Macedonian and Bulgarian finance officials outline budget reforms for 2026‑27

Macedonian Finance Minister Gordana Dimirieska‑Kochoska presented a rebalance of the 2026 state budget, stressing that public finances remain stable and that the focus has shifted to additional capital‑investment funding for infrastructure, agriculture, social protection, education, sport and local development. She said the changes will safeguard regular payment of salaries, pensions and social benefits while supporting new projects that “create higher economic activity, new jobs and a better standard of living.” The rebalance responds to higher energy prices, geopolitical tension and updated market assumptions, and includes measures such as support for women farmers and services for victims of gender‑based violence.

Bulgarian financial expert and BNB board member Lyubomir Karimanovski commented on the 2026 budget process, noting that the government is unlikely to introduce major alterations before the second parliamentary reading and that any changes would be technical. He argued that the macro‑framework for the 2027 budget should be updated with the autumn outlook rather than the spring forecast, citing inflation expected around 5% and other macro‑economic shifts that require alignment with the latest projections.