On 3 July 2025, the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA) hosted a work meeting with Mr François de Ricolfi, Head of the Regional Economic Service of France in Athens, which regulates the economic cooperation with Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Greece and Cyprus. Ms Tatyana Markova, Economic Attaché at the Economic Service of the French Embassy in Sofia, also took part. The BIA was represented by its Vice-Presidents Stanislav Popdonchev and Maria Mincheva.
The participants reported positive effects from Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area, including much easier business and tourist travel, shorter delivery times and greater efficiency in logistics chains. Improved connectivity was identified as an important factor in facilitating business transactions between Bulgaria and its EU partners and in enhancing the country’s attractiveness as an investment destination.
In relation with the forthcoming adoption of the euro, the meeting covered several economic topics, including:
- elimination of currency risk in transactions between Bulgaria and the eurozone;
- optimisation of currency-exchange costs;
- easier access to European financing and greater credit stability;
- a stronger investment climate and heightened confidence among international partners.
The effects of the currency change on French investors in Bulgaria were also discussed, with participants highlighting the importance of financial and institutional stability for sustainable economic development.
Another key focus was the impact of high energy costs on production and the competitiveness of enterprises.
The meeting also addressed one of the most serious long-term threats to the economy—the demographic crisis. Possible approaches to overcome labour shortages included:
- streamlined procedures for attracting foreign workers;
- active policies to encourage Bulgarians abroad to return;
- closer cooperation between education and business to develop the key skills demanded by the labour market.
