Media

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.

In 24chasa.bg, IME’s Petar Ganev discussed whether Bulgaria has a clear strategy to benefit from the EU’s new focus on competitiveness and the future of the single market. He emphasized the need for bold reforms, deeper deregulation, and practical initiatives such as the 28th regime to help Bulgaria and the region fully capitalize on a stronger and more open European single market.

In Economic.bg, IME presented its analysis on the future of the EU Single Market, stressing that it should function as a truly integrated market with uniform rules rather than just the removal of barriers. The piece highlighted the need for deeper deregulation, reduced fragmentation, and bold initiatives such as the 28th regime to unlock growth, boost competitiveness, and allow Bulgaria and Central and Eastern Europe to fully benefit from the single market.

In La Stampa, Epicenter’s analysis argued that EU deregulation should go far beyond a mere touch-up and instead deliver bold, structural reforms. The piece emphasized that Europe needs deep cuts in bureaucracy and smarter regulation to unleash competitiveness and unlock economic potential at a time of intensifying global competition with the United States and China.

In Dnes.bg, IME’s senior researcher Petar Ganev discussed the proposed optional 28th EU regime, which would allow companies to register once at EU level and operate across the entire Union under a single, simplified legal framework. This initiative aims to reduce regulatory barriers, facilitate cross-border activity for startups and digital firms, and strengthen the single market by overcoming national fragmentation and distortions.