With the introduction of the euro, the process of Bulgaria's full integration into the European Union ends. Our membership in the eurozone will bring undeniable benefits, said Minister of Finance Temenuzhka Petkova in Targovishte. She was in the city for an event from the National Information Campaign for the Introduction of the Euro in Bulgaria.
Membership means, first of all, economic and price stability, much easier access to markets for business, elimination of costs related to the conversion of funds from levs into euros, Petkova was categorical.
"The biggest advantage and meaning regarding the country's membership is that Bulgaria will have the opportunity to participate in making decisions related to the financial and economic development of the EU, alongside the major countries. This purely image-related aspect is extremely important and valuable for Bulgaria," the minister pointed out.
Temenuzhka Petkova also outlined the government's priorities, including that the transition to the single currency should be smooth, fair and not lead to stressful situations. According to the government, the fact that people should be informed and know what is coming in the process of introducing the euro is the key to success and Bulgaria becoming a full member of the eurozone from January 1, 2026.
"To achieve this effect, Bulgarian citizens and Bulgarian businesses must be informed about what is coming, what will happen at each stage from now on, so that they can make the right decisions. That is why today's meeting is part of the national campaign of the government and the Bulgarian National Bank," the Minister of Finance also said.
Not a single Bulgarian lev will be lost, as the BNB will convert at the fixed rate free of charge, Petkova said in Targovishte. She pointed out that Bulgarian commercial banks will convert levs into euros for the first six months of January 2026. Where there are no bank offices, Bulgarian Post Offices will play a significant role - in about 2,000 municipalities and small settlements, where their teams will carry out currency conversion.
According to the Minister, the information that the euro will be the reason for the increase in prices is incorrect and speculative. "This is categorically not true. The euro, by itself, cannot influence or increase the price of any goods and services. The factors that determine the price hike are different and are related to the economic process taking place in the given country," added Temenuzhka Petkova.
There is no member state of the European Union that has adopted the euro and in which economic growth has slowed down. Membership in the eurozone means more investments, more jobs, and thus higher incomes, Minister Petkova was categorical.