Prime Minister Zhelyazkov: Positive convergence reports are a source of pride for Bulgarian society, the government will ensure a smooth and peaceful introduction of the euro

The European Commission and the European Central Bank categorically stated that Bulgaria meets the criteria for membership in the eurozone. This is a source of pride for Bulgarian society and a signal to European institutions that our country can become a member of the eurozone from January 1, 2026, said Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, after the two convergence reports were announced today. Bulgarians steadfastly, patiently, with a lot of work and diligence, many hardships managed to win what other countries failed to - they won the meeting of the criteria, the trust and assessment of European institutions, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov emphasized, also emphasizing the efforts of a number of Bulgarian governments on the subject.

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov noted that the cabinet is already in a mode of smooth introduction of the euro, guided by three important principles. First of all - the smooth and calm, not spontaneous introduction of the European currency in Bulgaria. There must be calm in Bulgarian society, predictability and transparency of the processes, the Prime Minister was categorical. Secondly, Zhelyazkov pointed out the prevention of all possibilities for imposing unfair trade practices, for speculating with markups, with prices and abuse of the trust of Bulgarian citizens. To this end, today the Council of Ministers established a mechanism for coordinating monitoring and control in connection with the introduction of the euro as an additional guarantee for the smooth transition to the single European currency. A memorandum of cooperation with employers', trade union and industry organizations and associations in connection with consumer protection in the process of introducing the euro was also adopted. We will ensure that the process is smooth, justified and that all potential benefits that lie ahead are seen, said Zhelyazkov.

Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova confirmed that the Bulgarian government is ready to introduce the euro from January 1, 2026, noting that the process is due to be finalized by the European institutions in July of this year. The Euro Adoption Act clearly outlines all the steps that we need to take to successfully introduce the euro, the finance minister emphasized. Petkova also emphasized the need for constant monitoring of pricing, so that Bulgarian citizens and Bulgarian businesses can rest assured that no unjustified price increases will be allowed. The Ministry of Finance has already published instructions on its website for Bulgarian municipalities and regional governors, so that they can bring their actions related to the introduction of the euro into line as quickly as possible. There are also instructions for Bulgarian businesses related to accounting in relation to the introduction of the euro. An information campaign on the topic of the euro is also underway. I am sure that the euro will be successfully introduced and Bulgaria will only benefit from it - this means economic growth, financial and economic stability, Minister Petkova also pointed out.

The Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank, Dimitar Radev, described today's positive convergence reports as a fully deserved result. The main conclusion is that Bulgaria is fully ready to join the eurozone, Radev was categorical. We have a specific plan of what needs to be done by the end of the year, which includes a number of actions, and we are moving strictly according to this schedule, we continue to work at full speed and look forward confidently, the BNB Governor added.