A narrow miss for Bulgaria's inflation target
The latest data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI) shows that Bulgaria narrowly misses the Maastricht inflation criteria, unless an exception can be granted. In January 2025, Bulgaria's Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) rose to 3.8%, placing its 12-month average inflation at 2.6%, that's 0.03 percentage points above the allowed threshold.
Previous assessments by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Commission (EC) have granted Bulgaria an exception, making it likely that this will happen again. Meanwhile, attention is shifting toward the government's budget plans and whether they will ensure Bulgaria keeps its deficit within the 3% limit in the coming years.
Chance for Bulgarian gas to show its worth
Bulgaria has the potential to become a key regional energy player by supplying natural gas through the Trans-Balkan pipeline and electricity from the Kozloduy nuclear plant via Romania's power grid. Energy experts in Moldova, including a deputy minister and a former advisor to President Maia Sandu, agree that affordable prices and available capacity are crucial for energy security.With Moldova facing an energy crisis due to Russia's gas cut-off and Transnistria's reliance on unpaid Russian gas, Bulgarian gas supplies could serve as a "golden energy reserve" for the country. Meanwhile, Eastern Europe is balancing energy support for both Moldova and wartime Ukraine, driving up market prices across the region.
AI role not just a dream
Meta's planned AI computing center, Sucre, will span over 900 hectares and require more than 2 GW of electricity-comparable to a nuclear power plant or the consumption of 1.5 million households. As AI infrastructure expands globally, Bulgaria aims to position itself as an attractive destination by offering secure and affordable nuclear energy for data centers.The Bulgarian Ministry of Energy has announced plans for a roadshow to attract such investments, while the European Commission has pledged 200 billion euro toward AI, including significant funding for physical infrastructure. Though competition is fierce and Bulgaria has previously lost data center bids to Greece, the country still holds strategic advantages in energy, climate, and geography that could help secure a major AI investment.
A narrow miss for Bulgaria's inflation target
The latest data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI) shows that Bulgaria narrowly misses the Maastricht inflation criteria, unless an exception can be granted. In January 2025, Bulgaria's Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) rose to 3.8%, placing its 12-month average inflation at 2.6%, that's 0.03 percentage points above the allowed threshold.
