Bulgaria: wage surge to outpace inflation in 2024

Bulgaria is set to witness wages outpacing inflation at a two-to-one ratio in 2024, according to Allianz Trade’s latest report. Anticipating a 9% growth in wages compared to an expected 4% inflation, the report indicates a slowdown from the 13.5% wage growth projected for 2023. Despite this deceleration, wages are poised to comfortably surpass rising…

Bulgaria: country opts for electricity imports

Bulgaria is undergoing a shift toward becoming a net importer of electricity, driven by economic considerations, warns energy expert Krassimir Manov. Manov emphasized that despite the nation’s existing energy capacities, domestic production lacks competitiveness in the market. The current strategy favors importing electricity from neighboring countries, a practice once reversed. Until recently, Bulgaria supplied electricity…

Bulgaria: winter tourism up in December 2023

Bulgarian winter resorts experienced a robust growth of over 4.5% in tourist numbers in December 2023 compared to the previous year, according to Tourism Minister Zaritsa Dinkova. The notable surge was particularly driven by a substantial increase in Turkish visitors, marking nearly a 22% growth. Notably, tourists from neighboring countries such as Romania, North Macedonia,…

Bulgaria: country transforms into net importer of electricity amidst rising consumption

As a consequence of the recent cold spell gripping Bulgaria, the nation experienced a notable shift in its energy dynamics, emerging as a net importer of electricity on January 9. Despite possessing ample capacity, Bulgaria’s electricity production struggles to compete in the market, leading to increased reliance on neighboring countries. This trend, observed on a…

Bulgaria: airports prepare for Schengen entry

Bulgaria’s major airports, including Sofia, Varna, Burgas and Plovdiv, have confirmed their readiness for Bulgaria’s upcoming inclusion in the Schengen area by air, slated for March 31. These airports anticipate a seamless transition, assuring improved passenger processing and reduced wait times for travelers to and from Schengen member states. Airport authorities highlighted their advanced infrastructure…

Bulgaria: wholesale food prices drop

The State Commission for Commodity Exchanges and Wholesale Markets in Bulgaria has reported a noteworthy 0.27% decline in the wholesale food price index over a span of two weeks, settling at 2.246 points compared to the pre-holiday figure of 2.252 points. Tracking back to the beginning of 2023, the food price index stood at 2.316…