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Archived edition · September 17, 2026 Today's news →

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Deficit 📉

Fiscal Pressures Mount as Tech Sector Soars

Bulgaria is set to undergo increased monitoring by the European Commission after Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced the country is entering a procedure for an excess budget deficit. The Prime Minister also projected the 2026 deficit to be well above 3%. This announcement has sparked debate, with former Finance Minister Simeon Dyankov agreeing that Bulgaria should apologize to Brussels for inaccurate deficit figures, while the GERB party has accused the government of inflating the 2025 budget deficit, potentially harming Eurozone entry prospects.

In a significant economic boost, Bulgarian space technology company EnduroSat has successfully raised $205 million in a funding round, marking the largest such investment for a Bulgarian company to date. Domestically, new PISA 2025 results indicate that 30% of students consider school unproductive and highlight a considerable achievement gap between wealthy and poor students, prompting the Ministry of Education to propose new disciplinary policies. Meanwhile, the prosecution has concluded a new case against a figure referred to as the 'Bulgarian Escobar', and a parliamentary committee has approved a new law for fast loans.

Developments in the ongoing 'Petrohan' case include a psychologist's refusal to withdraw despite prosecution requests, and a Minister's allegation of state agency protection for criminals involved. Additionally, the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Ivan Shishkov, stated that the Sofia ring road is expected to be completed within three years, and the Bulgarian national volleyball team achieved a historic victory over Poland at EuroVolley.

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Budget Deficit and EU Scrutiny

Bulgaria is entering an 'excess deficit' procedure, subjecting it to increased EU monitoring, as Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced the 2026 deficit is projected to be 'well above 3%'. Former Finance Minister Simeon Dyankov suggests an apology to Brussels for inaccurate 2025 deficit figures, while the opposition GERB party accuses the government of inflating the deficit, potentially jeopardizing Eurozone entry.

Education System Challenges and Policy Changes

The PISA 2025 results reveal that 30% of Bulgarian students find school unproductive, alongside a significant achievement gap between wealthy and poor students. In response, the Ministry of Education and Science plans to introduce new disciplinary policies in schools.

New Developments in 'Petrohan' Case

The 'Petrohan' case continues to see new developments as psychologist Rosen Yordanov has refused to withdraw from the investigation, despite a request from the prosecution for his removal. Prosecutors are actively examining financial flows related to the case, and Minister Asen Vasilev has alleged that the State Agency for National Security (DANS) is protecting criminals involved.

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