According to the Global Competitiveness Yearbook 2024 of the Institute for Management Development (IMD, Switzerland), published on 18 June 2024, in 2024, Bulgaria’s rank fell down a place to 58th out of 67 countries, demonstrating the country’s continuing competitiveness stagnation since 2021. The country’s ranking deteriorated 10 positions compared to 2020, and 20 positions compared to 2009. The Center for the Study of Democracy is the official partner for Bulgaria of the IMD World Competitiveness Center.
Major challenges and opportunities for improving Bulgaria’s competitiveness in 2024
• Persistent political instability, weak rule of law, and endemic corruption.
• Delayed Eurozone entry and risk of loss of EU funds.
• Deteriorating business climate: low competitiveness and productivity, substantial informal economy, and on the FATF grey list.
• Continuing population decline, a tight labor market, and deficiencies in infrastructure.
• Deepening socio-economic inequalities.
