Deadline Looms for Amendments to Bulgaria’s 2026 State Budget Draft

The deadline for submitting amendments to the 2026 draft state budget expires today, November 24, after MPs allowed just four days between the two readings for proposals.

Social partners have failed to reach agreement on the parameters of the fiscal framework. Employers’ organisations oppose the planned doubling of the dividend tax, while trade unions are dissatisfied with what they describe as uneven increases in household incomes.

• State Budget 2026 Parameters Draw Sharp Criticism from Opposition, Unions and Employers

According to the governing coalition, Budget 2026 — the first to be drafted in euros — fully complies with legal requirements. The financial plan forecasts economic growth of 2.7% and average annual inflation of 3.5%.

• MPs Approve Bulgaria's State Budget Draft for 2026 at First Reading

The 2026 budget framework also projects GDP to exceed €120 billion next year.

The ruling majority is expected to table amendments to the Health Insurance Fund Act, which will set out rules for distributing €260 million earmarked for salaries for medical staff.