https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/rss Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:39:15 +0300 en hourly 1 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112539-veliko-tarnovo-grand-hotel-attracts-guests-with-mineralized-water-at-renovated-s https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112539-veliko-tarnovo-grand-hotel-attracts-guests-with-mineralized-water-at-renovated-s Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:53:32 +0300 The spa centre with mineralized water at the Grand Hotel Veliko Tarnovo spans 2,000 sq. m. The renovated hotel has once again become an attractive site for congress tourism, international events, team-building activities, and individual visits. Construction of the hotel began in 1967 and finished in 1981. After nearly seven years of closure, the hotel was completely renovated in 2025, which transformed its interior into a modern, elegant space while preserving its distinctive architecture. The modern spa centre boasts an indoor swimming pool, a children's pool, and three aquatonic pools, which makes the hotel a desirable location for event organizers, sales and reservations manager Desislava Dzhurova told BTA. The spa area offers a wide range of services and therapies, such as a classic and aroma steam bath, infrared, Finnish, and Himalayan cedar saunas, a hammam, a salt room, a spa capsule, a salt and flotation capsule, an adventure shower, a Vichy shower, a hydromassage bathtub, as well as five treatment rooms, a relaxation zone with heated loungers, a beach area with comfortable sunbeds, and a fresh bar with refreshing drinks and a panoramic terrace. The water in the pools is mineralized with salts and purified with ozone filters. The water in the aquatonic area does not irritate the skin and contains no harmful elements, leaving the skin soft and hydrated. Each pool offers different hydromassage features, such as loungers, waterfalls, hydro jets, and other energizing and relaxing options. One of the most popular facilities in the complex is the flotation capsule, said the spa centre manager, Nedko Nikolov. The capsule contains a high concentration of magnesium salts that prevent the body from sinking, creating conditions for complete relaxation, while at the same time allowing the salts to be absorbed through the skin, helping to relieve various muscular and joint conditions. Since the hotel is located on the banks of the Yantra River in the city centre, it has an approved project to transform the riverside into a pedestrian zone, to build a new outdoor infinity pool, and to revive the daytime bar with a view of the Asenevtsi Monument and the Art Gallery in Veliko Tarnovo. BTA presents news from certified spa, wellness, and medical spa centres in Bulgaria in its BG SPA: Salus per aquam, Health Through Water feature. Their total number exceeds 200. The initiative, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism, is linked to Europe's leading health tourism event, the HEALTHXCHANGE SUMMIT, which will be held from May 11 to 13, 2026, in Varna, Sts. Constantine and Helena, Golden Sands, and Albena. BTA will be the event's main media partner. Economy Kristina Ivanova BTA correspondent Marina Petrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112632-gate-institute-hosts-next-gen-entrepreneurs-day-forum https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112632-gate-institute-hosts-next-gen-entrepreneurs-day-forum Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:41:00 +0300 The Big Data for Smart Society Institute (GATE) on Thursday hosted a forum, titled Next Gen Entrepreneurs Day, dedicated to young entrepreneurs to show them how to move from concept to successfully bringing their ideas to market. The main focus was the development of entrepreneurial skills, access to funding, and building a sustainable innovation ecosystem in Bulgaria. Organizational partners of the forum included SIS Credit, Fund of Funds, the Bulgarian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, Sofia University, the podcast The Next Gen Speaks, and Poland's Microfinance Centre. The event took place with support from the European Commission and the European Investment Bank’s InvestEU programme and is part of the Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria 2026 programme. GATE Institute head Prof. Silvia Ilieva said that seven years after applying to the European Commission with a business plan for the creation of the scientific unit at Sofia University, the GATE team has grown to more than 80 people and has completed over 30 European projects. She added that GATE's work has also been linked to supporting Bulgaria's entrepreneurial environment. As an example, she pointed to the completed Horizon Europe project ExcellEnt, which helped connect Bulgarian entrepreneurs with representatives of ecosystems from other countries. The institute is currently implementing another project focused on clean technologies and sustainable mobility. GATE also supports entrepreneurship through its technology entrepreneurship programme. Ilieva recalled that since 2022, GATE has served as a NATO test centre for big data and artificial intelligence. Since then, the institute has supported more than 60 Bulgarian startups in applying for funding to develop dual-use technologies. Andriana Sukova, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, said that there are 4.3 million social organizations across the European Union, including enterprises, foundations, and mutual aid societies. She added that these organizations employ 11.5 million people, or 6.3% of all those in work in Europe, and improve territorial cohesion, help reduce poverty, provide access to quality services and involve local communities in social projects. On financing, she said EUR 1.2 billion has been mobilized in the form of guarantees through financial instruments and funds. These have so far supported 90,000 beneficiaries and 3,000 social enterprises. Because guarantee instruments have a multiplying effect, an additional EUR 11.7 billion has been raised for investment in social enterprises, creating and preserving around 900,000 jobs in Europe. Bulgaria needs to further develop a culture of risk-taking and learn from failures, caretaker Minister of Innovation and Growth Irena Mladenova said. She said state institutions should take a systematic approach focused on strategic goals, while funding organizations should be able to identify and support ideas with strong potential. Mladenova assured participants that they have a natural partner in the Ministry of Innovation and Growth. Fund of Funds Executive Director Alexander Nenkov said that the world and Bulgaria are on the cusp of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which opens up new opportunities for young entrepreneurs. Nenkov said that unlike previous industrial phases, Bulgaria now has a chance to start on an equal footing with other countries. He added that the country can not only catch up with advanced economies, but could also be caught up by others if it manages to develop the potential of young entrepreneurs and innovation. Entrepreneurship must go hand in hand with social responsibility and sustainable development, said Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy Nataliya Efremova. Efremova described entrepreneurship as a driving force of change and a tool for building a better society, emphasizing that young people are the key engine of this process. In her words, they have the potential to transform their environment through innovation, new business models, and active civic engagement. Economy Petya Petrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112461-spa-hotel-devin-aims-to-position-rhodope-area-among-leaders-in-health-tourism https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112461-spa-hotel-devin-aims-to-position-rhodope-area-among-leaders-in-health-tourism Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:32:48 +0300 SPA Hotel Devin aims to turn the Rhodope area into a leader in health tourism by continuing its balneotherapy traditions, the hotel manager Dzheylyan Kokalova told BTA. Even before the mass development of tourism, the area was known as a natural sanatorium for respiratory problems, bone diseases, and recovery from chronic stress, she added.  The complex’s spa centre uses mineral water from the Bedenski thermal spring, and is effective for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, the team said. Among the most popular preventive and relaxation programmes for the upcoming summer season is the Healthy Joints package, which includes procedures with mineral water, mud therapy, and physiotherapy.  Movement Without Pain is a specialized rehabilitation programme for injuries and trauma aftercare, while the Anti-Stress and Relax package combines water therapies and massages for conditions of the nervous system. Drinking therapy with Devin mineral water is offered as part of the Detox and Tone holiday package. The SPA center features an indoor mineral pool, an outdoor mineral hot tub, a sauna, a steam bath, and a modern physiotherapy section. The Bulgarian Village restaurant at the hotel complements guests’ vacations with traditional Rhodope recipes made from natural products. The hotel expects to welcome  mainly Bulgarian tourists in the upcoming season who seek a combination of mountain tranquility and professional health care. During the summer season, Hotel Devin will once again welcome Israeli tourists who have booked holidays even amid a complicated geopolitical situation. Israeli visitors have regularly visited the hotel since 2003, the management team said. The hotel’s marketing strategy was the first to bring holiday groups from Israel at the beginning of the century. The balneological centre of Hotel Devin combines modern medical equipment with the region’s abundance of mineral springs, the management team added. BTA presents news from certified spa, wellness, and medical spa centres in Bulgaria in its BG SPA: Salus per aquam, Health Through Water feature. Their total number exceeds 200. The initiative, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism, is linked to Europe's leading health tourism event, the HEALTHXCHANGE SUMMIT, which will be held from May 11 to 13, 2026, in Varna, Sts. Constantine and Helena, Golden Sands, and Albena. BTA will be the event's main media partner. Economy Kristina Ivanova BTA correspondent Hristina Georgieva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112463-sixty-five-bulgarian-suppliers-produced-167-mln-components-for-fridges-freezers https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112463-sixty-five-bulgarian-suppliers-produced-167-mln-components-for-fridges-freezers Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:23:27 +0300 A total of 65 Bulgarian suppliers produced 167 million parts for the manufacture of refrigerators and freezers in 2025, show the latest data from the German division Liebherr Appliances, as reported by the Trakia Economic Zone (TEZ). The value of direct materials supplied by Bulgarian companies and used in production amounts to EUR 83 million, with EUR 62 million of that going to the Liebherr Hausgerate Marica plant, located in the Trakia Economic Zone. Key Bulgarian partners include companies such as Gotmar, Gama Plast, Intechna, Bunay, Tela, Tanevplast, and Moni MG. They supply critical components and ensure the high standards of quality, efficiency, and reliability required by the German group, according to TIZ. In addition to suppliers of direct materials, Liebherr Hausgerate Marica also partners with a number of Bulgarian companies in the fields of logistics, personnel transportation, recruitment, energy supply, information technology, waste recycling, and catering. The total turnover of these partnerships is expected to reach nearly EUR 20 million by 2025. The company reports that Bulgarian suppliers are playing an increasingly key role in the development of production. Some of the benefits resulting from this cooperation include increased manufacturing competitiveness, the creation of sustainable employment, and the development of the technological capacity of Bulgarian companies. A month ago, the German industrial group Liebherr made one of its largest investments in Bulgaria - EUR 90 million - in a new production and warehousing facility in the Trakia Economic Zone. Economy Dimitrina Solakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112450-bulgaria-hosts-aci-europe-meeting https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112450-bulgaria-hosts-aci-europe-meeting Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:38:18 +0300 Bulgaria is hosting the 51st meeting of the Technical, Operational and Safety Committee (TOSC) of the European airport association ACI EUROPE, which is taking place on Thursday and Friday in Sofia, the airport’s press centre said. The country, represented by SOF Connect, is welcoming over 100 leading experts and representatives from the airport industry across Europe. The forum provides an opportunity for in-depth discussions in working groups on key topics such as digitalization and cybersecurity, the implementation of artificial intelligence in aviation, the management of operational resilience, as well as cooperation between airports, institutions, and service providers. SOF Connect Jesus Caballero noted that this is a key stage in the transformation of Vasil Levski Airport – Sofia into the first 5-star regional airport in Europe. He added that the forum offers a valuable opportunity to exchange experience and discuss innovations that will shape the future of airport operations and safety. The programme also includes a special session, during which the development of Vasil Levski Airport – Sofia will be presented, along with progress on key infrastructure projects, including preparations for the construction of Terminal 3, as well as the vision for sustainable development, digitalization, and improved service quality. Brussels-based ACI EUROPE represents over 600 airports in 55 countries. Its members account for more than 95% of commercial air traffic in Europe. According to the statement, air transport supports 14 million jobs, generating EUR 851 billion in European economic activity (5% of GDP). Economy Petya Petrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112390-therapists-from-thailand-and-indonesia-apply-expertise-at-kempinski-hotel-grand- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112390-therapists-from-thailand-and-indonesia-apply-expertise-at-kempinski-hotel-grand- Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:27:30 +0300 Located on a 1,200 sq. m. area, the spa centre at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko offers a wide range of treatments performed by professionals, manager of Kempinski The Spa Kostadinka Vishanina told BTA. Hotel guests and visitors to the spa centre are attracted by the high level of services, in which therapists play a key role, the management added. The spa team includes Bulgarians and four Thai therapists, as well as specialists from Indonesia and Ukraine. For the past four years, renowned Ayurveda therapist Suraj Varma has been working at Kempinski The Spa, visiting for about a month during peak winter season, Vishanina added. Two Portuguese specialists also join the team for the winter season, focusing on acupuncture and the therapeutic aspects of Thai massage. The spa centre also features a thermal zone with indoor and outdoor heated pools, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, as well as an outdoor pool operating during the summer season. Kempinski The Spa also offers luxurious treatment rooms, a Finnish sauna, herbal sauna, sanarium, infrared cabin, adventure showers, a deep digital relaxation zone, a designer aroma steam bath, a laconicum, an ice fountain, a fitness centre, and a snow room. The pool at La Veranda Bar and Lounge operates seasonally. "Kempinski The Spa exclusively provides treatments using Ligne St. Barth boutique cosmetics, as well as molecular skincare treatments with N8 products, known for their pure natural ingredients," Vishanina added. The spa also works with the French cosmetic brand Thalgo. Many hotel guests and visitors to Bansko come to the spa centre specifically for its services, and a large number of them are long-standing regular clients, the manager said. Kempinski Hotel has also received numerous awards, including annual distinctions such as Leading Lifestyle Hotel at the World Travel Awards, Best Ski Hotel at the World Ski Awards, and Best Spa Hotel in Bulgaria at the World Spa Awards. The hotel’s Come Prima Restaurant was awarded Best Hotel Restaurant in Bulgaria from the World Culinary Awards 2025. BTA presents news from certified spa, wellness, and medical spa centres in Bulgaria in its BG SPA: Salus per aquam, Health Through Water feature. Their total number exceeds 200. The initiative, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism, is linked to Europe's leading health tourism event, the HEALTHXCHANGE SUMMIT, which will be held from May 11 to 13, 2026, in Varna, Sts. Constantine and Helena, Golden Sands, and Albena. BTA will be the event's main media partner. Economy Kristina Ivanova BTA correspondent Desislava Velkova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112400-finance-ministry-says-payments-under-municipal-investment-programme-are-secured https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112400-finance-ministry-says-payments-under-municipal-investment-programme-are-secured Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:59:00 +0300 The implementation of the municipal investment programme is one of the key priorities of the caretaker government, and payments under it are secured, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement on Thursday. The total maximum amount of expenditures under the programme for 2026, until the adoption of a regular budget, is EUR 460.2 million, disbursed through the Bulgarian Development Bank. In January, this resource was provided to the Bulgarian Development Bank, thereby guaranteeing all payments. The funds under a subsidy scheme for home retrofitting amount to EUR 246.6 million. These funds are earmarked and are provided under the EU-funded Recovery and Resilience Plan, along with additional national co-financing. Payments are carried out by the Bulgarian Development Bank, and no own financing from the bank is required for the implementation of the investment, as the funds are 100% grant-based, the Ministry added. On Wednesday, the caretaker government of Prime Minister Andrey Gurov adopted a decision to return EUR 1.4 billion in unused capital from the Bulgarian Development Bank to the state budget. The future regular government will decide how to use the money, which had been locked in the Bulgarian Development Bank, caretaker Finance Minister Georgi Klisurski said during a briefing. In a statement, the Bulgarian Development Bank claimed that the proposed capital reduction would limit the bank’s ability to make payments under the municipal investment programme. Economy Petya Petrova Anelia Tsvetkova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112255-thermal-spa-hotel-roman-bath-boasts-stable-year-round-occupancy-plans-renovatio https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112255-thermal-spa-hotel-roman-bath-boasts-stable-year-round-occupancy-plans-renovatio Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:57:47 +0300 Thermal SPA Hotel Roman Bath in the village of Banya reports a steady average annual occupancy rate of between 75% and 80%, the management of the complex said. The hotel operates year-round, with the only planned interruption scheduled for May, when routine maintenance, servicing, and facility upgrades are carried out. Some 90% of the guests are Bulgarians, while nearly 10% are foreigners, mainly from North Macedonia. A significant part of guests choose to visit the hotel several times a year, which indicates sustained interest and trust in the services offered, the management said. The hotel’s spa centre uses only mineral water with proven health benefits. It is complemented by a variety of therapies using natural cosmetics, aromatic oils, exotic herbs, and a relaxing atmosphere. Guests have access to indoor mineral pools with temperatures of 33C and 35C, as well as the Ellipse thermal pool with a volume of 600 m3 and a temperature of 36C, and the Trapezia thermal pool with a volume of 400 m3 and a temperature of 32C. The complex also offers a 16-seat jacuzzi, a Roman steam bath, a Turkish bath, a Japanese bath, salt and herbal saunas, an ice room, and relaxation areas. The dry area comprises several massage rooms, a meditation room, group exercises room and cosmetic room. Services include classic and therapeutic massages, hydromassage and tangentor baths, cryotherapy, lymphatic drainage, and therapeutic exercise. The hotel also features a salt room with dry aerosols. The therapy is suitable for both adults and children and supports conditions such as asthma, chronic respiratory diseases, allergies, skin inflammations, and joint problems. The mineral water in the complex is used for prevention and supportive treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system, old injuries, neurological and gynaecological conditions, as well as skin and respiratory issues. Since 2017, the hotel has offered a Golden Age package for guests over 50, valid for most of the year except January, February, and August. The high occupancy rate is due to the combination of natural resources, diverse spa services, quality cuisine, and service focused on long-term customer contentment. BTA presents news from certified spa, wellness, and medical spa centres in Bulgaria in its BG SPA: Salus per aquam, Health Through Water feature. Their total number exceeds 200. The initiative, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism, is linked to Europe's leading health tourism event, the HEALTHXCHANGE SUMMIT, which will be held from May 11 to 13, 2026, in Varna, Sts. Constantine and Helena, Golden Sands, and Albena. BTA will be the event's main media partner. Economy Kristina Ivanova BTA correspondent Denitsa Kyuchukova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112318-share-of-e-book-audio-book-buyers-up-3-64-in-bulgaria-2-2-in-eu-in-2025-y-y https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112318-share-of-e-book-audio-book-buyers-up-3-64-in-bulgaria-2-2-in-eu-in-2025-y-y Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:41:01 +0300 Last year, 9.5% of EU residents, who used the internet in the past 3 months before the survey, bought e-books or audio books, up by 2.2% from 2024, Eurostat reported Thursday. In Bulgaria, that share stood at 5.77%, which is an increase by 3.64% from 2024. Among EU countries, the highest shares of the population buying e-books and audio books were reported in Ireland (24.5%), Denmark (22.5%), and Croatia (21.0%). The lowest shares (below 5%) were reported in Hungary, Italy, Slovenia and Latvia.  Croatia had the biggest increase in residents buying e-books and audio books, up 16 percentage points (pp) compared with 2024, ahead of Greece (+7.2 pp), Germany (+3.7 pp), and Cyprus (+4.0 pp), while Finland (-4.8 pp), Portugal (-1.6 pp) and Malta (-0.1 pp) registered a decline. Economy Dimitrina Solakova Iliyan Tsveyn https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112225-economy-minister-shtonova-says-electrical-machinery-exports-exceed-eur-2-billion https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112225-economy-minister-shtonova-says-electrical-machinery-exports-exceed-eur-2-billion Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:14:00 +0300 According to data for 2025, exports of electrical machinery exceed EUR 2 billion, confirming the sector’s role as a key driver of industrial and technological development, Economy and Industry Minister Irina Shtonova said at the opening of Business Forum Electroindustry 2026, according to a press release from the Ministry on Thursday. Over 100 companies from the sector are participating in the forum. "The electrical industry is among the key sectors of Bulgaria’s economy, a driver of innovation, sustainable development, and industrial transformation," Shtonova said. According to her, the sector provides employment for tens of thousands of specialists and maintains high labour productivity, above the national average, which further underscores its strategic role. "In the context of dynamic global processes and accelerated digitalization, the sector’s importance is growing even further, creating opportunities to enhance competitiveness and attract investment," Shtonova added.  The third Electroindustry business forum is jointly organized by the Executive Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and the Bulgarian Association of Electrical Engineering and Electronics (BASEL). The forum is the largest event in the field of the electrotechnical and electronics industry in Bulgaria. The conference serves as a platform for dialogue on key topics related to the industrial transformation and the development of the industrial society in Bulgaria. Highlights of the program are the trends and challenges facing the Bulgarian electrical and electronics industry, as well as topics related to energy efficiency, battery energy storage systems, AI in industry and good international practices. The event provides opportunities for establishing business contacts and building partnerships, presentation of new technological solutions of companies, exchange of experience with representatives of leading Bulgarian and foreign companies. The opening of the event was attended by Bulgarian Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Promotion Agency Executive Director Boyko Takov, Chairman of the Board of BASEL Dimitar Beleliev, and others. Economy Risida Dimitrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112217-park-hotel-kyustendil-introduces-new-therapies-aligned-with-current-trends-in-we https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112217-park-hotel-kyustendil-introduces-new-therapies-aligned-with-current-trends-in-we Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:05:27 +0300 Park Hotel Kyustendil offers opportunity for complete rest and recovery, due to its mineral water with proven therapeutic properties and its proximity to Hisarlaka Park. The hotel combines balneology traditions of the region with modern facilities and services focused on relaxation and health, Angelina Milanova from the complex’s marketing department told BTA. "The park hotel stands out mainly for its mineral water, which is a natural resource with proven healing properties. The complex combines well-maintained facilities with the balneology traditions of Kyustendil - a city with a centuries-old history as a spa destination. Its location near Hisarlaka provides tranquility, clean air, and the opportunity for deep rest in nature," Milanova added. The spa and balneology centre of the complex is focused on relaxation and recovery. Guests have access to mineral water pools, a jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, and a designated relaxation area, as well as a year-round outdoor pool with warm mineral water. Both outside visitors and guests of the hotel can enjoy a wide range of relaxing and balneotherapy treatments. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation treatments are carried out by specialists. Emphasis is on using the region’s natural resources and applying them to improve the overall condition of the body. Park Hotel Kyustendil periodically expands its spa menu, introducing new therapies aligned with current wellness industry trends. Spa treatments and packages are regularly updated, with added seasonal offers. The goal is for guests to always receive a modern, effective, and diverse experience, the hotel management said. The focus of the hotel is on both physical and mental recovery. Guests can escape the dynamics of everyday life and find a balance between active rest and complete relaxation, between nature and comfort. BTA presents news from certified spa, wellness, and medical spa centres in Bulgaria in its BG SPA: Salus per aquam, Health Through Water feature. Their total number exceeds 200. The initiative, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism, is linked to Europe's leading health tourism event, the HEALTHXCHANGE SUMMIT, which will be held from May 11 to 13, 2026, in Varna, Sts. Constantine and Helena, Golden Sands, and Albena. BTA will be the event's main media partner. Economy Kristina Ivanova BTA correspondent Elitsa Ivanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112207-eu-aquaculture-production-reaches-1-mln-tonnes-in-2024 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112207-eu-aquaculture-production-reaches-1-mln-tonnes-in-2024 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:38:55 +0300 In 2024, 1 million tonnes of fish, molluscs, algae and crustaceans were farmed in the EU, valued at EUR 4.6 billion, according to the latest Eurostat data. Compared with 2023, both the volume and the value of aquaculture production in the EU contracted, by 3.7% and 3.6%, respectively. The EU’s production of farmed aquatic organisms in 2024 was dominated by five countries, which together accounted for just over two-thirds of the total. Spain produced 246,137 tonnes (24.3% of the EU total), followed by France (181,434 tonnes; 17.9%) Greece (127,493 tonnes; 12.6%), Italy (98,051; 9.7%) and Poland (43,554; 4.3%).  In Bulgaria, aquaculture production reached 11,429 tonnes, accounting for 1.14% of the EU total. In 2024, nearly one third of the EU’s total aquaculture production in live weight were mussels (32.8%), followed by trout (17.2%) and gilthead seabream (10.0%). In terms of value, however, trout was the most valuable species produced in 2024 (equivalent to 17.9% of all the EU’s aquaculture value), followed by seabass (14.5%) and gilthead seabream (13.5%).  Economy Galya Gornishka Yoana Vodenicharova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1112191-some-21-2-of-bulgaria-s-population-lived-below-poverty-line-in-2025 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1112191-some-21-2-of-bulgaria-s-population-lived-below-poverty-line-in-2025 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:34:00 +0300 In 2025, the national poverty line in Bulgaria was set at BGN 866.67 per person per month, with 1,368,700 people, or 21.2% of the population, living below it, according to data published on Thursday by the National Statistical Institute. Compared with the previous year, the poverty line increased by 13.5%, while the share of people living in poverty decreased by 0.5 percentage points. The NSI said the social protection system plays a significant role in reducing poverty. Data for 2025 show that if household income includes pensions but excludes other social transfers such as benefits, social assistance and family allowances, the poverty rate rises from 21.2% to 29%, or by 7.8 percentage points. If both pensions and other social transfers are excluded, the poverty rate increases to 45.4%, or by 24.2 percentage points. Economic activity and labour market participation remain the main factors affecting poverty risk. Among people aged 18 and over, the highest poverty rate was recorded among the unemployed, at 55.1% in 2025. The risk of poverty among unemployed men was 5.8 percentage points higher than among unemployed women. Among employed people aged 18 to 64, the share of working poor declined by 0.3 percentage points from the previous year to 11.8%. For part-time workers, the risk of poverty was about three times higher than for those employed full-time. The poverty risk among working women was 2.2 percentage points lower than among men. Education level also had a strong impact. The highest share of working poor was among people with only primary or no education, at 47.2%. With higher levels of education, the share of poor workers fell significantly. Among people with higher education, the share was lowest, at 4.3%. Under the EU-SILC income and living conditions survey, used to monitor progress under the Europe 2030 strategy, a combined indicator measures people at risk of poverty, material and social deprivation, and those living in households with low work intensity. This indicator showed that in 2025, 29% of Bulgaria's population, or 1,868,900 people, were at risk of poverty and social exclusion. The figure declined by 1.3 percentage points compared with 2024, including a 1.4-point drop among men and a 1.2-point decline among women. Bulgaria Yoanna Vodenova Ivona Velichkova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112140-tourism-minister-says-interest-in-family-vacations-package-tours-combined-trav https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112140-tourism-minister-says-interest-in-family-vacations-package-tours-combined-trav Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:05:38 +0300 Caretaker Tourism Minister Irena Georgieva announced a steady growth in tourist arrivals from traditional markets, which is a clear indicator of restored confidence and the effectiveness of the measures taken. At a working breakfast with the foreign diplomatic corps in Bulgaria on Thursday, she said that for the 2026 summer season, there is particularly strong interest in family vacations, package tours, and combined tourism products. According to Georgieva, this growth is driven by several key factors, better air connectivity, modernized airports, active partnerships with international operators implemented by the Tourism Ministry, and enhanced digital presence, which ensures more effective communication with potential tourists. This works together to establish a stable foundation for future growth, Georgieva noted. She highlighted the role of active diplomatic dialogue, which has facilitated the exchange of ideas to promote bilateral tourism, the discussion of joint initiatives, and the establishment of new partnerships and new friends for Bulgaria. Regarding the 2025-2026 winter season results, Georgieva noted that data shows steady interest from international markets. Bulgaria has not only maintained but also strengthened its position as a safe, accessible, and competitive destination in Europe, she added. The Tourism Ministry reported a steady flow of tourists, particularly from key European markets. According to Georgieva, this is the result of both restored confidence and improved connectivity. "This term was marked by challenges, but it was also an opportunity for us. Our main goal was clear, to reinforce trust in Bulgaria and to firmly position it on the international tourism map as a safe destination with a diverse, year-round tourism product," Georgieva said. She added that during her tenure as minister, she had followed three core principles: sustainability, partnership, and a strong international presence. Georgieva said that during her term, large-scale joint initiatives were launched with leading international partners, serving as a strategic tool for reaching new audiences and establishing Bulgaria as a year-round tourism destination. "We have focused our efforts on key markets, the UK, Germany, Poland, and Czechia, because that is where we see the greatest potential for growth and sustained interest," Georgieva said. In parallel, Bulgaria is participating in or preparing to participate in a total of 23 international tourism exhibitions in 2026, which is another step toward strengthening the country’s global presence and recognition. Georgieva also noted that a particularly significant highlight of the international positioning strategy is hosting the Giro d'Italia Grande Partenza from May 8 to 10. "We expect extremely strong foreign media coverage that will reach millions of viewers around the world," she added. According to her, however, "what is more important is the message we are sending to the world about Bulgaria, a rich culture, preserved nature, unique gastronomy, and diverse experiences with high added value." Georgieva identified this as a key element of the ministry’s strategy to diversify, on the one hand, the tourism product and, on the other, tourist flows, while promoting year-round tourism. In her opinion, the most important achievement of this term is the trust that has been maintained, despite international crises, on the part of tourists, investors, and international partners. Proof of this is the fact that Bulgaria is currently among the few countries that, according to industry data, are reporting approximately 3% growth in bookings. Bulgaria maintains its position as a preferred partner and choice for family summer vacations, Georgieva said. Economy Risida Dimitrova Ivona Velichkova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112105-fiscal-council-outlines-three-economic-scenarios-for-bulgaria-in-2026-amid-geopo https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112105-fiscal-council-outlines-three-economic-scenarios-for-bulgaria-in-2026-amid-geopo Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:56:35 +0300 Bulgaria's Fiscal Council on Thursday presented multiple scenarios for Bulgaria's economic development in 2026, taking account of the uncertainties in the global, regional and domestic political situation. The Council said in a report that significant risks have arisen this year. The organization has developed a realistic scenario, a pessimistic scenario and a highly pessimistic scenario for Bulgaria's economic development in 2026. The baseline scenario is the realistic one, with a probability of 60%, while the pessimistic and highly pessimistic scenarios are each assessed at 20%. Realistic scenario The realistic (baseline) scenario for the economic development of Bulgaria in 2026 is based on a sharp rise in energy prices as a result of the war in the Persian Gulf. This scenario is characterized by a deterioration in the external economic environment, reflecting a slowdown in growth due to a classic supply shock similar to that of the 1970s. A supply shock is an event that suddenly increases or decreases the supply of a good or service. This abrupt change affects the equilibrium price of the good or service and the overall price level in the economy. A supply shock can lead to stagflation due to a combination of rising prices and falling output, the report says. The realistic forecast is based on the key assumption that the military conflict in the Middle East will be relatively short-lived, lasting at most until mid-2026, after which a gradual recovery of economic activity and a normalization of oil and natural gas prices are expected. Pessimistic scenario This scenario assumes that disruptions in international trade caused by the military conflict in the Middle East will continue beyond the second quarter of the year. Disruptions in the supply of raw materials will persist until the third quarter of 2026, after which a relatively rapid recovery of trade flows is observed. Highly pessimistic scenario This scenario is based on the assumption of a more severe and prolonged supply shock in energy resources, including a disruption of most flows through the Strait of Hormuz. In addition to logistical difficulties, direct damage to the energy infrastructure of energy-exporting countries in the Middle East is also expected as a result of military operations, which significantly extends the period for restoring supplies of these goods. Volumes begin to normalize only at the beginning of 2027. As a result, uncertainty in international financial markets is more pronounced and prolonged, further amplifying negative economic effects. The assumptions underlying this scenario are that Bulgaria's main trading partners will experience a prolonged and deepening stagnation, accompanied by fiscal crises, downward revisions of private investment plans and the disbursement of minimal payments to Bulgaria under the Recovery and Resilience Plan. Economy Valentin Evstatiev Anelia Tsvetkova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112160-gate-institute-has-requests-from-three-international-companies-to-test-technolog https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112160-gate-institute-has-requests-from-three-international-companies-to-test-technolog Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:55:47 +0300 GATE Institute at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski has received requests from three international companies to test their technologies, which will give the research institute access to the latest technological developments, its director Prof. Silvia Ilieva said on Thursday at the Next Gen Entrepreneurs Day forum, hosted by the institute. Ilieva noted that seven years after applying to the European Commission with a business plan for the creation of the scientific unit at Sofia University, the GATE team has grown to more than 80 people and has completed over 30 European projects. "In Bulgaria, we can develop not only as entrepreneurs, but also in the field of science," she said. She added that GATE's work has also been linked to supporting Bulgaria's entrepreneurial environment. As an example, she pointed to the completed Horizon Europe project ExcellEnt, which helped connect Bulgarian entrepreneurs with representatives of ecosystems from other countries. The institute is currently implementing another project focused on clean technologies and sustainable mobility. GATE also supports entrepreneurship through its technology entrepreneurship programme. Ilieva recalled that since 2022, GATE has served as a NATO test centre for big data and artificial intelligence. Since then, the institute has supported more than 60 Bulgarian startups in applying for funding to develop dual-use technologies. The Next Gen Entrepreneurs Day forum brought together students, entrepreneurs, investors and institutional representatives. Its goal is to present future company founders with the path from the birth of an idea to its market realisation. Organizational partners of the forum include SIS Credit, Fund of Funds, the Bulgarian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, the podcast The Next Gen Speaks, and Poland's Microfinance Centre. The event is supported by InvestEU and the European Investment Bank, and is part of the Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria 2026 programme. Economy Yoanna Vodenova Delyan Petrishki https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112111-social-organizations-in-eu-employ-11-5-mln-people-european-commission-s-andria https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112111-social-organizations-in-eu-employ-11-5-mln-people-european-commission-s-andria Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:46:00 +0300 Speaking at the Next Gen Entrepreneurs Day forum in Sofia on Thursday, Andriana Sukova, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, said that there are 4.3 million social organizations across the European Union, including enterprises, foundations, and mutual aid societies. She added that these organizations employ 11.5 million people, or 6.3% of all those in work in Europe, and improve territorial cohesion, help reduce poverty, provide access to quality services and involve local communities in social projects. Sukova also recalled the action plan adopted in 2021 to promote the social economy in the EU, built on three pillars. These cover the regulatory and legal framework; opportunities and access to finance, finding markets and developing skills; and finally, recognition and visibility. Sukova also gave a brief update on progress under these pillars. On the regulatory and legal framework, she said 21 Member States have already adopted, or are in the process of drafting, national and regional strategies for the social economy and entrepreneurship. On financing, she said EUR 1.2 billion has been mobilized in the form of guarantees through financial instruments and funds. These have so far supported 90,000 beneficiaries and 3,000 social enterprises. Because guarantee instruments have a multiplying effect, an additional EUR 11.7 billion has been raised for investment in social enterprises, creating and preserving around 900,000 jobs in Europe. Key European Commission partners here are the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund, Sukova said.  She added that in 2025 a review of the action plan’s implementation was carried out, and actions were mapped out for the next five years through to 2030. They focus on five key areas. The first area is strengthening multi-level governance, or tapping local and regional potential. To that end, a toolkit for regional and local policies in the social economy will be developed, in addition to national measures and instruments. The second area is promoting socially responsible public procurement. Plans include strengthening partnerships between social economy actors and traditional businesses, and clarifying and adapting State aid rules so they do not hinder the social economy’s operation. The third area focuses on access to finance. The European Commission will explore options for creating a voluntary, market-oriented framework for social investment to attract private capital to the sector. It also plans to expand the financial instruments currently offered through intermediaries and microfinance funds. Sukova noted the importance of the Fund of Funds in Bulgaria. Microfinance standards will also be reviewed to provide greater growth opportunities for enterprises. The fourth area covers skills. Sukova pointed to the need to expand entrepreneurship education, explain the meaning and role of social entrepreneurship, support the development of skills and competence frameworks, and provide support for business incubator models that include socially disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in society. The fifth area relates to data, specifically ensuring it can be collected, compared and made visible, to underline the social economy’s importance in overall economic development. This pillar is important for shaping policies and will support decision-making. On how European citizens view the social economy, Sukova referred to a recent joint study by the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which found that 75% of Europeans see the social economy as vital to society’s wellbeing, and 50% of respondents already describe themselves as engaged with it. Sukova also drew attention to funding made available under InvestEU, where EUR 2.8 billion has been provided for social innovation, skills and training. Most of these funds have already been absorbed and are now available to Member States through promotional banks and partners, including the European Social Fund. The Next Gen Entrepreneurs Day forum brought together students, entrepreneurs, investors and representatives of institutions. The event aims to show future company founders the path from the birth of an idea to its market launch. Organizational partners of the forum are SIS Credit, the Fund of Funds, the Bulgarian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, Sofia University, the Next Gen Speaks podcast, and Microfinance Centre, Poland. The event is supported by the European Commission’s InvestEU and the European Investment Bank. It is part of the Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria 2026 programme. Economy Delyan Petrishki Yoana Vodenicharova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112113-entrepreneurship-must-combine-innovation-sustainability-and-social-responsibili https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112113-entrepreneurship-must-combine-innovation-sustainability-and-social-responsibili Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:19:00 +0300 Entrepreneurship must go hand in hand with social responsibility and sustainable development, said Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy Nataliya Efremova during the Next Gen Entrepreneurs Day forum held at the GATE Institute on Thursday. The event, supported by the European Commission’s InvestEU programme and the European Investment Bank, is part of the “Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria 2026” initiative and focuses on the journey from an idea to a sustainable business. Efremova described entrepreneurship as a driving force of change and a tool for building a better society, emphasizing that young people are the key engine of this process. In her words, they have the potential to transform their environment through innovation, new business models, and active civic engagement. She highlighted the importance of green policies, noting that the new generation of entrepreneurs has the advantage of integrating environmental thinking into business development from the very beginning. “Success has the greatest value when it is combined with social responsibility – when business is not only about profit, but also about care for people and society,” she said. Economy Konstantin Karagyozov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112082-hvd-reina-del-mar-hotel-in-obzor-offers-personalized-recovery-spa-programmes https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112082-hvd-reina-del-mar-hotel-in-obzor-offers-personalized-recovery-spa-programmes Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:07:18 +0300 The spa centre at the HVD Reina Del Mar Hotel in Obzor offers a spa system with personalized recovery programmes, the centre’s manager Dimitar Dimitrov told BTA. The approach focuses on personalized therapies tailored to each guest’s condition, rather than standard package services. Each visitor undergoes an individual consultation, based on which a personalized programme is worked out. According to Dimitrov, the goal is to achieve a lasting effect over time by addressing the body’s specific needs. The spa centre is part of the HVD Reina Del Mar hotel, which belongs to the HVD Hotels chain. The Wellness for All concept is embedded in the complex’s architectural design through low-rise construction that blends into the natural environment between the sea and the mountains. Guests use identification bracelets to follow the spa health trails. The concept is at the heart of the thermal zone. These trails determine the sequence in which the facilities are used, from the Finnish sauna to the cold zones and ice treatments. Four signature therapies inspired by the elements of nature, which utilize natural oils tailored to various health conditions, are among the services provided. The centre also features a specialized thalassotherapy section that uses marine resources for recovery. On the third floor, there is a designated Premium Wellness area focused on detoxification and longevity programmes. The hotel also offers dry flotation treatments, which aid in muscle relaxation and the body’s recovery, as well as digitally assisted meditation programmes. The complex also features a private spa suite with high-tech equipment available for individual use. The centre reports growing interest in stress prevention and management programmes, even among younger guests. Joint therapies for parents and children are also offered, as well as tailored treatments for specific groups, including pregnant women. BTA presents news from certified spa, wellness, and medical spa centres in Bulgaria in its BG SPA: Salus per aquam, Health Through Water feature. Their total number exceeds 200. The initiative, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism, is linked to Europe's leading health tourism event, the HEALTHXCHANGE SUMMIT, which will be held from May 11 to 13, 2026, in Varna, Sts. Constantine and Helena, Golden Sands, and Albena. BTA will be the event's main media partner. Economy Risida Dimitrova Stanimir Dimitrov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112092-stara-zagora-labour-bureau-reports-mass-layoff-at-tpp-aes-galabovo https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1112092-stara-zagora-labour-bureau-reports-mass-layoff-at-tpp-aes-galabovo Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:07:00 +0300 The Stara Zagora Labour Office has received information about a mass layoff at the TPP AES Galabovo, Labour Office Director Georgi Gyokov said on Thursday. He pointed out that the power plant falls within the Radnevo Labour Office's jurisdiction, and that the employer is obliged to submit a notification there. "We have been told by our colleagues in the Radnevo Labour Office that they have received a notification like this, and that most of the people being laid off are from Stara Zagora," Gyokov noted. He added that the number of employees affected could be as high as 300.  The reason why a large part of those being laid off are from Stara Zagora is understandable, since most of the workers at the power plant are from Stara Zagora, Gyokov said, adding that the registration process with the Labour Office will be clarified on Friday. "The mass layoff procedures are designed so that people who are laid off have security during registration and subsequent service, so we will not leave them to fend for themselves," Gyokov noted. Economy BTA Correspondent Emil Dimov Filip Pavlov