Forecasts: Corruption and Lack of Serious Reforms Will Keep Bulgaria Outside the Euro Area at least until 2026

Several weeks before the parliamentary elections, leading institutes and international organizations presented their forecasts for Bulgaria in 2021 and the next few years, containing - at best - very low expectations for any serious reforms and the fight against corruption.

 The IMF, the OECD, the Economist Intelligence Unit and the large marketing group IHS described the country's macroeconomic indicators in the first year of the pandemic, the government's fiscal stimulus and benefits such as a stable currency, restrained fiscal policy and free trade.

But some have warned that some measures popular with those in power - especially public sector wage increases and pensions, as well as public procurement procedures - will then need a complete overhaul.

 Here are some of the highlights placed in publications from the beginning of February of these institutes and institutions:

 According to Economist Intelligence Unit the economic recovery will be slower, the European Commission's monitoring of corruption and the rule of law will be maintained at least until 2022 (and this is related to the Schengen accession). Thus, entry into the eurozone is unlikely to happen before 2026.

 According to International Monetary Fund income inequality has increased over the last 10 years.

 Developing income growth that is strong and inclusive in society will require improved functioning of the labor market, education and governance.

  In the medium term, structural reforms are also important for achieving the incomes of the EU's more advanced partners.

  Publication by IHS Markit group, predicts that the government is likely to take some anti-corruption initiatives on the eve of the April 4th...