World Bank Raises Bulgaria's 2025 GDP Growth Forecast to 3%

World Bank Upgrades Bulgaria's Economic Outlook

The World Bank has significantly raised its projection for Bulgaria's gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2025, now forecasting an expansion of 3%. This marks a notable one-percentage-point increase from the institution's previous forecast issued in June 2025. The revised figures were published on October 7, 2025, as part of the 'Jobs and Prosperity: Autumn 2025 Economic Update for Europe and Central Asia' report.

Details of the Revised Forecast

According to the latest report, the World Bank's updated outlook extends beyond 2025, indicating a positive trajectory for the Bulgarian economy. For 2026, the Bank now anticipates Bulgaria's GDP growth to reach 2.9%, which is 0.7 percentage points higher than its June 2025 projection. Furthermore, growth is expected to accelerate to 3.1% in 2027.

The report highlights that while overall economic growth in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region has experienced a slowdown, the region has demonstrated resilience amidst ongoing global and regional challenges. Private consumption continues to be the primary driver of growth across the ECA, although its pace is moderating.

Regional Economic Context

Bulgaria is part of the Central Europe sub-region, which also includes Croatia, Poland, and Romania. This sub-region is projected to experience a gradual economic improvement. The World Bank forecasts growth across these economies to accelerate from 2.4% in 2024 to 2.5% in 2025, further increasing to 2.6% in 2026 and 2.7% in 2027.

These upward revisions for Bulgaria and the broader Central European region suggest a cautiously optimistic economic outlook. This positive sentiment is attributed to factors such as stable demand and ongoing structural adjustments within these economies.

Conclusion

The World Bank's decision to lift Bulgaria's GDP growth forecast for 2025 and subsequent years underscores an improving economic environment for the nation. The revised projections, detailed in the recent 'Jobs and Prosperity' report, provide a more optimistic outlook for Bulgaria's economic performance in the medium term, aligning with broader trends of resilience and gradual improvement observed across Central Europe.