Bulgaria confronts tighter eurozone credit while launching proactive investor outreach

A recent European Central Bank survey shows companies in the eurozone are facing significantly higher bank loan rates, with 42% reporting interest hikes in the second quarter of 2026, nearly double the previous quarter. Additional financing costs have risen, 31% of firms cite higher fees and commissions, and 10% note stricter collateral requirements. Small and medium‑sized enterprises report a 4% decline in credit accessibility, while larger firms see a modest 4% improvement. Despite cost pressures, businesses expect slower price and wage growth, forecasting a 3.2% increase in selling prices and a 2.5% rise in wages over the next year.

In parallel, Bulgaria's Deputy Minister of Economy, Investment and Industry, Michaela Karadimova, announced a new strategy to actively attract strategic investors. The government will offer faster administrative procedures, direct institutional contacts, and a coordination council to streamline large projects. Around 300 measures aim to cut bureaucratic overhead, targeting high‑value sectors such as micro‑electronics, automotive, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, defence, energy, and biotechnology. The plan seeks to position Bulgaria as a regional hub for high‑tech manufacturing and well‑paid jobs.