Bulgaria: Finance Minister calms concerns over Russian oil derogation impact

Bulgaria’s Minister of Finance, Asen Vassilev, provided reassurance that the forthcoming abolition of the derogation for Russian oil, scheduled for March 1, 2024, would not disrupt the Bulgarian market or prompt price hikes. Speaking to journalists in Blagoevgrad, Vassilev addressed the recent agreement between political parties – GERB-SDS, We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria…

Bulgaria: euro coins design presented

On November 16, at a meeting of the Coordination Council for Bulgaria’s preparation for Eurozone membership, the artistic projects for the design of the Bulgarian national side of the euro coins of all denominations, approved by the Management Board of the Bulgarian National Bank, were adopted: 1 euro cent, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50…

Poland: core inflation rate down in October 2023

Poland’s core inflation, which excluded the prices of food and energy, measured 8% YoY in October and was down from September’s 8.4%, the National Bank of Poland (NBP) said. Inflation excluding fixed prices amounted to 5.1% in October, down from the level of 6.8% in the previous month. Inflation excluding the most volatile items measured…

Ukraine: USAID to help attract major U.S. banks to investment projects

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will support small and medium-sized businesses, expand grant programmes for entrepreneurs, including those in the de-occupied territories and continue export promotion programmes. The agency may also help Ukraine attract major U.S. banks for investment projects. This was discussed during a meeting between Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime…

Bulgaria: EC projects economic slowdown in 2024

The European Commission’s latest autumn economic forecast reveals Bulgaria’s anticipated economic slowdown in 2023 and 2024, followed by a predicted rebound in 2025. Projections indicate a decrease in imports and exports alongside steady household consumption levels, set to rise gradually in the coming months of 2024. In its forecast, the EC suggests a weakening of…