Bulgaria has been waiting for this moment for years. This was commented on “The Day Begins“ on BNT by the Minister of Environment and Waters, Manol Genov, on the occasion of yesterday's positive reports on our country and our acceptance into the eurozone from January 1, 2026.
“We have been waiting for this moment for 28 years to adopt the euro. Perhaps this moment was missed in 2007-2008, when only inflation was missed due to the large amount of foreign investments and the escalation of prices. There was also a global oil crisis. This moment for Bulgaria would have been more relevant to happen then“, commented the Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov.
He pointed out that the Council of Ministers has created a group that will deal with the control over the institutions that are involved in the euro.
“The Bulgarian Bank has been ready for a long time. For some who are currently speculating that they will take our leva – we are joining the 350 million people who have a single currency. Bulgaria, with the adoption of the currency board in 1997 and by tying the Bulgarian lev to the mark and subsequently to the euro, guaranteed the stability of its currency“, explained the minister.
Regarding the readiness of the institutions, according to the minister, practice shows that very often when changing from a national currency to the euro, a lot of speculation takes place. He is categorical that there is no reason to raise inflation and prices - none.
“People simply need to be explained competently that December 31, 2025 will be no different from January 1, 2026“, explained Manol Genov.
“Business has long been ready to accept the euro, the issue is with ordinary people who are not involved in large business processes. We need to reassure them, let them know. That is why an explanatory campaign is needed. In my opinion, the government is not doing enough with this so far... People's fears are not only caused by manipulation, but also by lack of information, and they need to be informed and know what will happen“.
He refuted the information in the public space that billions will now be released, which were a guarantee for the currency board, and that they will be spent uncontrollably by governments.
He also commented on the water problems in the Haskovo region:
“There are many reasons. First, the entire region, along the Maritsa River, starting from Haskovo, in the direction of Plovdiv, contains heavy metals and radioactive elements, i.e. other alternatives must be sought. Water is not like electricity - you can get it from the Kozloduy NPP“ and take it to Haskovo", said Manol Genov.
According to him, 98-99% of settlements in Bulgaria have water supply.
He also commented that the BSP has always been consistent regarding Bulgaria and the euro.
According to Manol Genov, the Ministry of the Environment does not own a single dam in Bulgaria. Ownership is distributed among several other ministries. The Ministry of the Environment and Water monitors 52 significant dams.
„The current situation is, in terms of the amount of water, there is a fairly large amount of water in the energy dams. Some are approaching 80-90% of capacity. In the dams that are for irrigation, the occupancy is between 30-40%“, explained the Minister of Environment and Water.
This is close to last year's levels and is even higher, Manol Genov pointed out.