Eastern Balkans in September 2026: the most important developments in economy
The economies of Romania and Bulgaria in September 2026 were shaped by energy, public finances and rising prices.
Bulgaria's battery storage sector paid off as a summer drought hit power plants; the country has built a position as a leader in battery storage. At the same time electricity prices rose 88 percent and the central bank chief warned on 25 September that an energy shock could prolong inflation. The EBRD kept its 2026 growth forecast for Bulgaria at 2.7 percent. Bulgaria recorded the steepest fuel price increases in the EU, with diesel reaching 2 euros, and it is the only EU member facing a new excessive deficit procedure. Its budget deficit reached 2.2 billion euros, pension spending exceeded 8.8 billion euros and unemployment rose to 3.6 percent. Bulgaria's State Reserve replaced all fuel made from Russian oil.
In Romania, nuclear operations were shut down after a Danube drought lowered water levels, and the government drafted a contingency plan to keep the Cernavoda plant safe. ABB was selected to modernise automation at Cernavoda Unit 1, and Romgaz completed its Azomures takeover. The finance minister warned that the 2027 budget faces heavier pressure as EU recovery funding winds down, and Fitch said the prolonged political crisis undermines fiscal consolidation. CEO confidence fell to its lowest level in five years. The competition authority set a fine of 710 million euros on Romanian banks. Construction activity reached a record in July, and renewables supplied 70 percent of electricity in the second quarter. Romania's factory-gate inflation eased to 8.8 percent in July.
Romania also launched a 110 million euro grant scheme for manufacturing, and Banca Transilvania raised 500 million euros through a bond issue. Bulgaria and Romania are to host a European maritime security hub.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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