Bulgaria on the Home Stretch to the Eurozone: A National Campaign

Bulgaria is in the final stage of its journey towards adopting the euro. This week, a large-scale national information campaign has been launched, aiming to explain all the details of the new currency's introduction to citizens and businesses. The initiative is planned to cover all 28 regional cities and over 100 towns in smaller municipalities and will continue for the next two months. As the key date of January 1, 2026, approaches, when the country will become the 21st member of the Eurozone, preparations are entering their final phase. For the transition to the single currency to be smooth and transparent, there will be a one-month period of dual circulation for the lev and the euro.

The first event of the campaign took place on September 2 in Burgas, where the central streets were lively with the presence of representatives from a number of institutions. Among the officials who opened the campaign were Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, representatives of the government, the Bulgarian National Bank, state institutions, local authorities, social partners, and the European Commission. Their message was clear and unified: the introduction of the euro is a strategic step that will bring economic stability, protect savings, and facilitate trade. Prime Minister Zhelyazkov called for the process to be "informed and calm", so as not to create unnecessary "public tension". He emphasized that the campaign aims to explain "the path to euro adoption, the challenges, and the difficulties expected by the institutions".

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadjov pointed out that Bulgarian Posts will have a key role in the currency exchange, especially in over 2230 populated areas where there are no bank branches or ATMs. Minister of Finance Temenuzhka Petkova, in turn, highlighted that Eurozone membership is "a guarantee of economic and price stability". The Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank, Dimitar Radev, stated that businesses will be among the main beneficiaries. The Head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria, Yordanka Chobanova, recalled that "the euro is the second most powerful currency in the world". The Mayor of Burgas, Dimitar Nikolov, emphasized that it is "an honor and a privilege" for his city to host the start of the campaign.

Debates and Questions in Stara Zagora and Plovdiv

On September 3 in Stara Zagora, the discussions focused on one of the most sensitive issues for citizens – price increases and how institutions will control unscrupulous merchants. Deputy Minister of Finance Metodi Metodiev, who moderated the meeting, assured those present that state institutions will take action against unfair practices. Deputy Minister of Energy Georgi Samandov, on the other hand, answered concerns that the introduction of the euro will increase electricity bills, categorically denying such a possibility.

The information campaign also continued in Plovdiv on September 4, where the event was opened by Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov. He pointed out that the city, with its "dynamic business, universities, and civic potential", will be one of the drivers of the process. Citizens asked questions related to the conversion of salaries, pensions, and bills, as well as the recognition of counterfeit euro banknotes. The ministers of e-government, economy, environment, and justice presented their departments' readiness and emphasized the benefits that the euro will bring to their respective sectors.

Upcoming Meetings and Key Messages

During the second week of the campaign, teams of experts will visit Turgovishte, Dobrich, Razgrad, Blagoevgrad, and Silistra. These meetings, planned for the period from September 9 to 12, will continue to provide citizens with clear and reliable information on all aspects of the transition to the single European currency.

The campaign, which involves key representatives from the Ministry of Finance, BNB, NRA, FSC, and other institutions, aims to build trust and dispel fears, ensuring the process will be as transparent as possible. A central focus of the events is providing information on the benefits of Eurozone membership – from price stability and the protection of savings to facilitated trade and access to new investments. Although challenges lie ahead, the message from the officials is that Bulgaria has taken a stable path that will bring long-term prosperity for the economy, businesses, and citizens.