Draft budget proposes freezing top pensions and benefits
The government has proposed an increase in the maximum social security income, but a freeze on the maximum pension in its medium-term budget forecast until 2028. All benefits are also frozen - for unemployment, raising a child of up to 2 years old, and maternity benefits. Pension contributions will begin to increase from 2027.
In 2025 and 2026 the amount of the social security contribution to the Pensions Fund of the State Social Security (SSS) will remain at the level of 2024, but will increase thereafter.
Earlier today ex-finance minister Assen Vassilev commented on the budget draft, claiming that it contained "a whole lot of nonsense" and would ultimately prevent Bulgaria's entry into the Eurozone.
Bulgaria takes part in NATO Steadfast Dart rapid deployment in Romania
NATO has begun Steadfast Dart 2025 military exercises in Romania with the participation of Bulgaria, France, Greece, Italy, Romania, Spain, Slovenia, Turkey and the United Kingdom, Reuters reported. A total of 10,000 soldiers will participate, including some from Bulgaria.
The exercises, designed to demonstrate the alliance's ability to quickly deploy troops from Europe on the eastern flank, are the first large-scale deployment of NATO's allied response forces.
The exercises should ensure, in no more than 10 days that, if there is an outbreak of conflict, they can provide force, fire and effect, also known as the three Fs.
PM Zhelyazkov to participate in 2nd exceptional meeting on Ukraine
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov will participate in the second meeting discussing the future of Ukraine, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. Bulgaria has received an invitation from the Elysee Palace to participate in the meeting, which is scheduled to take place later today, the government press service announced.
Representatives of Norway, Canada, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Romania, Finland, Sweden and Belgium will also attend. Zhelyazkov will participate in the conversation via video conference. The first meeting on Ukraine, initiated by Macron, took place on Monday and was attended by the leaders of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, Italy, Spain and Denmark, with Denmark also representing the Baltic and Scandinavian countries.
