Economic Updates: Bulgaria

Bulgaria: Nuclear questions

Eastern Europe | 31 May 2011

The future of Bulgaria’s proposed Belene nuclear power plant (NPP) once again hangs in the balance after the decision formally to suspend the project while reassessment takes place. The 2000-MW station is seen as central to meeting Bulgaria’s energy needs and has strong government backing, yet questions of financing and safety remain. A new plant should also help boost the economy as Bulgaria is south-eastern Europe’s biggest electricity exporter, doubling its power exports last year, according to the international press.

Bulgaria: Home appeal

Eastern Europe | 18 Mar 2011

With demand for domestic hardware and software recovering and renewed interest in the potential of high-value outsourcing operations, the outlook for Bulgaria’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector appears to be considerably brighter.

Bulgaria: Turning a corner

Bulgaria | 5 Nov 2010

Bulgaria’s agricultural sector is coming out of a two-decades-long rough patch and has pulled out of the recent recession more strongly than the economy as a whole, with regulatory changes and growing export potential contributing to a stronger outlook.

Bulgaria: Selling off steel

Bulgaria | 31 Aug 2010

Prospective investors took note when it was announced in late July 2010 that Bulgaria’s largest steelmaker, Kremikovtzi, will be up for sale in mid-September 2010. The news comes four months after the company went into liquidation and a year after major creditors refused to approve a rescue plan for the ailing company.

BULGARIA: Consolidated banking

Bulgaria | 30 Jul 2010

Though Bulgaria’s economy is likely to remain in the slow lane for the rest of this year, the country’s banking sector continues to show resilience in the face of global economic contraction. There are concerns, however, that increasing levels of bad loans carried by some lenders could add to pressures on the sector.

Markets Keeping Capital

Bulgaria | 2 Apr 2010

Bulgaria's capital markets have stabilised even as they face contagion risk from its debt-laden neighbour, Greece. The country's economy is poised to make a slow but sure recovery from recession, according to senior banking officials and international agencies.

Banks Building Confidence

Bulgaria | 8 Dec 2009

Bulgaria's banks are being cautious in their response to government calls to increase the flow of loans, wary of potential problems that could arise in the new year, while awaiting more positive signs from the economy before turning on the lending taps again.