Bulgaria Faces Challenges in Social Spending, Education, and Healthcare

Bulgaria is falling behind the EU average in terms of government expenditure as a percentage of GDP, particularly in the areas of social protection, education, and healthcare. This is highlighted in the country's report on its progress in implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report also draws attention to a decline in interurban transport and the deteriorating quality of water in the country.

However, Bulgaria has made strides in certain areas, including reducing poverty, addressing hunger, promoting gender equality, advancing inclusive education, and reducing the rate of students dropping out of school prematurely. Despite these positive developments, Bulgaria's demographic challenges persist, with a steadily declining and aging population. In 2023, the country recorded a birth rate of just 8.9‰, while the mortality rate was significantly higher at 15.7‰, the highest in the European Union.

Political instability during the 2020-2024 period is seen as a potential obstacle to reforms, particularly in areas such as fighting corruption, strengthening the rule of law, transitioning to a green economy, economic diversification, and advancing digital transformation. Additionally, Bulgaria continues to face a high proportion of working poor, a figure that has increased by nearly 50% since 2015, now accounting for almost 10% of the workforce.

On the issue of food prices, Bulgaria has experienced a negative trend, with increasing food price anomalies, exacerbated in part by the ongoing war in Ukraine. The country's educational performance also shows signs of decline, with fewer individuals completing secondary education and lower secondary stages of primary education. Participation in adult education has also decreased...