Budget Committee supports extension of 2024 budget
The Budget Committee has unanimously approved the interim government's proposal to regulate state revenues and expenditures until the 2024 budget is formally passed.
A session chaired by former Finance Minister Assen Vassilev committed to preparing a report for discussion in Parliament by Wednesday, aiming for a first reading by the end of the week.
Vassilev noted that a similar situation occurred two years ago due to the lack of a government, thus delaying the annual budget's implementation until August, with some provisions taking effect as late as September.
During the session, various organizations highlighted current and potential challenges arising from the absence of an updated budget.
Defense Ministry and INSAIT join forces on AI and cybersecurity
An agreement outlining joint activities in innovation, computer science, artificial intelligence, research, cybersecurity, and development was signed today.
Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov and Borislav Petrov, the Executive Director of the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Technology (INSAIT) put their names to a memorandaum of cooperation at Sofia University.
According to Petrov, INSAIT's technological expertise could significantly contribute to the modernization of Bulgaria's defense systems and the Ministry of Defense's capabilities.
Farmers risk losing up to 100% of subsidies if workers' rights are violated
The largest labor-related sanction in Bulgaria's economy takes effect starting this week: in addition to standard legal fines, agricultural producers will face reductions or complete withdrawal of direct subsidies if their workers' rights are violated.
This key change affects an annual aid package of 1.6 billion levs, with penalties starting at 3% for a single violation, increasing to 10% and 15% for repeated offenses, and up to full suspension of subsidies for severe cases.
These rules, part of the Ministry of Agriculture's proposed social conditions framework, were mandated by the European Commission to be adopted by the start of 2025. Currently under public consultation until February 3, the regulations are expected to be retroactively applied to all violations occurring after January 1, 2025.
Budget Committee supports extension of 2024 budget
The Budget Committee has unanimously approved the interim government's proposal to regulate state revenues and expenditures until the 2024 budget is formally passed.
