Greek – Bulgarian Forum – 16.02.2026

Bulgaria and Greece Strengthen Economic Cooperation with a Successful Bilateral Forum in Sofia

On 16–17 February 2026, Sofia hosted a significant bilateral business forum, held at the Sofia Balkan Palace. The event brought together more than 40 Greek business representatives and nearly 180 Bulgarian companies, including industrial and business organizations, ports, local authorities, universities, and academic institutions from both countries.

The Bulgarian-Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry was responsible for the business segment of the forum and organized the meetings between company representatives. With the active support of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a dedicated registration link was created by the Chamber’s team, through which both organizations invited their members from Bulgaria and Greece to participate. The level of interest was exceptionally high, and participation was both active and substantive.

The overall organization of the event was carried out by the Embassy and the Greek Ministry, ensuring a high institutional level and excellent coordination among all participants.

In keeping with our tradition, we invited students from various universities to undertake internships with us and experience the inspiring atmosphere of international dialogue. The young participants provided invaluable support with their energy, commitment, and professionalism, for which we extend our sincere gratitude.

The forum generated wide media interest, with more than twenty articles already published in Bulgarian and Greek media outlets, offering comprehensive coverage of its various aspects.

We thank all partners, participants, and friends who supported this initiative. I am pleased that we shared this experience and took another important step toward closer cooperation between Bulgaria and Greece.

The forum formed part of the official visit of the Greek delegation led by Konstantinos Gkioulekas, Deputy Minister of Interior of Greece responsible for Macedonia and Thrace. The visit placed particular emphasis on expanding bilateral trade relations, encouraging investment, and creating new business networks between Bulgaria and Greece.

“We see our future together with yours, and we would like to explore what we can build jointly,” Mr. Gkioulekas stated. He underlined that the intensive exchanges between the citizens of both countries—including travel and youth education—constitute a “bridge of friendship and cooperation” that should continue to be strengthened.

Participants and Institutional Representation

From the Greek side, the delegation included:

• Presidents and representatives of the Association of Exporters in Northern Greece, the Association of Greek Industrialists, the Ports of Thessaloniki, Kavala and Alexandroupolis, Enterprise Greece, the three business chambers of Thessaloniki, the Greek Association of IT Companies, and the Thessaloniki International Fair.
• The Regional Governors of Central, Western, and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
• Mayors and municipal representatives from Northern Greece.
• The leadership of five universities in Northern Greece: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University of Macedonia, Democritus University of Thrace, University of Western Macedonia, and the International Hellenic University.

From the Bulgarian side, participants included:

• Representatives of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Association of Industrial Capital in Bulgaria, regional industrial associations in Haskovo and Kardzhali, the National Association of Grain Producers, the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science, the National Association of Bulgarian Freight Forwarders, the Port of Ruse, the Greek Business Council in Bulgaria, and the Bulgarian-Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
• More than 180 Bulgarian business leaders, including representatives of regional chambers of commerce, sectoral organizations, and logistics companies.

The forum featured numerous bilateral discussions, thematic panels, and meetings, enabling participants to establish sustainable contacts and partnerships.

Cultural and Social Dimension

At the invitation of the organizers, representatives of the Association of Karakachans attended the event and presented the Bulgarian Minister of Regional Development with books dedicated to their cultural and historical identity, symbolizing the deepening friendship between the two countries.

Strategic Priorities

Ivan Ivanov, outgoing Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, emphasized that accelerating infrastructure projects and strengthening coordination between Bulgaria and Greece is a shared responsibility with tangible benefits for both business and society. Key infrastructure projects include:

• The North–South transport axis, including the Struma Motorway and connections to border checkpoints with Greece.
• The modernization of routes via Makaza, Zlatograd, and Ilinden, which are of strategic importance for the Rhodope region and Northern Greece.
• The newly opened Rudozem–Xanthi border crossing, expected to stimulate tourism and trade.

The forum also highlighted the INTERREG cross-border cooperation programme, which supports the development of public services, tourism, and the green transition. Approximately 80% of its €84 million budget has already been activated.

Economic Outlook and Investment

Tsvetan Simeonov, President of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted that:

• Direct Greek investments in Bulgaria are a strong signal of confidence. More than 3,000 Greek companies are registered in Bulgaria, around 900 of which are members of the Chamber with 100% Greek capital.
• Bulgarian investments in Northern Greece are increasing, including through property renovation and enhanced tourism exchange.
• The development of logistics along the North–South axis and the Black Sea region is key to business competitiveness.

Metodi Metodiev, outgoing Deputy Minister of Finance, stated that Bulgaria’s full integration into Schengen and the euro area will further accelerate bilateral trade and investment. In 2025, the number of Bulgarians visiting Greece increased by 24.5%, while Greek visitors to Bulgaria rose by approximately 10%.

Future Initiatives

• On 14 March, an international forum will be held in Thessaloniki with the participation of ports from Bulgaria and Greece.
• From 1 to 5 June in Sofia, the Bulgarian-Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry will co-organize Green Transition Forum 6.0, featuring B2B meetings for the private sectors of Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania.

The forum in Sofia demonstrated a clear strategic vision for long-term economic and infrastructure cooperation between Bulgaria and Greece. The strong presence of business leaders and institutions, the signed memoranda, and the exchange of expertise show that the two countries are not only strengthening existing ties but also building new bridges for investment, innovation, and regional growth.