in June
Monthly inflation in Bulgaria in June 2025 stood at 0.4%, while annual inflation reached 4.4%, according to data released by the National Statistical Institute (NSI) on Tuesday. Inflation since the beginning of the year (June 2025 compared to December 2024) is 2.4%, and average annual inflation for the period July 2024 – June 2025 compared to July 2023 – June 2024 is 2.9%.
Bulgaria Has Some of the EU’s Highest Prices for Flour, Rice and Dairy Products
Flour, rice, and fresh milk are now some of the priciest goods in Bulgaria when compared to the rest of the European Union, according to a recent report by the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB). Presenting new monthly monitoring data on the so-called small consumer basket - which tracks the prices of 20 food products and one non-food item - CITUB revealed an annual increase of 7.1% in the total cost of these basic goods.
⚡ Energy & Sustainability
Solaris opens large hybrid renewable energy park near Selanovtsi
The Selanovtsi hybrid energy park, located in the village of the same name, has been officially opened. The facility, which is a combination of a photovoltaic park and energy storage batteries, is being built by the engineering, supply, and construction company Solaris Holding AD, a joint venture between the Bulgarian-German company Sunotec and the main shareholders of Eurohold Bulgaria.
Bulgaria's YTD power output grows 14%, consumption up 6.4%
Bulgaria's electricity production increased by an annual 13.57% to 22,229 GWh between January 1 and July 13, the country's Electricity System Operator (ESO) said on Monday.
🚗 Transport & Infrastructure
Bulgaria’s capital introduces night bus to Sofia Airport Vassil Levski
From Monday, July 14, the routes of Sofia public transport buses No. 84 and No. 184 are being merged, and the route of the night bus N4 has been extended to both terminals of Sofia Airport Vassil Levski.
At the end of June, at a meeting of Sofia city council, it was decided to provide round-the-clock transport to Sofia airport.
Over 5,800 Flights Operate Above Sofia in June
Over 5,800 flights served by 32 airlines were operated above Sofia in June, connecting Bulgaria with 93 different destinations in 33 countries, said Vasil Levski Airport in Sofia.
London, Vienna, Frankfurt, Istanbul and Milan once again stood out as the most desirable cities, according to airport data.
Toll system cameras to monitor offenders
Toll system cameras are now synchronized with the Interior Ministry system. This means that drivers driving in the emergency lane will be monitored and penalized, said Interior Minister Daniel Mitov.
“All drivers should know that after the amendments to the Road Traffic Act come into effect, the toll cameras will be able to detect offenders driving in the emergency lanes, track the average speed, and penalize drivers for violations,” Minister Mitov said, as quoted by the BNR’s Nikolay Hristov.
https://bnr.bg/en/post/102185248/toll-system-cameras-to-monitor-offenders
🏛️ Legislation & Policy
Crypto law is now a reality: Parliament grants the FSC the controversial right to block websites
The National Assembly has finally given the green light to the Crypto Asset Markets Act, which will regulate trading and services related to cryptocurrencies in the country. The legislation is the first of its kind related to the crypto industry, coming in response to the European Regulation on Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) and Bulgaria's obligation as an EU member state to transpose it into national law.
New Sanctions and Controls Proposed to Prevent Unfair Price Hikes in Bulgaria
The Bulgarian government is preparing to introduce amendments to the Euro Introduction Act aimed at curbing unjustified price increases during the transition to the euro. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov convened a meeting of the Coordination Mechanism for Monitoring and Control related to the euro adoption process, where the upcoming legislative changes were outlined.
Parliamentary Justice Committee Approves Harsher Fines for Driving Under the Influence
Bulgaria's parliamentary Legal Committee approved proposed amendments to the Penal Code that significantly increase fines for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, especially for repeat offenders.
Education Committee Approves Bill to Cut Tuition Fees for Paid University Programmes by 40%
Bulgaria’s Parliamentary Committee on Education and Science decided Wednesday to reduce tuition fees for students in paid university programmes by 40% through an amendment to the Higher Education Act.
Bulgaria to Develop New National Defense Plan After NATO Summit, Says PM Zhelyazkov
Bulgaria is set to create a new National Defense Plan following the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, announced Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov during his meeting with Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, currently visiting Bulgaria.
🏭 Innovation & Investments
Robotic surgery factory opens in Parvomay
A global leader in the production of robotic and minimally invasive surgical equipment has officially opened a new manufacturing facility in Parvomay, Plovdiv Province, as part of its planned expansion in Europe, BNR Plovdiv reports.
The American company Intuitive's new site in Plovdiv Province will produce 3D endoscopes and micro-optical components for da Vinci systems, a robotic surgical platform used by almost 90,000 surgeons worldwide.
https://bnr.bg/en/post/102183934/robotic-surgery-factory-opens-in-parvomay
EV Industry Faces Crossroads: U.S. Slows Down, Europe and Bulgaria Push Forward
The global electric vehicle (EV) market is currently facing significant turbulence, with the United States experiencing one of the sharpest slowdowns. This shift follows a major policy change introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration, which brings an end to the federal tax credit of ,500 for electric vehicles.
🛒 Consumer & Society
The first state-owned food store will open its doors in September
The first store in the state-owned chain “Stores for the People” will open in September. This was announced by the Minister of Agriculture and Food, Georgi Tahov, in an interview with Nova TV.
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