Bulgaria ranked 5th in EU on macroeconomic indicators
Figures released by Bulgarian finance minister Plamen Oresharski show that in the year before European Union accession, the bloc's newest member compared favourably to its new stable mates.
In terms of macroeconomic indicators, Bulgaria ranked an impressive 5th out of the 27 member states in 2006, suggesting shrewd monetary policy and a stable investment environment in the medium-term.
Mr Oresharski also asserted that the country's economy was evolving in its first quarter as an EU member and also noted that last year Bulgaria's VAT collection was 91% successful compared to 80% for the EU, the Sofia Echo reports.
Looking forward, Mr Oresharski suggested that work force dynamics would have an impact on economic growth over the coming decade.
He also noted that Bulgaria's inflation level was the only criterion of joining the eurozone it failed to meet - a problem that will be remedied in the next 3 years.
According to the Sofia Echo, a third of last year's inflation was the result of increased excise duties on alcohol and tobacco, which should be negated this year.
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