Dobri Mitrev

Employers and trade unions in Bulgaria have announced a national protest on January 15, 2025, calling for urgent measures to address the soaring electricity prices for non-household consumers.

The Bulgarian economy faces a significant workforce shortage, with over 250,000 vacancies across various sectors. The most acute deficits are found in construction and healthcare, where there is a lack of specialized professionals and managerial staff. As a result, businesses are bracing for rising labor costs as they compete to retain qualified workers.

Bulgaria's economy is expected to experience modest growth in 2024, though it remains far below the levels seen in 2017. For 2025, businesses anticipate that economic indicators will either remain stagnant or worsen, according to the annual "2024 through the eyes of business" survey conducted by the Bulgarian Industrial Chamber (BIA) between November 5 and December 6, 2024.

Chinese online trading platforms are inflicting significant financial damage on European and Bulgarian manufacturers, leading to business closures and job losses in Bulgaria. The influx of low-quality Chinese goods has resulted in increased waste management issues in Europe.

Energy-intensive industries in Bulgaria are facing a severe threat of curtailed operations or potential closures due to the soaring electricity prices. Dobri Mitrev, the head of the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA), highlighted this pressing issue, revealing that the budget for 2024 lacks provisions for energy compensations across various sectors.