We expect a positive convergence report. But until it comes out - everything is a matter of hypothesis. This was commented by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov to journalists in the village of Zagore, quoted by Nova TV.
"The EC has announced the date on which it will rule on our request for an extraordinary convergence report. This is June 4. We are awaiting the decision of the commission and, if it is positive - an administrative process will begin, which will involve the Council of the EU and the EP. The procedure is long, but this will be the beginning of an administrative process that should end with the abolition of Bulgaria's derogation, which was granted to us with the signing of the Accession Treaty, and which will end because we meet the Maastricht criteria," the Prime Minister emphasized.
In his words, the procedure is complex and many institutions are involved - the ECB, the EC and the Eurogroup. This complex process should end with the results of the monitoring that is currently being conducted regarding the main components - price stability, inflation, deficit. "For them, we have the confidence, which also comes from Eurostat data, that we meet these criteria," he emphasized.
The Prime Minister stated that the necessary changes will also be made to the Law on the Introduction of the Euro, so that Bulgarians have great certainty that their savings, regardless of whether they are deposited in banks or not, will be guaranteed.
Zhelyazkov also commented on the allocation of 15 million leva to solve the crisis with public transport in Sofia.
"It is necessary to make several important clarifications, because more often we hear a political interpretation of what the government has done, without having the necessary facts. The state provides an annual subsidy for public transport every year. For 2024, the subsidy from the state to the Sofia Municipality was in the amount of 89 million leva. For 2025 - it has been increased by 17 million leva. This is nearly a 20% increase compared to the previous year," he explained.
Zhelyazkov stressed that he had invited Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev to a conversation that was quite "meaningful". "With the mayor of Sofia, we became partners in solving the problem of surface public transport in Sofia. His commitment to provide 15 million leva was accompanied by the state adding another 15 million leva to the subsidy. This is also the key to the possibility of Sofia Municipality having a budget. The government is not a playing coach of the Sofia Municipal Council, as well as the mayor, trying to ensure the result in the capital's fiscal plan," the Prime Minister said.