Overview of New Bulgarian Housing Strategy
Bulgaria’s government, represented by Regional Development and Public Works Minister Nikolay Naydenov, announced the development of a new national housing strategy focused on social housing and the improvement of informal settlements. The initiative was presented during a bilateral meeting in Bucharest with Romanian officials, highlighting a collaborative approach to addressing housing challenges in the region.
Key Data on Housing Challenges
The meeting referenced Romania’s experience, noting that over 96 % of its housing stock is privately owned and that the European Affordable Housing Plan will fund social housing projects for vulnerable groups, including the elderly. Romania estimates around 72 000 residents live in informal settlements, a figure likely underreported. In Bulgaria, more than 200 000 illegal properties have been identified, predominantly in Roma‑populated neighbourhoods, underscoring the scale of the issue.
Cross‑Border Cooperation and Expertise Sharing
Romanian Minister of Development, Public Works and Administration Attila Cseke emphasized the need for state‑led social housing programmes, while Bulgarian officials exchanged best practices on regulating informal settlements. The dialogue aimed to leverage Romania’s decade‑long legal reforms and its National Housing Strategy (2021‑2050) as a model for Bulgaria’s forthcoming policy framework.
Sustainable Housing Objectives
The Bulgarian strategy will integrate socio‑economic, statistical, territorial and sociological data to target marginalised settlements. It seeks to enhance living conditions, promote urban planning, and provide basic infrastructure, aligning with broader European sustainability goals for affordable, inclusive housing.
Funding and Project Initiatives
Romania’s Housing and Social Inclusion Programme (2021‑2027) allocates EUR 500 million for housing renovation, modernisation and settlement regularisation. While specific Bulgarian funding details were not disclosed, the strategy is expected to draw on European Union support mechanisms similar to those used in Romania.
Local Implementation: Home Equals Project
Habitat Bulgaria’s “Home Equals” project exemplifies grassroots action, aiming to improve housing in Roma neighbourhoods through concrete urban‑planning steps and infrastructure provision. The project forms part of a wider global campaign to enhance living standards in informal settlements and influence national policy.
Institutional Context and Publication
The information originates from a news article published by BTA (Bulgarian News Agency), authored by journalist Filip Pavlov. The article reflects official statements and provides a snapshot of ongoing policy development in the Balkans, relevant to stakeholders interested in sustainable, socially inclusive housing across Europe.