Media

In Investor.bg, the Institute for Market Economy (IMI), as part of the Epicenter network, presented the Alternative EU Budget proposal, warning that Bulgaria would be negatively affected by the European Commission’s new own resources such as corporate taxation (CORE) and tobacco revenue sharing. The article argues that Bulgaria benefits more from a competitive, dynamic Europe focused on the Single Market than from expanding fiscal centralisation, and supports capping the next Multiannual Financial Framework at around 1% of GNI with deep cuts to inefficient programmes.

In BrusselsReport.eu, Epicenter’s Director Adam Bartha outlined the network’s Alternative EU Budget proposal, arguing for a leaner EU budget capped at 1% of Gross National Income instead of the Commission’s proposed record-high spending. The piece criticises the ever-expanding Multiannual Financial Framework and advocates deep cuts to inefficient programmes such as the Common Agricultural Policy, while prioritising genuine cross-border needs like border protection, single market functioning, and defence.

In Expresso.pt, Epicenter’s analysts presented the network’s bold Alternative EU Budget proposal, challenging the European Commission’s plans for a significantly larger budget by advocating a cap at 1% of Gross National Income. The analysis highlights deep cuts to inefficient spending and a reorientation toward competitiveness and growth, questioning whether EU member states are prepared to move away from ever-expanding budgets toward a leaner, more effective European fiscal framework.

In Expresso.pt, Epicenter’s Adam Bartha analyzed the early steps of Péter Magyar’s government in Hungary, noting its continued reliance on Russian energy and rejection of a fast-track EU accession for Ukraine. He assessed whether this signals a real shift toward free-market reforms or a continuation of pragmatic but interventionist policies that have held back Hungary’s economic performance in recent years.

In Reason.com, Epicenter’s Adam Bartha commented on the defeat of Viktor Orbán and the prospects for free-market reforms under new Prime Minister Péter Magyar. He noted that Hungary has fallen from one of the top post-communist performers to the second-worst EU member due to Orbán’s cronyism and state intervention, and expressed cautious optimism that the new government could shift toward genuine free-market policies, drawing lessons from Poland’s stronger reform record.

In BNR’s Euranet Plus podcast “Evropa Utre”, IME’s experts discussed whether Europe should pursue strategic autonomy or prioritize free trade in its “Made in Europe” strategy. They argued that openness to global trade, deregulation, and competitiveness are essential for Europe’s economic success, rather than protectionist or overly regulatory approaches to achieving autonomy.

In La Stampa, Epicenter’s analysis was referenced in the discussion on Italy’s “parcel tax” and the broader rule of disorder in public administration and legislation. The piece highlighted how fragmented and poorly coordinated rules continue to burden businesses and citizens, calling for deeper deregulation and structural reforms to restore order and competitiveness in the Italian and European economy.

In bTVNovinite.bg, IME’s senior researcher Petar Ganev commented on Bulgaria’s economic challenges amid rising fuel prices, energy market tensions, and budget pressures. He warned that the state should avoid compensating for every price increase through new spending, as this risks transferring all economic shocks to the budget, and stressed that the main priority must remain preserving long-term growth, high employment, and the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy.

In Il Foglio, a study by Epicenter was cited showing how the quality of legislative texts at the European level has declined in recent years, in the context of Italy’s debate on bureaucratic language and delays in issuing opinions. The article highlighted the need for clearer, simpler administrative language to improve efficiency and reduce the heavy costs of poor regulation, which in Italy have been estimated at up to 5 percentage points of GDP.