30.10.2026
Bulgaria has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) „grey list“ for money laundering – a decision that restores the country's international standing and creates new opportunities for the Bulgarian economy, businesses and citizens.. Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced the decision in a statement to the Bulgarian public, after Justice Minister Nikolay Naydenov informed him of the outcome of today's FATF plenary meeting in Paris.
Removing Bulgaria from the „grey list“ was a key priority of the Government's programme. "For the first time, the Bulgarian Government has included a dedicated section on dismantling the oligarchic model and combating corruption in its programme – and has placed it at the very beginning," the Prime Minister emphasised. He noted that this commitment had received high praise during his meeting with the FATF leadership in September. The outcome was achieved through specific measures taken by the Government and legislative measures adopted by the current National Assembly.
Bulgaria received a formal warning in 2021 and was placed on the „grey list“ in 2023 following the identification of strategic deficiencies in its efforts to combat money laundering and corruption over a ten-year period. Rumen Radev recalled that previous attempts to secure the country's removal from the list had been unsuccessful due to insufficient political will or expertise. Bulgaria's inclusion on the list had caused significant reputational damage and created difficulties for both the economy and Bulgarian citizens.
"Removal from the „grey list“ means greater trust in our country, more investment and more jobs. Stronger protection against online and telephone fraud for citizens and businesses. Less pressure on prices. Stronger competition and a smaller shadow economy. Faster and easier payments to and from abroad," the Prime Minister stated, highlighting the tangible benefits of the decision for the Bulgarian economy and businesses.
Bulgaria's removal from the „grey list“ brings an end to serious difficulties associated with conducting international financial transactions. "Bulgarian citizens will no longer have to endure humiliating treatment, additional checks or, in many cases, refusals by foreign banks to process their payments," the Prime Minister noted. He highlighted the importance of this development for Bulgarians working abroad who send money to their families, students paying tuition fees in other countries, and those receiving income from individuals and organisations abroad.
The Prime Minister thanked everyone who had contributed to this achievement and described the decision as a clear sign of the stability of Bulgaria's institutions and an important step towards the country's accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Prime Minister Rumen Radev emphasised that the Government would continue to strengthen the system for combating corruption and money laundering to ensure that the progress achieved is lasting. "Our efforts will not stop here," the Prime Minister stated.
