Sofia Municipality’s Draft 2026 Budget Set at €1.81 Billion, 23% Higher Than 2025

The draft budget of Sofia Municipality for 2026 amounts to €1.81 billion, marking a 23% increase compared to 2025 and setting a record.

Education is the top priority in the 2026 budget. In addition, record investments are planned without increasing local taxes or fees, according to the presentation of the draft budget during a seminar.

“This is not the mayor’s budget; it represents the best we can produce to protect the city’s good ideas,” said Mayor Vasil Terziev.

Funds will be allocated not only for the construction and design of kindergartens, but also for upgrading schoolyards and moving schools to a full single-shift schedule.

Transport investments are the second major priority. The budget foresees replacement of rolling stock, metro expansion, extensive investment in rail tracks, and construction of new boulevards and streets to accommodate the new vehicles.

The third major focus is neighbourhood development. The programme includes:

• Expansion of street lighting initiatives;
• Continued rehabilitation of road networks;
• Maintenance of road markings;
• Replacement of sidewalks;
• Tripling the number of so-called “muddy spots” improved through urban development projects.

The draft budget represents the largest investment programme in Sofia’s history, with a strong emphasis on mobility, urban environment, and key infrastructure.

The municipality plans to utilise record borrowing of over €400 million, directed entirely toward long-term assets:

• €104 million for metro and sustainable transport;
• €73 million for sidewalks, road safety, and the street network;
• The remaining €230 million for upgrading urban transport rolling stock, new trolleybuses and trams, reconstruction and construction of streets, bridges, collectors, and major transport corridors.

Deputy Mayor for Finance Georgi Klisurski hopes that €70 million will be allocated from the national budget for transport. He also intends to propose transferring the metro to national security projects, enabling the Ministry of Interior to take over its security.