Slovakia’s labour market, long buoyed by years of economic growth, is now showing signs of strain. After a decade of steadily rising employment, driven by expansion in key sectors, the country is experiencing stagnation – and in some areas, a modest decline, particularly within the private sector. Economists and employers alike point to the twin…
Bulgaria has fulfilled the final requirement for joining the eurozone by meeting the budget deficit criterion. Following the earlier achievement of the inflation target, the last step was to confirm compliance with the EU methodology regarding public finances for 2024. According to preliminary data from Bulgaria’s National Statistical Institute and Eurostat, the country’s general government…
As part of supporting micro, small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine, since the introduction of the state portfolio guarantee tool in December 2020, a total of 45,621 loans have been issued for UAH 146.9 billion. In March, entrepreneurs received 815 loans worth approximately UAH 3.9 billion, with the state guaranteeing UAH 2.3 billion of the…
Since the beginning of 2025, businesses have secured 7,868 subsidised loans under the Affordable Loans at 5-7-9% programme, totalling UAH 25.7 billion. Since the programme’s launch in February 2020, businesses have accessed 112,300 loans amounting to UAH 391.7 billion. Last week, Ukrainian entrepreneurs obtained 543 subsidised loans worth nearly UAH 1.9 billion. “Thanks to the…
According to the latest figures from the National Statistical Institute, household incomes and expenses in Bulgaria continued their upward trajectory in 2024. The average total annual income per household member reached 12,857 leva, marking an 18.5% rise compared to 2023. Over the past decade, incomes have grown significantly, increasing 2.6-fold since 2015. Spending has also…
A defense industry park planned near Parnu could largely be built underground, members of the Riigikogu’s defense committee said, drawing on the lessons of the Russian war in Ukraine. Construction for the base infrastructure of the facility, near Tostamaa, Parnu County, is planned to start this year, with a current budget of EUR 50 million.…
The newly introduced US customs policy is creating both confusion and opportunity for businesses in Bulgaria’s Trakia Economic Zone, which hosts around 200 companies producing for European and global markets. Among the businesses expressing concern is a German manufacturer near Plovdiv, which produces automotive and white goods components for Bulgarian firms exporting to Europe. Though…