Bulgaria ’s economy expanded by 3.1% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, placing the country fifth in the European Union in terms of economic growth , according to data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI). Around 3.5 million people were employed during the period, NSI deputy chairman Dr. Svilen Kolev said in an interview with NOVA NEWS. Kolev noted that the revised figures indicate stronger growth than initially estimated, following the arrival of updated sectoral data. He