A degree of consensus has been reached following intensive talks on Budget 2027, Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekанов announced. He said the final parameters of the financial plan would be presented on Friday. Talks have also been held with the European Commission, but Pekанов did not provide details about the position of the European institutions and did not confirm whether additional recommendations had been made.
The budget plan is expected to set the main macroeconomic framework for the coming year. Pekанов said efforts were focused on limiting the deficit as much as possible, but warned that the accumulated problems in public finances could not be resolved within a single year.
„A degree of consensus has been reached“The Deputy Prime Minister identified the increase in social spending and public-sector wages over the past six years as the main causes of the financial tensions, saying that in his assessment the corresponding funding had not been secured.
Social support remains a priority
Pekанов said the cabinet would maintain its policy on incomes and social support. At the same time, opportunities to optimise government spending are being explored.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that no new commitments would be undertaken unless funding for them had been secured. Thus, the final version of the budget must reflect both the government's social commitments and the constraints facing public finances.
Preparation for the European budget as well
At the press conference, Pekанов also announced the start of Bulgaria's preparations for the European Union's next budget for the 2028–2034 period. According to a preliminary assessment, the country expects to programme and plan between €15 billion and €20 billion, while the exact amount of funding has not yet been determined.
Investments will be linked to reforms. Bulgaria must prepare a National Regional Partnership Plan, which will include both investments and measures to introduce changes in individual sectors.
The priorities identified include accelerating economic growth, social cohesion, improving education and access to healthcare throughout the country. The plan is also expected to include infrastructure, energy and transport projects, as well as investments in connectivity.
The first official meeting with representatives of all ministries will take place next week. Talks with trade unions, employers' organisations and the National Association of Municipalities are planned over the following two weeks. The first version of the plan is expected in the spring, but the deadline also depends on the conclusion of negotiations between the member states on the overall size of the European budget.
Sources: novini.bg, bntnews.bg