Today (27 March 2026), at the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA), which is the rotating chair of the Association of the Organizations of Bulgarian Employers (AOBE) [1] for 2026, a meeting was held between representatives of AOBE and the GERB party. The meeting is part of a series of discussions with political forces that, according to sociological surveys, have the potential to participate in the next National Assembly.
Representatives of the nationally representative employers’ organizations took part in the meeting: from BIA – the Chair of the Management Board and rotating Chair of AOBE, Dobri Mitrev; from the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association (BICA) – the Chair of the Management Board Rumen Radev and the Executive Director Dobrin Ivanov; from the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) – the Chair of the Management Board Tsvetan Simeonov and Miroslava Markova, Chief Expert “International Cooperation and International Organizations”; from the Confederation of Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria (CEIBG) – the Executive Director Boyan Mitrakiyev. On behalf of GERB, participants included the party leader Boyko Borissov and members of the party leadership Tomislav Donchev, Denitsa Sacheva, Delyan Dobrev, and Vladislav Goranov.
During the meeting, Dobri Mitrev presented the activities, structure, and priorities of AOBE, outlining both the positive achievements and the main challenges facing businesses in Bulgaria. Among the achievements, the Chair of BIA highlighted Bulgaria’s membership in Schengen and the country’s accession to the eurozone. Key challenges identified included fiscal policy, the need to introduce objective criteria for determining the minimum wage, as well as delays and shortcomings in compensation mechanisms for high electricity prices. Emphasis was also placed on high product fees, issues related to extended producer responsibility, high labor costs, and the severe shortage of workforce. The need to facilitate labor mobility and the import of workers from third countries was also underlined. The rotating Chair of AOBE also raised for discussion the challenges stemming from the Clean Industrial Deal and the differences in costs compared to other EU member states, which negatively affect the competitiveness of Bulgarian enterprises.
On behalf of BCCI, Tsvetan Simeonov emphasized the need for accelerated development of e-government, as well as the necessity of effective measures to attract foreign labor, including limiting corrupt practices in consular services. He also addressed issues related to healthcare and the need for stricter control within the system.
Boyan Mitrakiyev from CEIBG raised the issue of the sustainability of the tax system and whether it would remain a priority under a future government.
Rumen Radev from BICA emphasized the importance of stable financial and fiscal discipline, as well as the need for a strategic focus on economic development.
On behalf of GERB, Boyko Borissov expressed agreement with the problems outlined by the business community and stressed the need to build upon existing achievements through clearly defined commitments and active partnership with businesses. He highlighted the potential of industry, particularly the extractive sector, and the need for consolidation between businesses and institutions.
Denitsa Sacheva drew attention to the need to increase public awareness on the topic of multi-funds, emphasizing the role of businesses in conducting information campaigns on this and other current issues.
Tomislav Donchev identified the development of high-tech industries, including artificial intelligence and initiatives such as INSAIT, as a priority.
During the discussion, GERB confirmed its support for a large part of AOBE’s priorities and expressed readiness to work jointly with the business sector for their implementation.
Among the main highlights of the meeting were also the topics of energy, the need to develop energy infrastructure and production capacity, as well as the deepening labor shortage. It was agreed to hold a separate meeting dedicated to the energy sector.
The meeting concluded with a mutual willingness to continue the dialogue and to develop concrete measures in support of the Bulgarian economy.
[1] AOBE unites the nationally representative employers’ organizations BICA, BIA, BCCI, and CEIBG. Its main objective is to consolidate, balance, and represent the interests of its members. Enterprises that are members of AOBE generate 86% of the country’s gross value added and employ 82% of all workers in Bulgaria.
