Expectations of the International Business Community in Bulgaria for the Beginning of the New Political Cycle: Spring 2026

Expectations of the International Business Community in Bulgaria for the Beginning of the New Political Cycle: Spring 2026
Expectations of the International Business Community in Bulgaria for the Beginning of the New Political Cycle: Spring 2026

Eleven bilateral chambers of commerce in Bulgaria have submitted a letter to the country's institutions outlining the expectations of the international business community at the start of the new political season. The Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce is among the signatories of the letter.

Dear Madam Speaker of the National Assembly,

Dear Members of the 51st National Assembly,

Dear Prime Minister,

We congratulate Progressive Bulgaria on its convincing victory in the snap parliamentary elections held on 19 April 2026. We wish success to the new Government of the Republic of Bulgaria, led by Prime Minister Rumen Radev.

This result has enabled a single political force to secure an absolute majority in the 51st National Assembly. This fact creates significant opportunities, but it also carries responsibilities that go far beyond the implementation of any electoral platform. It requires responsible statesmanship and coordinated action aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy as part of the European Single Market, the Transatlantic economy, and our regional trade relations. It also requires ensuring social stability and improving citizens' incomes while increasing economic productivity through quality education, effective mechanisms for sustainable development, digitalisation, transparent public procurement, the eradication of corruption, the fight against the shadow economy, and many other reforms.

Since 1997, Bulgaria's future has never depended on a single political force. Then, as now, our country finds itself at a critical moment. No one disputes the complexity of the current geopolitical environment, the instability of international relations, and the extraordinary pace of change. For this reason, the responsibility for making the right political, economic and social decisions rests not only in your hands. The business community, which forms a major part of civil society and creates the added value within our economy, expects constructive, timely and results-oriented dialogue based on shared values.

Bulgaria is an integral part of the European and Euro-Atlantic community and of NATO, a community founded on democracy, the rule of law, the protection of human rights and the shared responsibility for the security and prosperity of citizens.

Bulgaria's accession to the Eurozone is not merely the formal conclusion of the European integration process that began after 1997. It is an opportunity for greater fiscal and economic stability, which every government should utilise responsibly, consistently and strategically. The future of our country is inseparably linked to these values and to our continued commitment to them. They provide a solid foundation for national development and reinforce Bulgaria's position as a stable, predictable and competitive European partner with a clear vision for future generations.

As a community of bilateral chambers of commerce, we address all of you to express our readiness to engage in dialogue on policies concerning the business environment, economic development, social responsibility and sustainable growth, where competitiveness and innovation in Bulgaria remain key priorities.

Below, we outline the main pillars that we believe should guide the policies proposed and implemented by both the legislative and executive branches in the years ahead.

1. Democracy and the Rule of Law

  • Strengthening the rule of law by guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary and the effectiveness of public institutions. Bulgaria needs professionals with proven integrity, strong ethical standards and a clear value system.
  • Taking concrete action to eradicate corruption and improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in public administration.
  • Intensifying efforts to remove Bulgaria from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list concerning anti-money laundering deficiencies.

2. Human Rights and Freedoms

  • Protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of every citizen, including the rights to life, property, free enterprise and personal choice, must remain at the centre of every decision taken by both the National Assembly and the executive branch.
  • The security and well-being of all social groups should remain a national priority.

3. Economic Development and Social Justice

  • It is time to further develop a sustainable economy based on science, data, efficiency and innovation, capable of delivering stability and prosperity to both individuals and communities, while becoming even more integrated into the Transatlantic economy and more competitive on the global market.
  • Accelerating Bulgaria's accession to the OECD.
  • Ensuring that Bulgaria remains an active, constructive and visible partner within the European Union and NATO, while also playing a meaningful role in other international formats, including the Three Seas Initiative and similar regional frameworks.
  • Social justice and equal opportunities for all citizens should remain fundamental objectives of public policy.
  • Improving Bulgaria's connectivity with neighbouring countries and like-minded regions through stronger economic, transport, energy and digital links, building on shared values, history and strategic interests.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

We reaffirm our readiness and commitment to developing an institutional dialogue with you, so that together we can contribute to Bulgaria's economic and social progress.

For our part, we will continue to emphasize that businesses expect stability and predictability, clear rules, transparent procedures, the preservation of a stable tax framework, and efficient implementation of all publicly funded projects.

Once again, we wish you success in securing a better present for all citizens and a stronger future for our children and future generations.

Sofia, 18 May 2026

Joint Position of:
• American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria
• Belgium-Bulgaria-Luxembourg Business Club
• British Bulgarian Business Association
• Bulgarian-Spanish Chamber of Commerce
• Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce
• Bulgarian-Swiss Chamber of Commerce
• Bulgarian-Czech Chamber of Commerce
• German-Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce
• Hellenic-Bulgarian Business Council
• Confindustria Bulgaria
• Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria