During question time at a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Policy, Investment and Industry, Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Alexander Poulev said that he had a scheduled meeting with Rheinmetall later on Wednesday. He said the aim was to ensure all necessary conditions and opportunities to accelerate the joint project with the German company.
“I want to firmly state that our government supports full integration with the European Union. We are working on all priority strategic projects, so that we are not on the periphery of the EU but participate in all initiatives on a partnership basis while protecting the interests of Bulgarian citizens. As confirmation of this position, I am meeting with a large Rheinmetall delegation to ensure all the necessary conditions for this project proceed at a good pace,” Poulev said.
Regarding the US and UK derogation licences for the Lukoil group, which expire on October 29, the Minister said that a request for an extension had not yet been submitted because, following advice from partners, the documentation should be filed about two weeks before the deadline. He added that there were currently no concerns or reasons to believe that the process was in any way at risk.
Poulev recalled that when the derogation was last extended on August 13, Bulgaria undertook to provide regular statistical and operational data on crude oil purchases, premiums and related processes. He dismissed opposition claims that British partners had uncovered an illicit import of Russian oil as unconstructive, saying such statements created risks for a process that was key to national security and economic stability.
Asked about industrial zones, Poulev said that after October 15, as part of the new budget procedure, a measure for comprehensive state support would be presented. It will target five or six regions identified by investors, including Plovdiv, Burgas, Stara Zagora, Shumen and Vidin, with investment in connecting infrastructure and energy security.
Poulev also said that, together with the Energy Ministry, a package worth more than EUR 200 million had been activated to encourage investment in energy efficiency and process optimization in industries accounting for 25% of gross value added and providing nearly 250,000 jobs.
A reform to reduce the regulatory burden is also underway in coordination with industry organizations representing 99% of the Bulgarian economy, the Minister added.
Poulev recalled the EUR 300 million package of measures to support businesses and vulnerable groups affected by high fuel prices, stressing that EUR 270 million of the amount was directed towards businesses and affected sectors. The measures focus on key sectors where inefficiencies can contribute to overall inflation, including transport, logistics, energy-intensive industries and agricultural producers. The aim is to contain food-price pressures and inflation at an early stage. The measures are expected to reach at least 1,500 small businesses, the Minister said.
He also noted that industrial output had declined by more than 10% over the past year. Although the rate of decline was currently slowing, the situation was being closely monitored and was also affected by geopolitical factors, he added.
Poulev rejected claims that the government was raising overall taxes on industry or disadvantaging small and medium-sized businesses. Regarding the excess-profits tax, he said it was a highly specialized process based on a clear 12-page methodology prepared by the Finance Ministry. He added that only the specific portion of income classified as excess profit is subject to taxation.
Government Working to Accelerate Joint Project with Rheinmetall, Economy Minister Says THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-09-30 14:07:32
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