When Bulgaria joined the European Union (EU) in 2007, one of the most anticipated benefits was access to EU structural and cohesion funds. These financial instruments were designed to accelerate Bulgaria’s economic transformation by financing large-scale infrastructure projects, regional development, and key sectoral advancements.

Bulgaria’s accession to the European Union (EU) in 2007 was widely seen as an opportunity for rapid economic development, increased foreign investment, and deeper integration into the European market. While the country has experienced economic growth and improved macroeconomic stability, its overall performance has lagged behind other EU entrants like Poland, the Czech Republic, and the Baltic states.