The European Commission has declined to open an investigation into Bulgaria’s liberalisation of rail passenger transport, finding no indications of breaches of EU procurement, competition or State-aid rules, despite concerns raised by a Bulgarian MEP. In a written answer on 18 June 2026, Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas stated that Bulgaria published the required prior notices – on 31 October 2023 and 4 August 2025 – and that tenders for three lots were awarded to two different operators, the incumbent Bulgarian State Railways and Ivkoni Express EAD. The Commission therefore does not plan any follow-up action.
The answer responds to a parliamentary question submitted on 4 March 2026 by Radan Kanev (EPP, Bulgaria), who had alleged that the award of two of the three rail passenger transport sectors to a single operator (Ivkoni Express) risked creating a de facto monopoly and violated transparency, tendering and State-aid rules. Kanev pointed to a reportedly short notice period – less than one month before launch – and only one bidder participating, which he argued undermined genuine competition.
The Commission’s reply is largely declaratory, offering no new policy commitments or numerical targets. It reaffirms that Member States have wide discretion in organising transport services and that public service compensation paid under Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 is exempt from prior State-aid notification. The answer signals a hands-off approach, leaving any challenge to award decisions to interested parties via national review mechanisms.
Policy orientation: The Commission prioritises Member State autonomy in transport liberalisation over supranational enforcement, provided procedural minimums are met. This favours national authorities and incumbent operators, while potentially limiting recourse for competitors or consumer groups seeking EU-level intervention.
Institutional follow-up: No further Commission action is planned. The ball is now in the court of Bulgaria’s national courts or the European Court of Justice if a party challenges the award. The answer may influence future rail liberalisation cases by signalling a light-touch enforcement posture.