editorial partner Liberte! Friedrich Naumann Foundation

IME

ABOUT IME
IME is the first and oldest independent economic policy think tank in Bulgaria. Its mission is to elaborate and advocate market-based solutions to challenges citizens of Bulgaria and the region face in reforms.
The Benefits of Modern Retail in Bulgaria: A Fact-Based Study
Economy
The Benefits of Modern Retail in Bulgaria: A Fact-Based Study
The objective of the study \"The Seen and the Unseen Effects of the Entry of Modern Retail1 in Bulgaria: Facts Against Myths\" is to examine a number of popular claims that have been circulating in the media, and public debates. They often become grounds for political action and even legislative initiatives against modern retail formats.
Regional Differences in Bulgaria and the EU Countries
Economy
Regional Differences in Bulgaria and the EU Countries
Bulgaria is by far not the only country where regional differences are not only significant, but are also becoming greater. There are basically no countries which manage to simultaneously increase the wealth in their poorest and richest regions, while at the same time achieving a meaningful internal convergence.
“My Taxes” Now Available in English
Think Tank News
“My Taxes” Now Available in English
In October 2016, IME together with FNF launched \"My taxes\" – a specialized online personal tax calculator, which can be accessed at the kolkodavam.bg website. The name “kolkodavam.bg” translates to “How much do I give?”. We are happy to announce that the website is already available in English.
Exploring the Financial State of Bulgarian SOEs
Economy
Exploring the Financial State of Bulgarian SOEs
State-owned enterprises (SOEs) are a very important part of the Bulgarian economy. Their revenue in 2015 equals 13% of GDP, but even that number underestimates their economic impact. The data show that the financial position of SOEs as a whole has remained bad in recent years.
REVIEW #5: The Digital Side of Bulgaria
Review #5
REVIEW #5: The Digital Side of Bulgaria
If ever there was an example of an unregulated free market approach to the development of a new type of social relations in Bulgaria – it is the spread of the Internet in the country. Bulgaria currently has one of the most developed broadband infrastructures in the EU and frequently makes it in the top 10 of various global connectivity speed rankings.
The Discredited Decentralization
Economy
The Discredited Decentralization
Just a year after the topic of fiscal decentralization briefly entered the public debate in Bulgaria, the political volition for taking actual steps in this direction seems exhausted. The government stifles to a large extent the initiative of local authorities.
Clientelism and Inequality in Bulgaria
Economy
Clientelism and Inequality in Bulgaria
There is a profound feeling of injustice rooted deep in the Bulgarian society. This can be clearly seen in international studies that cover topics such as trust in institutions and the rule of law. The same feeling of injustice is responsible for the widespread negative public perceptions towards Bulgarian entrepreneurs.
How Bulgaria’s Fiscal Position Went All Wrong
Economy
How Bulgaria’s Fiscal Position Went All Wrong
Although Bulgaria has officially been in a budgetary consolidation phase during the entire 2013-2015 period, public expenditure went out of control on several occasions. Yet again the newly presented medium-term budget framework provides for decreasing deficits, while current expenditures (and thus deficits) are being hiked.