Abstract: The article analyzes the state of the economy and the emerging trends resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential risks (external and internal) on economic development are outlined and an analysis of the prospects in the medium and long term is made. The processes of changes in the banking sector related to the redistribution of the financial services market have been identified and analyzed. With regard to the labor market, it is concluded that labor resources are irreversibly declining, and the qualitative characteristics of the workforce become essential.

The fact that the flexibility of the labor supply depends to a large extent on people in the older age groups is considered an unfavorable trend. With regard to the development of the National Recovery and Resilience plan, it is concluded that Bulgaria continues to lag behind within the EU both in terms of the time of submission of the plan and in terms of the degree of coverage of individual criteria and access to financial resources.

Abstract: The key prerequisites, regularities and processes associated with the design and operation of highly efficient virtual teams are studied. The indicators for team effectiveness are specified and the specific influences of various factors on the immediate results are analyzed – structure of the virtual team, social and emotional commitment and individual characteristics of the team members, performance management and virtual team dynamics. The focus is on the main challenges for to the effectiveness of virtual structures at the organizational, team and individual levels. The multifaceted multilateral connections in the team structures are explored through the prism of virtuality and geographical variance are studied. The goal is to find a common theoretical and methodological basis to identify the conceptual dimensions of team effectiveness in a virtual environment.

Abstract: This article summarizes the main distinguishing characteristics of the interactions between economic agents in individualistic and collectivist cultures. A brief systematization of the debate in the literature on the relationship between culture and economic development is proposed and the productivity for the economic analysis of a good knowledge of the peculiarities of national cultures is substantiated. The review necessarily includes evidence and arguments for the existence of mechanisms through which deep aspects of culture influence economic performance, e.g., through the formation of beliefs and preferences – as demonstrated by the effects of social capital. Some of the apparent contradictions in the hypotheses presented can be resolved by considering the scope of the group to which the collective identity and perceived shared responsibilities extend. This leads to the main conclusion of the analysis that the kind of collectivism that hinders economic development usually consists in loyalty to a narrow social group.

Abstract: The article analyses the risks to the independence of regulators as a fundamental element in the liberalization of energy markets in the European Union in the light of the capture theory. Issues related to the normative aspects and current case law determining the parameters and guarantees for the independence of the regulatory authorities are studied. These are examined in the context of the current electricity price crisis and the national measures taken to address these challenges in relation to the regulated segment. Recommendations are formulated to align with good practice and with the current requirements related to the independence of the national energy regulator.

Abstract: Consumer and housing lending are an expression of one of the significant functions of Bulgaria's banking system. The development of housing and consumer lending has a magnitude in several societal systems, making any changes related to household lending of significant interest to society, government authorities and regulators. The object of the study is bank housing and consumer lending. The aim is to identify and assess the factors influencing household lending. In this regard, a critical analysis of the econometric models used to estimate and identify the factors in the area of household lending is carried out. The time horizon of the historical data of the econometric analysis is the period 2004-2020, covering an entire economic cycle.

The new book of prof. Alla Kirova and prof. The book is a logical continuation of the authors' previous publications. In terms of content, the monograph includes an introduction, three chapters, a conclusion, a list of references and a summary in English. The introduction formulates the aim of the scientific research: "to assess the state of cooperation between the academic sphere (universities and research organizations) and the business (enterprises) in Bulgaria, to identify problem areas and on this basis - opportunities for its improvement". The tasks through which this objective was achieved are also set. The subject and object are clearly defined and the limitations of the research are correctly presented.

The monographic work "Bulgarian Economic Policy in a Managerial Context 1920-2020" by Prof. Dr. Ivan Tsanov claims to be the first of its kind in Bulgaria. And in my opinion, his claim is completely justified - the way in which economic policy is treated, refracted exclusively through the prism of governance, really becomes a fact as a real approach to the topic exactly with this book. The author is very prolific - this is his thirteenth monograph out of a total of 83 scholarly publications in four languages, and his consistency both in the choice of topics and in the constant practical connection with his long and useful teaching career should be emphasised. Among other things, Prof. Tsanov is also the author of nine textbooks, but despite his impressive teaching "portfolio" he is very much a researcher and this is his element.