EU may cut money for Bulgaria because of delayed anti-corruption reforms

It is theoretically possible that Bulgaria could apply for a third payment under the Recovery and Resilience Plan by the end of 2025, European Commissioner for Economy Valdis Dombrovskis announced in an interview with the Bulgarian National Radio. He said that Brussels and Sofia were also in contact for the second payment under the plan, but the lack of reforms would likely lead to a change in the amount.

We can make at least a partial second payment as you know that one of the reforms related to the anti-corruption commission has not yet been implemented, the European Commissioner said.

Brussels has received the country's draft budget for 2026. "At this stage, we have not seen a more detailed draft, but our understanding is that the Bulgarian authorities are aiming for a budget deficit within 3 percent," Dombrovskis added.