Balgarianovinite.com Economic growth may slow down due to external crises, but the Bulgarian economy remains relatively stable, caretaker Minister of Innovation and Growth Irena Mladenova told Nova News on Saturday.
She noted that the conflict in the Persian Gulf and the risks to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will affect the Bulgarian economy by driving up energy prices, creating inflationary pressure, and causing disruptions in supply chains. According to her, international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development are already acknowledging the risk of a slowdown in global growth.
Mladenova emphasized that the caretaker Government’s priority is to protect citizens through targeted measures for the most vulnerable groups, while simultaneously accelerating the transformation of the economy – through energy efficiency, digitalization, automation, and investments in high technology.
She described Bulgaria’s economic growth of 3.1% in 2025 as a positive sign, albeit largely driven by domestic consumption. In her view, this structure is understandable given the global uncertainty, and the focus should be on future policies and enhancing the economy’s resilience.
In her words, Bulgaria’s accession to the eurozone could contribute to economic growth.
She highlighted weak investment activity despite low tax rates as the main challenge. Among the reasons she cited were problems in the business environment, as well as the need to restructure the economy so that it does not rely on low labour costs. According to her, a transition to an economy based on research and development and high technology is necessary.
Regarding inflation, Mladenova noted that it stood at 3.5% at the end of 2025, with data for the first months of this year showing lower levels – 2.3% for January and 2.1% for February on an annual basis, and 2.6% for March, which represents a relative increase over the month. She emphasized that energy prices were the leading factor behind this trend. According to forecasts, including those of the Bulgarian National Bank, inflation could reach around 3.7%. Mladenova noted that the institutions are closely monitoring price trends to prevent unjustified price increases.
The caretaker Minister of Innovation and Growth highlighted the development of innovation in defence and dual-use technologies as a key priority. She noted that an agreement has been signed between test centres from NATO’s DIANA network and Sofia Tech Park, aimed at strengthening cooperation between science, business, and institutions. Mladenova announced that Bulgaria plans to apply to establish an accelerator within this network, which will support startups by providing access to a testing environment, mentoring, and funding.
Regarding the framework agreement on defence cooperation between Bulgaria and Ukraine, which caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov signed earlier this week, Mladenova underscored that the document is non-binding and provides opportunities that can be realized in compliance with national legislation and with the approval of the National Assembly.
She also emphasized the need to strengthen technology transfer through closer ties between science and business, noting that work is underway to create a network of technology transfer centres with a central hub at Sofia Tech Park and regional units at universities.
In conclusion, Mladenova stated that the caretaker Government is closely monitoring the economic situation and is ready to take additional measures if necessary, underscoring the importance of long-term policies for the sustainable development of the economy. Innovation Minister: External Crises Might Slow Economic Growth Down but Bulgarian Economy Remains Relatively Stable 2026 THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-04-04 19:03:40 Latest news World news Country news Most important news latest news most important latest of the day Justice Petar Nizamov Feathers Petar Nizamov- Feathers Justice bg iustitia.bg iustitia iusticia usticia investigation Burgas Bulgaria news news of the last hour news of the day news of today Bulgaria news The news from Bulgaria blitz news top news most important most commented latest news Boyko Borisov news weather coronavirus news news weather facebook youtube facebook instagram news today news of the last minutes news today today news news bg news leading news hot news bg news site for news all news news bg news of the last hour latest latest news bg news of today news today news today news of the last hour latest news today news bg news news 24 hours news vesti bg novini news world bird bg bivol bg bivol trud bg novini latest news today novinite bg news hello bulgaria political party coat of arms delyan peevski scandalous Bulgarian National Television Free Europe Television scandal exclusive live tv live right now tv tv online tv program bg live now tv news online tv online live court Burgas court Burgas district court Burgas court Burgas district court Burgas district court Burgas appellate court Burgas prosecutor Burgas prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev Prosecutor Geshev Tsatsarov Ministry of Internal Affairs Burgas ODMR Burgas ODPR Burgas police Burgas district police Burgas prosecutor Tsatsarov SGS cases Varna court chairman of the SGS court decisions on civil cases decisions on cases Plovdiv court decision of the court decisions cases Varna court criminal cases district district court decisions work in the court SGS chairman of the SGS judges Sofia court post judges Plovdiv court Plovdiv judges Plovdiv Supreme Court Inspectorate Supreme Court Supreme Judicial Council lawyer lawyer criminal cases lawyer civil cases lawyer marriage cases lawyer administrative criminal law criminal process civil law civil process administrative law constitutional law