Bulgarian Energy Holding eyes 600 million euros bond to manage debt
Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) plans to return to international debt markets soon to issue at least 600 million euros in bonds to refinance a bond maturing on June 28. Ratings from Moody's (Ba2) and Fitch (BB+) reflect some risk and are below Bulgaria's sovereign rating.
The proceeds will cover debt repayment and corporate needs, excluding coal-related activities. Despite substantial liquidity, BEH faces financial pressure from planned capital expenditures and dividend payouts, possibly requiring further external funding. The company controls around 40% of Bulgaria's energy production and operates the electricity and gas transmission networks.
Sofia debates higher construction fees to fund urban infrastructure
Sofia may raise building permit fees for the first time since 2008, following a proposal by the civic group Spasi Sofia. The group argues the current rates, just 6 to 14 levs per square meter, are outdated and have cost the city more than 10 million levs in lost revenue near major developments like Paradise Mall.
The group's plan proposes doubling the fees based on inflation and creating a dedicated urban development fund to ensure money from developers is reinvested in infrastructure. A competing proposal from Mayor Terziev's team is also on the table, with a vote in the City Council expected this Thursday, although its outcome remains uncertain.
Exports fell sharply by 11.6% in April
Between January and April 2025, Bulgaria exported goods worth nearly 26.5 billion levs, which is 4.8% less compared to the same period in 2024, reported the National Statistical Institute. In April alone, exports decreased by 11.6% year-on-year.
During the first quarter of the year, the value of imports was 33.11 billion levs - 4.8% higher than last year's level. However, in April alone, imports declined by 1% to 8.46 billion levs. Moreover, exports to third countries for the four months fell by 5.7%, while imports from these countries increased by 13.8%.
Bulgarian Energy Holding eyes 600 million euros bond to manage debt
Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) plans to return to international debt markets soon to issue at least 600 million euros in bonds to refinance a bond maturing on June 28. Ratings from Moody's (Ba2) and Fitch (BB+) reflect some risk and are below Bulgaria's sovereign rating.
