Prime Minister Zhelyazkov: With the adoption of the euro, a new page is ahead for the Bulgarian economy: greater trust, more investments, more opportunities

We are currently on the eve of the adoption of the euro. A new page is ahead for the Bulgarian economy: greater trust, more investments, more opportunities. This was stated by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov at a meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. The Prime Minister recalled the decisive role of the International Monetary Fund nearly three decades ago for the reforms that were made in Bulgaria. Today, along with our ambition to dispel people's fears, we want to show them that the prospects for the Bulgarian economy and society with the effective introduction of the euro are much greater than those we had and successfully implemented with the introduction of the currency board, Zhelyazkov pointed out. The Prime Minister was categorical that the introduction of the euro on January 1, 2026 is a top priority of the government, as we are already in the final stage of the process of preparing Bulgaria for membership in the eurozone. We are working hard on the remaining activities, and our goal is to finalize them as soon as possible, noted Zhelyazkov.

During their conversation at the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister highlighted the enormous progress that Bulgaria has achieved in all work areas in the course of preparing for the eurozone, including in the public, financial and non-financial sectors, with almost all measures already implemented. The strategically important documents related to the introduction of the euro have been prepared and adopted, as well as key legislation. Technical preparation has also been ensured, thus ensuring that sectors such as banking are now fully prepared for the adoption of the euro. The intensive phase of the communication campaign for the euro is about to start.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva described membership in the eurozone as an excellent opportunity for Bulgaria and highlighted a number of positive aspects for our country. First, she emphasized the higher investment attractiveness that Bulgaria will have, which is important for all sectors, especially tourism. Second, she pointed out the greater protection of our country within the eurozone. Third, Georgieva highlighted Europe's chance for a greater leadership role in the world economy and the opportunities for Bulgaria that arise from this.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva also discussed the risks to the global economy and financial stability. In this regard, Zhelyazkov welcomed the efforts of the IMF leadership and personally of Ms. Georgieva to alleviate the economic difficulties faced by member countries, especially the poorest and most vulnerable. The world we live in is full of challenges, we have low global growth and high debt, Kristalina Georgieva emphasized. According to her, the only way out of this situation is not by taking out more loans, but by achieving higher growth, higher productivity, better conditions for business to move the economy forward.