The expert: The concerns about the euro in Bulgaria are unfounded.

Tsvetan Simeonov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), commented on the memorandum of cooperation signed on June 9 between employers, trade unions and the government to counter speculation in the introduction of the euro. According to him, the public's concerns are unfounded, as Bulgaria meets the criteria for joining the eurozone.

Simeonov reminds that the country has observed all the required indicators during its stay in the currency board, even managing to achieve a budget surplus for a certain period. He points out that in 2024 Bulgaria has better macroeconomic indicators compared to other EU countries that have not adopted the euro, such as higher GDP growth, lower government debt and current account deficit, as well as lower inflation.

Simeonov also recalls Bulgaria's experience from 1997, when the German mark, and subsequently the euro, saved the Bulgarian economy from hyperinflation. He expresses confidence that both citizens and banks will successfully cope with the conversion of the lev into the euro.

BCCI expresses satisfaction with the signing of the memorandum and will make efforts for its implementation, in order to ensure a less painful transition to the euro in the country.