A degree of consensus has been reached following intensive talks on the 2027 Budget, Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov said. According to him, the final parameters of the financial plan will be presented on Friday. Talks have also been held with the European Commission, but Pekanov 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 intended to set the main macroeconomic framework for the coming year. Pekanov 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 necessary funding had not been secured.
Social Support Remains a Priority
Pekanov said the cabinet would maintain its policy on incomes and social support. At the same time, options for optimizing government spending are being explored.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that no new commitments would be undertaken unless funding had been secured for them. Thus, the final version of the budget must reflect the government's social commitments while also taking into account the constraints facing public finances.
Preparation for the European Budget as Well
At the press conference, Pekanov also announced the beginning 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 program and plan between 15 and 20 billion euros, although 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 be held next week. Talks with trade unions, employers' organizations and the National Association of Municipalities are planned over the following two weeks. The first draft of the plan is expected in the spring, but the final deadline also depends on the completion of negotiations between the member states on the overall size of the European budget.
Sources: novini.bg, bntnews.bg