More and faster train journeys
BDZ (Bulgarian State Railways) has published a draft timetable for 2025 on its website. It will be discussed with representatives of regional and municipal administrations on October 21, 22, and 23 in Gorna Oryahovitsa, Plovdiv, and Sofia.
The new timetable is designed to accommodate large-scale infrastructure projects, especially in the Sofia and Plovdiv railway hubs, where train traffic is restricted due to ongoing construction, BDZ explained. The timetable, which will come into effect in mid-December, includes new travel options between Northern and Southern Bulgaria, faster trains between Sofia and Burgas, more convenient schedules for peripheral regions around Vidin and Kardzhali, maintaining service volume on the busiest routes, and optimizing routes with low service demand.
Deflation across most sectors
Inflation continues to ease, according to data from the National Statistical Institute for September. However, it is expected to meet the criteria for Bulgaria's entry into the Eurozone no earlier than December. Last month's statistics even recorded deflation, though on an annual basis, the prices of goods and services continue to show a slight increase.
The biggest price reductions compared to August were in the following categories:
- Recreation and culture (-13.7%)
- Restaurants and hotels (-2.5%)
- Transport (-2.0%)
Meanwhile, the largest price increases were seen in:
- Education (+3.3%)
- Clothing and footwear (+0.8%)
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages (+0.6%)
- Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products (+0.3%).
More women leaders
More women are in leadership positions in Bulgaria, although they are still outnumbered by men, shows a 2023 report on gender equality, as reported by the government's press office. In 2023, the number of women in managerial roles reached 68,000, an increase of 3,200 compared to 2022. Last year, the share of women on management boards grew from 14.8% to 18.3%.
In 2022, the gender pay gap was 13%, in favor of men. The report also shows that last year, the employment rate for women aged 15-64 was 67.4%, compared to 73.9% for men.
In 2023, the average social security income was 1,445 levs. Meanwhile, it was 1,488 levs for men, or 6.2% higher.
More and faster train journeys
BDZ (Bulgarian State Railways) has published a draft timetable for 2025 on its website. It will be discussed with representatives of regional and municipal administrations on October 21, 22, and 23 in Gorna Oryahovitsa, Plovdiv, and Sofia.
