European Central Bank

Greece is leading the way in plastic money transactions as Greeks use plastic money for 7 out of 10 transactions, according to European Central Bank statistics for the second half of 2023.

On July 6, 2024, direct flights from Varna to Frankfurt of the Bulgarian national airline were launched, and the airport in the sea capital solemnly welcomed the first arriving passengers from the German city. With this new seasonal destination, Bulgaria Air expands its portfolio and offers new opportunities for transport connectivity and development of Northeastern Bulgaria.

Bulgaria is unlikely to join the Eurozone in the next two years, according to economist Prof. Krasen Stanchev, founder of the Institute for Market Economy. He explained on bTV's morning program "This Sunday" that the decision is made not by the European Commission or the European Central Bank, but by a qualified majority of Eurozone member countries.

All the scenarios for the next day of France’s parliamentary elections are on the table at the ECB’s iconic tower in Frankfurt.

Members of the European Central Bank (ECB) expressed confidence that inflation across the Eurozone would continue to decline, though concerns lingered following last month's rate cut amid unexpected economic setbacks, according to minutes from the ECB's latest meeting published by Reuters on Thursday.

The Standard & Poor’s on Thursday (4/7) upgraded the ratings for Greek banks, but did not assign an investment grade to the country’s credit institutions, citing their improving numbers and the upward trend in the Greek economy.

The anticipation of more interest rate cuts by the European Central Bank appears to have boosted stocks at the local bourse on Thursday, on a day with the lowest turnover in 2024, owing to the holiday in the US. Banks outperformed and remained the market's driver, though this time the rise was universal among the various sectors of listed companies.

Recent data on inflation and economic expansion strengthen arguments for additional interest rate cuts by the European Central Bank, with two more this year, according to statements by Board member and Bank of Greece Governor Giannis Stournaras to Bloomberg.

The eurozone's annual rate of inflation cooled in June in line with analysts' expectations thanks to a slowdown in food and energy price rises, official data showed .

The European Central Bank will welcome the slowdown in inflation again but the rate has remained stubbornly above the Frankfurt-based body's 2 percent target.

Bank lending in the Eurozone saw a slight increase of 0.3% in May, as reported by a study from the European Central Bank.

This growth follows several months of low levels attributed to record-high interest rates, which likely deterred both lenders and borrowers, according to BNR.