Bilateral Chambers’ Position Against Anti Market Economy Legislation

The position is addressed to the President of the National Assembly – H.E. Raya Nazaryan, all chairmen of the parliamentary groups and all members of the 51st Parliament, as well as to the future members of the 52nd Parliament. The position calls for an end to attempts to push through legislative measures directed against the principles of the market economy, as well as proposals for amendments and supplements to existing legislation or proposals for new laws that are not based on legal justification.

The position was signed by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria, Bulgarian-Swiss Chamber of Commerce, German-Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, CCI France Bulgarie, Confindustria Bulgaria, Camera di Commercio Italiana in Bulgaria, British Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, Bulgarian-Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce, Association Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria, and the Bulgarian-Spanish Chamber of Commerce.

You can read the full position of the bilateral chambers below.

This December the signature urban space in the capital city, popular under the name „Small Five Corners“, became special again. On the eve of Christmas holidays UBB and Mastercard transformed the intersection of the 6-ti Septemvri, Han Krum and Neofit Rilski Streets, thus carrying residents and visitors into the fairy world of water. The topic of the fifth edition of Christmas at the Small 5 initiative, was inspired by the new long-term VODIM programme, which the international card operator and the biggest bank in terms of assets realize in support of Bulgaria’s water resources and nature. The Christmas decoration, the micro events and thematic corners during the festival had as their emphasis ice and glaciers, thus properly waving goodbye to the year 2025, announced by the United Nations as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation.

The one-day urban festival on Sunday, 7^th December, was launched at 12.00 o’clock with musical performances that continued throughout the day and triggered festive mood with children and adults. Themed food, drinks, including a specially built Vodim ice bar, children’s scientific class, workshops, charity bazaar with a focus on nature and biodiversity and various workshops added to the atmosphere, enjoyed by thousands of people who gave preference to this destination for their Sunday walk.  

The event climax was the turning on of the Christmas decoration lights. It was made at 05.00 P.M. by Christof De Mil, Chief Executive Officer of UBB and Traycho Traykov, Mayor of Sredets Administrative Region in the capital city. Christof De Mil was applauded by the crowd of people when he greeted them in Bulgarian language. In his speech he emphasized on the importance of water and on the responsibility we all have to preserve it. The leader of the biggest banking and insurance group in Bulgaria wished everybody happy and warm holidays, Christmas spirit, health and prosperity. 

The VODIM programme is a long-term initiative of UBB and Mastercard, dedicated to the quality of water from spring to tap. It was launched in the autumn of 2025 with the installation of water purification dispensers at five schools in Sofia and the restoration and building of three fountains with wetlands in Vitosha Nature Park. Plans are to increase the number of dispensers and renovated fountains over the next years, as alongside with that, new lines of activity to be also developed, among which cleaning of plastic waste along the seacoast and at other water sources, mapping, cleaning and socializing the waterfalls in Bulgaria and others

The programme highlights involved the screening of the Expedition Antarctica film by Zhivko Konstantinov and the meeting with scientists from the Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition, as well as the educational exhibition VODIM and the stall of the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation at the charity bazaar. Christmas at the Small 5 initiative is being realized with the support of Mastercard and UBB, and with that of citizens, local businesses, the Small 5 community, the team of Imp-Act Agency, Sofia Municipality and Sredets Administrative Region. This event is part of Sofia Municipality’s 2025 Cultural Events Calendar.

During the festival presentations were also made of the environmental projects of the UBB Choose to Help donorship programme, as visitors could make a donation at both a POS terminal, as well as in a dedicated donation box. The external donorship campaign will continue until 31.12.2025, and after that the donations, raised through the internal campaign, multiplied by the additional bonus from UBB for every single donation and by adding to that the funds, raised through the external donorship campaign, will be provided to 20 organizations, to support the realization of their projects in the field of healthcare, social activities, culture and education and preservation of the environment. 

M3 Communications Group, Inc. wishes all BBCC Members an inspiring 2026 and is pleased to present an exclusive opportunity for you:

• 25% discount on all our services – PR, digital marketing, web development, business training, media analysis, and event management.
• One free video production for your business.

It would be a pleasure to work and achieve success together!

You can reach out to M3 Communications Team’s via mainoffice@m3bg.com or www.m3bg.com

PwC’s Academy is happy to announce the upcoming Project Management training programs for Spring 2026. PwC’s Academy invites members to develop advanced skills and gain globally recognised certification in the project management field. Their portfolio covers:

PRINCE2® Practitioner (11 – 12 February 2026) 
An advanced, practice‑oriented training that helps participants apply PRINCE2® techniques to real‑life projects across different contexts.

Green Project Management GPM‑b™ (23 February, 2 & 4 March 2026) 
A sustainability‑focused programme that integrates ESG principles into project lifecycles and prepares participants for the GPM‑b™ certification.

PRINCE2® Foundation (2 – 4 March 2026) 
An introductory programme that teaches the core principles, themes, and processes of the world’s most widely used project management methodology.

PMP® Exam Preparation (18 – 22 May 2026)  
An intensive and interactive programme designed to equip experienced professionals with the knowledge and techniques needed to pass the PMP® certification exam.

CAPM® (22 – 25 June 2026) 
An entry‑level certification course ideal for individuals starting in project management and looking to develop a solid foundation in PM principles.

PwC’s Academy is looking forward to supporting your professional development this spring! 

You can learn more about PwC’s Academy project management programs here: https://www.pwc.bg/en/pwc-academy/portfolio/project-management.html  

You can also contact PwC’s Academy team for additional information at bg_pwcacademy@pwc.com

The beginning of the year is the moment when the tone of team motivation and key future goals are set.

Bulgaria is now part of the Eurozone – a change that brings new opportunities for your business and makes organizing corporate events even more convenient. The single currency removes currency restrictions and makes financial processes transparent and secure, so you can focus on what matters most: impressive events that reflect your business goals and values.

Take advantage of the best conditions until January 30, 2026 for your corporate events and ensure the perfect organization today.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3IDmAOq

Axiom is beginning the year with a promise: international health protection should be accessible, reliable, and designed around real human needs. 

That’s why, from 1^st  February 2026, Axiom Insurance Company is introducing new, lower premiums for AxiHealth Global— their most comprehensive international health insurance solution. 

AxiHealth Global is reinsured by AXA, one of the world’s largest and most trusted international insurance groups. This collaboration ensures that every policyholder benefits from AXA’s global expertise, financial strength, and long-standing reputation for excellence in healthcare services. The partnership reinforces the product’s reliability and guarantees access to high-quality medical care across the globe.

AxiHealth Global – Because Your Life Doesn’t Fit Within One Border

Today, people move freely — for work, for family, for opportunity, for adventure. Healthcare should move with them. AxiHealth Global is built for exactly this world: a world where your wellbeing deserves protection wherever life takes you.

This is more than insurance. It’s confidence. It’s freedom. It’s knowing that no matter where you are, you’re never alone in a moment of need.

Comprehensive Coverage, Tailored to Your Life

AxiHealth Global offers three flexible plan levels — Essential, Priority, and Premium — with annual limits from €250,000 to €1 million. Each plan is designed to support you through both everyday medical needs and life’s most challenging moments.

Coverage includes:

• Hospital and day-patient treatment
• Cancer care and advanced diagnostics (CT, MRI, PET)
• Specialist consultations and physiotherapy
• Organ transplants and reconstructive surgery
• Emergency medical assistance worldwide
• Congenital conditions, medical aids, and durable equipment

Care That Travels With You

With access to a global network of over 1.9 million healthcare providers, AxiHealth Global ensures you receive high-quality care wherever you go. Direct billing options and fast reimbursements through the MyAxiom e-platform make the experience smooth and stress-free.

Now Even More Affordable

Axiom’s updated pricing reflects their commitment to making premium international health insurance accessible to more people — without compromising on coverage, service, or global reach.

For more information and quotes please contact Kristian Stoyanov, Axiom’s International Project Manager at kristian.stoyanov@axiom.bg or upload your request through the contact form on Axiom’s corporate website.

The Bulgarian Development Bank (BDB) and United Bulgarian Bank (UBB) have concluded a funding agreement of value EUR 100 million. Through this Agreement both institutions affirm their strategic partnership and their commitment to the sustainable development of the banking and financial sector in Bulgaria.

The Agreement has been concluded in compliance with the Republic of Bulgaria’s 2025 State Budget Act and is within the maximum amount of state guarantees that can be provided pursuant to the BDB Act.

The loan, provided by UBB to the BDB, supports the implementation of the National Energy Efficiency Programme for Multi-family Residential Buildings (2025-2029), as well as the Investment programme for municipal projects, upon strict observance of the applicable legislation in the state aid domain.

„For UBB the partnership under this programme is an important element of the Bank’s strategy for developing a sustainable, energy-efficient environment and for realizing important municipal projects, that will result in improvement of the life of Bulgarian citizens“, shared Dobromir Dobrev, Executive Director Corporate Banking and Markets at UBB.

„This Agreement is an important step in expanding our partnership with UBB and in supporting of top priority programmes at country level that trigger long-term economic and social effect “, commented Tsanko Aranadzhiev, Executive Director at the Bulgarian Development Bank.

This document is part of the consistent efforts of the BDB and UBB for improving the social and economic environment in Bulgaria. In December the two banks signed a Guarantee Agreement under the InvestEU programme of value exceeding EUR 335 million for funding of SMEs and sustainable investments.

Responding to the latest GDP data, published by the Office for National Statistics this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

“Better than expected GDP data suggests the impact of pre-Budget jitters among businesses may have been less than predicted. Firms will welcome confirmation that the economy bounced back to growth of 0.3% in November itself, with the more reliable three-month average showing more modest growth of 0.1%.  

“The reality of the Chancellor’s statement, when it came, was no significant new taxes for firms, but a lack of game changing measures to properly kickstart the economy. Firms are telling us they’re still cautious about investing and recruiting, meaning growth will stay limited for the foreseeable.  

“Our latest economic forecast suggests a challenging year ahead for businesses, with a projected expansion in GDP of just 1.2%. Businesses are ambitious to drive forward better growth, but they need help.  

“2026 must be a year of delivery on growth, with government and business working in partnership. That means action from policymakers on igniting investment, powering productivity and transforming trade.” 

Source: British Chambers of Commerce

Just a step away from the slopes, cozy accommodation, evenings with live music, signature cocktails, children’s animation and everything you need for a complete vacation. After a day on the slopes, SPA relaxation, après-ski parties with DJs, panoramic views and entertainment for the whole family await you. Here, winter is not just a season, but an experience to remember. Discover more and book with preferential conditions directly at https://www.rilaborovets.com/bg/special-offers/winter-ski-holiday-2026-at-the-heart-of-borovets.

NetIX today announced the addition of the Equinix Singapore Internet Exchange to its Global Internet Exchange (GIX) service, further strengthening its footprint across the Asia-Pacific region. The new Internet Exchange Point is located in Equinix SG1, one of the most important connectivity hubs in Southeast Asia.

With this expansion, all existing members can now access Equinix Singapore as part of the GIX service. NetIX’s GIX peering ecosystem is unique in the industry, allowing networks to tap into the power of global connectivity with unmatched efficiency. NetIX blends the traffic of its 50+ connected IXPs together and delivers all these routes via one cross-connect and one port to the members’ networks. 

Networks can leverage their current NetIX point of presence to extend connectivity directly into Singapore and then utilise the GIX service to reach a broad ecosystem of networks across the APAC region, without the need to deploy additional infrastructure locally. This innovation has already earned NetIX several prestigious awards, including Capacity Media’s Global Connectivity Award of Best Internet Exchange Point, highlighting its impact on the global telecommunications landscape. 

The addition of Equinix Singapore enables customers to build out comprehensive APAC connectivity through a single platform, combining transport, peering, and access to a dense regional network community. This approach allows networks to simplify their architecture while benefiting from improved latency, enhanced routing efficiency, and greater control over traffic flows across the region.

Dean Belev, Vice President of Connectivity at NetIX, said the expansion reflects growing customer demand for high-performance connectivity into Asia. “By adding Equinix Singapore to our GIX service, we are enabling networks to significantly reduce latency to key APAC destinations while improving overall network performance and resilience. Using the NetIX global backbone, our customers can optimise traffic paths, enhance end-user experience, and scale their presence across Asia quickly and efficiently, without the need to deploy additional expensive infrastructure.”

The new Internet Exchange in Singapore is available immediately to all NetIX GIX members.