site.btaEuropean Commission Makes Recommendations for Bulgaria's Economic Policies

The European Commission on Monday presented its recommendations for the economic policies of the EU Member States. The part on Bulgaria is set out under the title "Recommendation for a Council Recommendation on the 2022 National Reform Programme of Bulgaria and Delivering a Council Opinion on the 2022 Convergence Programme of Bulgaria".

The Commission recommends that Bulgaria take action in 2022 and 2023 in the following three areas:

1. In 2023, the country should keep providing temporary and targeted support to households and firms most vulnerable to energy price hikes and to people fleeing Ukraine. It should expand public investment for the green and digital transition and for energy security. For the period beyond 2023, the country is advised to pursue a fiscal policy aimed at achieving prudent medium-term fiscal positions.
2. Bulgaria should proceed with the implementation of its recovery and resilience plan, in line with the milestones and targets included in the Council Implementing Decision of May 4, 2022. Sofia is expected to submit the 2021-2027 cohesion policy programming documents with a view to finalizing their negotiations with the Commission and subsequently starting their implementation.
3. The country needs to reduce its overall reliance on fossil fuels and fossil fuel imports by accelerating the development of renewables, and diversify gas supply sources and routes by increasing interconnections with neighbouring countries. It should step up efforts to reduce energy demand by increasing energy efficiency in industry and in private and public building stock. Bulgaria should also promote new sustainable solutions in centralized district heating.