The Council of Ministers has approved the draft state budget for 2026, with Finance Minister Galab Donev saying the proposal now moves to the National Assembly for detailed debate and amendments, where he expects “serious, responsible and meaningful work” on its final shape.
Presenting the main parameters after the cabinet meeting, Donev said discussions with social partners highlighted the need for clearer breakdowns of operating and capital expenditures, which have become a focal point of political and public scrutiny.
Operating (maintenance) expenditures for 2026 are set to increase by more than EUR 1.03–1.34 billion compared to the 2025 budget, depending on calculation frameworks, with the rise driven by both European and national financing. Of this increase, hundreds of millions come from EU funds, while the rest is covered by the national budget.
A significant share of the additional spending is allocated to previously committed or unavoidable costs. These include funds linked to elections, major public events, infrastructure obligations, and arrears from earlier years. The package also covers payments connected to road maintenance, court settlements, and delayed contractual obligations, some of which include interest and legal costs.
