Bulgaria

Opportunities through the EEA Grants

Bulgaria receives EEA Grants. The EEA Grants are Norway's contribution to reducing social and economic disparities in Europe and strengthening cooperation between the beneficiary countries and Norway.

We manage the ‘Green Business Development and Innovation’ programme, which funds collaborative projects between Bulgarian companies and Norwegian partners. A total of EUR 30 million in grants will be awarded to support green and digital innovation, industry and capacity building between 2026 and 2031. Funding will be available through open calls launched from 2026.

All Norwegian organisations, including companies, research institutes, universities, innovation clusters and others, can partner in projects funded by the EEA Grants. The aim is to increase Bulgaria’s competitiveness, with Norwegian partners contributing knowledge, experience and best practice. In return, they receive full funding and opportunities to access markets, build networks, learn, test solutions and achieve shared results.

Market opportunities in Bulgaria

An EU member since 2007, Bulgaria has a stable financial system, a strong credit rating and a competitive business sector. Costs are low, and Bulgaria has a flat corporate and personal income tax rate of 10% – among the lowest in the EU. Its economy is stable and growing. Bulgaria will join the eurozone on 1 January 2026, marking the final step towards full integration with European financial markets.

Information technology

Bulgaria is a hub for information technology and business processes. The country combines a highly educated, multilingual workforce with low operating costs. This attracts both international technology companies and a growing local startup ecosystem. The innovation landscape is developing rapidly in areas such as software development, artificial intelligence, fintech and cybersecurity.

Manufacturing and industry

This remains the backbone of Bulgaria's economy. Bulgaria promotes industrial innovation and sustainable manufacturing methods, including the development of advanced automation, precision machinery and smart devices, as well as a network of innovation clusters, industrial parks and logistics centres.

The automotive industry is one of the country’s strongest and fastest-growing sectors, accounting for around 11% of GDP. Bulgaria has more than 350 companies and 36 R&D centres producing components for some of the world’s leading car manufacturers. Around 80% of the sensors used in European cars are produced in Bulgaria.

The robotics and mechatronics industry

This industry is growing, supported by Bulgaria's strong engineering tradition and an expanding network of innovation and technology centres.