In brief
Finance Ministry data shows Bulgaria's consolidated budget deficit at €3.669 billion, 2.8 percent of projected GDP, a rise of roughly €590 million from August. Revenues increased 10.9 % year‑on‑year, largely driven by higher tax and social security collections, while the fiscal reserve remained at €8.478 billion.
On Monday, the Bulgarian Finance Ministry announced that the Consolidated Fiscal Programme deficit for September 2026 stood at €3.669 billion, or 2.8% of projected GDP, according to a statement issued by BTA.
That figure represents a widening of about €590 million from the €3.075 billion shortfall recorded in August, which was 2.4% of projected GDP, the ministry said.
Revenues—including tax receipts, social security contributions and EU grants—rose 10.9% on a year‑on‑year basis, amounting to €33,898.5 million, or 68.3% of the annual estimates. Tax proceeds climbed 9.9% nominally, adding €2,451 million, while grant and donation proceeds grew by €1.502 billion.
Non‑tax revenue, however, fell by €609.3 million compared with September 2025, largely due to lower dividend income from state‑owned enterprises in 2026. Grant and donation proceeds, mainly from EU programmes, totaled €2,646.4 million.
The government’s fiscal reserve at the end of September stood at €8,478 million, comprising €6,565 million in reserve deposits in the Bulgarian National Bank and other banks and €1,912 million in receivables under EU funds for certified expenditures and advance payments, BTA reported.
CFP expenditures for September 2026 reached €37,567 million, or 66.1% of the annual estimates, a significant increase from the €33,650.3 million recorded in the same month last year, the ministry added.
These latest numbers confirm the Government’s preliminary expectations published early in October and underscore the ongoing pressure on Bulgaria’s public finances amid rising social security and pension obligations.
