site.btaAustrian Companies in Bulgaria Expect Economic Upswing in 2026

A survey of 100 managers of Austrian companies operating in Bulgaria showed expectations of an economic upswing in 2026, supported by the introduction of the euro in the country, the Austrian Press Agency said on Monday. The survey was conducted by the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (FCC).

Companies cited political stability, bureaucracy, infrastructure deficits, and a shortage of skilled workers as challenges, while positive aspects included the tax system, access to credit and capital markets, and the quality of local suppliers. Almost 50% of Austrian companies in Bulgaria expect higher revenues in 2026 and more than 40% predict more orders. More than a quarter of them anticipate employment growth and increased investments, while 75% of the survey participants believe that the general economic climate in the country will remain stable or improve.

The FCC also highlighted the intensified economic relations between both countries, noting that goods exports from Austria to Bulgaria increased by 46% between 2019 and 2024, and by another 3% in the first nine months of 2025, reaching EUR 1.19 billion. Around 350 Austrian companies have subsidiaries in Bulgaria, employing an estimated 30,000 people, which makes Austria the second-largest foreign direct investor in Bulgaria, the Austrian Chamber of Commerce pointed out.

Philippe Kupfer, Commercial Counsellor at the Austrian Embassy in Bulgaria, also emphasized the additional incentives for the investment environment in Bulgaria, which are related to the country's full membership in the Schengen area from 2025 and the upcoming introduction of the euro from January 2026. He noted that exports could increase due to the elimination of exchange rate risks and fees, as integration into the EU single market deepens.