Bulgaria’s currency board arrangement continues to have broad political and public support and shows no signs of strain, as interest rates are low and stable, fiscal reserves ample, and banks liquid. A structural reform agenda has also been implemented. The authorities have improved banking...

This paper evaluates Bulgaria’s Request for Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). Macroeconomic developments remain broadly favorable, although a rise in the external current account deficit is a concern. Real GDP growth is estimated to have moderated to about 41⁄2 percent in 2001. The authorities...

The extensive growth model introduced under central planning in the 1950s resulted in rapid industrialization and initially high growth. The efforts to bring the banking system on a sound footing following the 1996–97 crises have hardened budget constraints, but they have yet to result in a...

This paper presents key findings of Bulgaria’s Financial System Stability Assessment, including Reports on the Observance of Standards and Codes on Monetary and Financial Policy Transparency, Banking Supervision, Securities Regulation, Insurance Regulation, and Payment Systems. Bulgaria’s...

This paper examines Bulgaria’s Second Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) and a Request for Waiver of Applicability of Performance Criteria. Over the last six-month period, Bulgaria’s macroeconomic stability has strengthened further. However, political pressures have made it more...