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NSI publishes data on the economic development of districts in 2022 The unprecedented growth of Stara Zagora, due to the energy crisis and the subsequent increase in demand and prices for electricity produced in the region, as well as the stable development of regions with a strong manufacturing industry, such as Plovdiv and Sofia (region), come to the fore. At the same time, there is a new realignment among the regions with the least development.

In 2024, Bulgaria's economy is expected to grow by nearly BGN 15 billion and reach over BGN 205 billion. This is 7.7% nominal growth, the result of both real growth and inflation. The growth of the economy and inflation also bring more revenues to the state treasury - the revenues of the national budget alone (excluding EU funds) are expected to increase by nearly BGN 5 billion. In recent years, about 42% of the country's economy has been concentrated in Sofia.

Labour demand remains high in 2023, but highly unevenly distributed across regions of the country and occupations.

Investment data by region for 2022 show a serious stirring of regional economies. While total investment, as measured by expenditure on acquisition of tangible fixed assets, is rising in almost the whole country (except in Razgrad district - details below), there are significant differences between districts in external investment. In as many as seven districts, cumulative foreign direct investment declines towards the end of 2022 compared to the end of the previous year - Vidin, Vratsa, Pleven, Silistra, Burgas, Stara Zagora and Blagoevgrad.

Two weeks ago, the IME, in partnership with "24 Chasa", held the first meeting of the local and executive authorities within the "Municipalities - perspective 2027" format. TheIME team presented the latest findings from the research on regional profiles and economic centers in the country, focusing on financial decentralization and the work of local authorities to attract investments. During the event, calculations were also presented on the effects of the possible transfer of 1/5 of the income from the taxation of the income of natural persons to the municipalities

Since 2012, the Institute for Market Economics presents the only study of its scale and depth on the social and economic development of the regions in Bulgaria. The regional profiles are based on 73 indicators representing the real picture in the 28 regions.

Tourism was undoubtedly the sector of the Bulgarian economy most affected by the covid-pandemic and restrictive measures. The suspension of flights, the disappearance of foreigners and the fear of contagion in public places led to an unprecedented decline in tourists, overnight stays and revenue to the extent that years of economic growth in tourist municipalities were erased. The Russian war in Ukraine also had its negative impact. However, indicators for summer 2023 point to an almost complete recovery of pre-crisis levels. Rumors of the death of online short-term rental platforms also appear to be greatly exaggerated.