Elena Yoncheva· NI

Underestimated

Bulgaria's purchasing power is at the bottom of the European Union, at almost one third of that of France and Germany.

Omissions

• The MEP used an outdated or incorrect ratio. The actual ratio is approximately 60-65% (around two-thirds), not one-third.
• Bulgaria is indeed at the bottom of the EU for purchasing power, tied with Greece at 68% of EU average in 2025 preliminary estimates.
• The figure of 'one third' may have been accurate for nominal GDP comparisons in the early 2010s, but purchasing power parity calculations show a smaller gap due to lower price levels in Bulgaria.

Sources

• PrimaryEurostat - Purchasing power parities and GDP per capita preliminary estimate 2025In 2025, GDP per capita in purchasing power standards ranged from 68% of the EU average in Bulgaria and Greece to 239% in Luxembourg.
• PrimaryEurostat - PPPs for GDP per capita in 2025 preliminary estimatesThe lowest level of GDP per capita was registered in Bulgaria and Greece, at 32% below the EU average.