Trade & Investment Newsletter 16 - 22 June 2025
BULTISAD-Bulgar-Türk Ticaret ve Sanayi Odası -Bulgarian-Turkish Chamber of Commerce
Enhancing trade and investment relations between Turkiye and Bulgaria
SPECIAL EVENTS
4th Balkan Business Forum 🗓 27–28 June 2025 | 📍Regnum Hotel, Bansko, Bulgaria
Organized by BULTISAD – the Bulgarian-Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this year’s edition is all about strategic dialogue, innovation-driven growth, and value-added B2B matchmaking.
With the support of key institutional and regional partners: Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye – DEİK/Türkiye-Bulgaria Business Council, SME Agency, Bulgarian Investment Agency, Commercial Section of the Turkish Embassy in Sofia, Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce, Bulgarian-Albanian Chamber of commerce, and Bulgarian-Macedonian Chamber of Commerce.
What to expect:
Networking Cocktail on 27 June – Official opening of the forum with stands visit and matchmaking Thematic Discussion Panels on 28 June:
· Institutions Supporting Business: Programs, Policies & Regional Practices
· Renewable Energy: A key driver for regional development and energy security
Roundtable Sessions:
1. AI for the Future: Impact across sectors
2. Balkan Collaboration Opportunities
3. Logistics, Connectivity & Industrial Parks
4. Women Entrepreneurship & B2B Networking
B2B Meetings and Company Stand Visits – a chance to connect directly with potential partners, clients, and collaborators in a dedicated business setting
Gala Dinner with Balkan cultural performances and live music.
Why attend? Because the future of regional growth depends on strong partnerships, shared innovation, and real human connections.
Register early to secure your participation using the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelDpLYn3tAgY0QkfdjWq-yGeHOxTRPBaEW_GjZhIWtf5Q0XQ/viewform?usp=header
Political & Diplomatic Affairs
“Diplomacy of Wonders” forum brings Bulgaria and Turkey closer
The forum “Diplomacy of Wonders - the most ancient wonders of Bulgaria and Turkey” was held in Sofia, organized by the Embassy of Turkey and Europa Nostra – Bulgaria
An exhibition was presented in Sofia as part of the forum with archaeologically significant sites in Bulgaria and Turkey such as Göbekli Tepe, Provadia-Solnitsa and Ada Tepe, digital exhibits from the National Library, as well as the traditional Turkish art of Ebru water painting.
Bulgarian РM, Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Discuss Bilateral Transport Links
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu discussed the development of transport links between the two countries, the Government's press centre said on Wednesday. They identified joint actions for even more fruitful cooperation.
Bulgaria's Parliament Adopts Key Changes to Foreigners Act, Aligns with EU Blue Card Standards
Parliament has approved at second reading a series of amendments to the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria, tabled by the Council of Ministers. The changes aim to align national legislation with European standards, particularly concerning the conditions for granting the EU Blue Card to highly qualified third-country nationals.
💶 Economy & Eurozone Integration
'2,000 Leva Converts to 1,022.59 Euro': Key Answers on Bulgaria’s Transition to the Euro
The Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) has compiled and answered some of the most common questions it receives regarding the country’s upcoming adoption of the euro. The inquiries largely focus on how wages will be converted, how payments will be handled during the transition period, and what consumers can expect in stores when using both currencies.
Eurozone Expansion: All Member States Back Bulgaria's Entry in 2026
The convergence reports on Bulgaria, issued by the European Commission and the European Central Bank, are expected to receive broad support from all Eurozone countries. This was confirmed to BNR by a Brussels source ahead of Thursday's Eurogroup meeting in Luxembourg, which will bring together finance ministers from the euro area.
Bulgaria’s Real Estate Market and the Euro: What to Expect After Adoption
The question of how Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro will influence the real estate market has sparked considerable interest among property owners, buyers, and investors. On the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), two experts shared their perspectives: Ivan Velkov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Facility Management Association and the Interactive Bulgaria Foundation, and Assoc. Prof. Miroslav Vladimirov, University of Economics in Varna and Deputy Chair of the Association of Credit Intermediaries.
Annual Inflation Down to 2.2% in EU in May, Up to 2.9% in Bulgaria
European Union annual inflation was 2.2% in May 2025, down from 2.4% in April, Eurostat reported on Wednesday. A year earlier, the rate was 2.7%. In Bulgaria inflation jumped marginally from 2.8% in April to 2.9% in May 2025.
Bulgaria, Estonia Rank Second to Last in EU for Actual Individual Consumption per Capita in 2024 - Eurostat
In 2024, Bulgaria and Estonia ranked second to last in the European Union for actual individual consumption (AIC) per capita, expressed in purchasing power standard (PPS), according to the latest data released by Eurostat on Wednesday.
Eco-Tax Hike Pushes Appliance Prices Up by 15% in Bulgaria
Retail prices for household electrical appliances in Bulgaria are set to rise by up to 15%, following an increase in fees related to the recycling of outdated electronic and electrical equipment. This is due to higher utilization costs imposed by authorized organizations, not a direct hike in the state’s eco-taxes, the Ministry of Commerce emphasized.
🏦 Finance & Anti-Corruption
Bulgaria makes progress against money laundering - MONEYVAL
Bulgaria has improved measures to fight money laundering and terrorist financing, MONEYVAL, a committee of experts with the Council of Europe, said on Tuesday
CoE: Bulgaria has improved its measures against money laundering, financing of terrorism
Bulgaria has further improved its measures for tackling money laundering and combating financing of terrorism, concludes Council of Europe’s body MONEYVAL in a follow-up report released on June 17.
The report found Bulgaria to have improved, since the previous monitoring report; its compliance with the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) Recommendations on targeted financial sanctions related to terrorism and terrorist financing, on customer due diligence, on transparency and beneficial ownership of legal persons, on regulation and supervision of designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs), as well as on guidance and feedback.
👩🎓 Education & Workforce
Total of 16,995 Foreign Students Study in Bulgaria in 2024/2025 Academic Year, 779 More than Last Year
The number of foreign students at Bulgarian universities continues to grow in the academic year 2024/2025. A total of 16,995 foreign citizens are studying in the country, which is 779 more than in the previous academic year, an increase of nearly 4.8%, the press centre of the Ministry of Education and Science told BTA.
OECD Study: Bulgaria Could Unlock USD 434 Bln Economic Potential by Improving Basic Student Skills
More than 40% of Bulgarian students fail to acquire even basic skills needed for everyday life and professional development, according to a new study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The report suggests that if all 15-year-olds in the country reached at least basic proficiency levels, Bulgaria could unlock a long-term economic potential of USD 434 billion—more than triple its current GDP.
2,000-Plus People with Disabilities Employed in 2023-2024
Bulgaria's Government Wednesday adopted a report on the implementation in 2023 - 2024 of the action plan to implement the 2021–2030 National Strategy for Persons with Disabilities. According to the report, more than 2,000 people with disabilities were employed in 2023-2024 through programmes and measures funded under the National Employment Action Plan.
Cabinet Increases Minimum Salary of University Assistants to BGN 2,780
The minimum salary for the lowest academic position in state higher education institutions will increase to BGN 2,780 retroactively from January 1, 2025, the Government decided at its regular sitting on Wednesday. That is an increase by BGN 264, the Government Information Service reported.
🌍 Sustainability & Environment
Mayor Terziev: Sofia Aims to Become Climate-neutral by 2030
Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev stated at the Green Transition Forum that the ambition is for the capital to be a climate-neutral city by 2030. “This is not only our local goal, but also Europe's commitment to the world and to the future,” Terziev said during the panel discussion "Sustainable development of regions.
Bulgaria’s Energy Network at the Core of Regional Stability, Say Experts at Green Forum
Deputy Energy Minister Iva Petrova emphasized at Green Transition Forum 5.0 that Bulgaria’s energy strategy hinges on modernizing grid infrastructure and securing long-term supply agreements - elements essential to lowering costs and boosting predictability and stability. She highlighted major plans such as the vertical gas corridor and the Black Sea green energy cable with Romania, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, and confirmed a final investment decision on the Kozloduy NPP is expected by year’s end, with Chaira pumped storage reaching up to 75% capacity by mid-2026.
Cabinet Designates National Bodies to Protect Fundamental Rights under AI Act
At its regular sitting here on Wednesday, the Council of Ministers adopted a decision designating national bodies for the protection of fundamental rights, including the right to non-discrimination, pursuant to Art. 77 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence (AI) and amending Regulations (EC) No 300/2008, (EU) No 167/2013, (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1139 and (EU) 2019/2144 and Directives 2014/90/EU, (EU) 2016/797 and (EU) 2020/1828 (AI Act).
✈️ Transport & Connectivity
Border Traffic Update
Traffic at Bulgarian border crossing points with neighbouring countries was normal, the Border Police Directorate General at the Ministry of the Interior said on Thursday.
New Direct Flights Connect Sofia and Krakow
Wizz Air has launched a new flight connection between Sofia and Krakow, Poland. The carrier now offers flights on this route three times a week - Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Tickets are available through the airline's website and the airline’s mobile app, starting from BGN 50.99.
https://www.novinite.com/articles/232948/New+Direct+Flights+Connect+Sofia+and+Krakow
🏔 Tourism & Culture
Bulgarian Ministry of Tourism reports the best winter season with over 2 million registered tourists
This year, Bulgaria had the best winter season, Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh said at a briefing, referring to data for the first four months, BTA reported.
Plovdiv Jazz Fest 2025 begins with garden concerts in July
Plovdiv Jazz Fest 2025 is to begin with two garden concerts in July and a concert in August in the village of Markovo, 10km from the city, and will continue in the autumn when once again the event brings in some of the best-known jazz names in the world.