site.btaOutgoing Finance Minister Says Euro Adoption Process in Bulgaria Is Smooth and Lawful

The process of introducing the euro in Bulgaria is proceeding smoothly and in full compliance with the legal framework, said outgoing Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova in response to journalists’ questions during the validation ceremony of the first postage stamp for 2026, titled Bulgaria in the Euro Area.

She said all institutions involved are fulfilling their responsibilities, noting that the Consumer Protection Commission, the National Revenue Agency, and other supervisory bodies are actively exercising their powers to ensure a calm and lawful transition to the euro. While acknowledging room for improvement, Petkova stressed that institutions are performing very well.

Petkova thanked employees of Bulgarian Posts for the good organisation of currency exchange services, including in small and remote settlements.

Commenting on the absence of an adopted state budget, Petkova recalled that the draft budget had received support from both trade unions and employers’ organisations but was not adopted for various reasons. Bulgaria is currently operating under a budget extension law, which she described as unfavourable as it limits investment spending and risks delaying projects.

Petkova said she hopes snap parliamentary elections will be held soon so that Bulgaria can have a regular government and an adopted state budget as quickly as possible.