In 2025, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) invested EUR 295 million in 17 projects in Bulgaria. This represents an increase on the EUR 272 million invested in 2024 and is significantly higher than the average annual amount invested over the previous five years, according to the international financial institution. In a statement, the EBRD said that these results highlight the bank's significant contribution to the Bulgarian economy, particularly in supporting the green transition led by the private sector and in providing risk and growth capital.
In 2025, 88% of investment in Bulgaria was directed towards reducing the impact of human activity on the climate for the purposes of energy transition and sustainable infrastructure. The projects signed in 2025 are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 552,816 tonnes per year. The EBRD's investments include battery energy storage systems and photovoltaic parks.
The EBRD states that it is strongly committed to supporting the private sector, with all new investments targeting private clients, and 98% of its active portfolio in Bulgaria focused on businesses. A total of 30% of the active portfolio in Bulgaria is invested in shares and local equity funds across a range of sectors. A further EUR 33.4 million was invested in equity and venture capital in 2025, primarily through regional funds. According to the EBRD, this has strengthened Bulgaria's innovation capacity, market competitiveness, and growth opportunities.
"Bulgaria's economy continued to show resilience and ambition in 2025, and the EBRD's investment results reflect the country's accelerating transition to a greener, more competitive and innovation-driven economy", said Manuela Nessel, EBRD Country Manager for Bulgaria.