Bulgaria, 2007 - first half 2008

by Michele Tempera

The entry of Bulgaria in the European Union, on 1 January 2007, has marked an acceleration in the development pace of the nation. Sofia has seen a GDP growth of 6.3% in 2007 and a similar course in the beginning of 2008. Foreign Direct Investments have recently been on the rise, too. Nonetheless the country suffers some structural problems, such as widespread corruption, poverty and unemployment. European Union funds and the context given by the European institutions will be crucial for the process of reform that Bulgaria is going through.

Original title: Bulgaria, analisi congiunturale 2007 - primo semestre 2008