Deputy Prime Minister Galab Donev announced that Bulgaria will not be able to avoid the excessive deficit procedure imposed by the European Commission.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Bulgaria, Galab Donev, informed parliamentarians that the country will not be able to avoid the excessive deficit procedure (EDP) that the European Commission is preparing to impose, due to the projected net expenditures for 2025. Donev emphasized the need to adopt corrective measures to bring public finances back within acceptable limits and criticized the former Government for the lack of a report on the financial situation.

The European Commission will request a package of measures that includes reducing net expenditures by 0.5% of GDP. Donev called for the cooperation of all parties to find solutions and highlighted the problems generated by previous policies. He also mentioned that the budget deficit could reach 7.4% of GDP if current fiscal policies continue.

The European Commission reported a deficit of 3.5% of GDP for 2025, with growth forecasts exceeding the 3% threshold set by the EU Stability and Growth Pact. Bulgaria is set to join the eurozone in 2026, but it must meet the necessary fiscal criteria.