Ministry of Finance releases 2025 draft budget

The Ministry of Finance published the 2025 draft budget and the medium-term budget forecast for the 2025-2028 period. The projected deficit for 2025 is up to 6.4 billion BGN (EUR 3.3 billion), which is 3% of GDP. Expenditures will not exceed 40% of GDP. The draft budget includes the investment program promised to municipalities. VAT rates for restaurateurs, bread and flour return to 20%.

The structural plan shows that the goal is to gradually reduce the deficit, with the only exception being in 2027, when the deficit will exceed 3% due to the acquisition of military equipment.

For the period 2025-2028, the deficit under the consolidated fiscal program will range between 2.2% and 3% of GDP. Annual inflation according to European methodology will be 2.4% in 2025, and is expected to be 2% thereafter. GDP will grow by about 2%.