site.btaBulgarians in Antarctica Comment on Euro Introduction
Participants in Bulgaria's 34th Antarctic expedition commented on the introduction of the euro as the country's official currency on January 1, 2026.
Kamen Nedkov, Commander of the St Kliment Ohridski Bulgarian Antarctic Base, said the adoption of the euro had gone largely unnoticed on the Ice Continent as there are no financial transactions among the team members, with the neighbouring Spanish base or with visiting ships.
He spoke online from BTA's National Press Club on Livingston Island during the launch of the latest issue of BTA's LIK magazine, titled "Bulgarian Money", on Tuesday. The event was held at the head office of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) in Sofia.
"Here, above all, we rely on friendship, trust and support in times of need. I think we manage this very well, communicate more easily, maintain sincere relationships and have very strong friendships," Nedkov said.
Radko Muevski, Commanding Officer of Bulgaria's naval research vessel Sv. Sv.Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421), also joined the discussion from BTA's National Press Club aboard the ship, which is part of the Antarctic expedition.
"We are happy that Bulgaria is part of the euro area. To us, the adoption of the euro is not that important right now, but when we return from the 34th Antarctic expedition, we will become acquainted with the new currency," he said.
"There are no currencies or coins in Antarctica; mutual support is our greatest currency," Commander Muevski explained. Onboard, the crew uses internal exchange tokens, such as internet access, which is particularly important, he added.
The vessel is currently near King George Island and will soon transfer Spanish and Bulgarian scientists to the research bases on Livingston Island. RSV 421 left Varna on November 7.
Since January 2024, the LIK magazine has been freely accessible to readers. All issues published since its revival in 2022 can be downloaded in electronic format from the BTA website. The December "Bulgarian Money" issue can be found here.
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