site.btaNationwide Information Campaign on Bulgaria's Euro Adoption Launched in Burgas

A nationwide information campaign on Bulgaria's entry in the euro area and the adoption of the euro as the national currency on January 1, 2026, was launched in Burgas (on the Black Sea coast) on Tuesday. The event was held at the International Congress Centre Burgas. 

The launch was attended by Government and business representatives, as well as the heads of the Bulgarian National Bank, the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria, the Economic and Social Council and the Industrial Capital Association.

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov stressed that information that the introduction of the euro is causing prices to rise is completely false news. He explained that the rise in prices follows natural economic processes and is linked to the faster pace of growth, mainly in incomes, compared to economic growth. 

Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova described the country's membership in the eurozone as a guarantee for economic and price stability, more investment, economic growth, and higher incomes. "The truth is that no EU Member State has experienced a decline in living standards or a slowdown in economic growth after joining the eurozone. On the contrary, the trend is the opposite," Petkova underlined.

Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov emphasized the positive impact Bulgaria’s upcoming entry into the eurozone will have on the country’s energy sector. He said that the membership will significantly lower the financing costs for the construction of units 7 and 8 at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant - a priority of the Government.

Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh said that the tourism sector in Bulgaria is among the best prepared for the eurozone entry. He also outlined the main benefits for the sector: greater stability and trust in Bulgaria as a destination, a stronger international image of the country, advantages for businesses through reduced costs and risks, easier and more predictable travel for tourists, as well as a more favorable environment for sustainable investment.

Transport and Communications Minister Grozdan Karadjov said that Bulgarian Posts will have a crucial role in exchanging leva for euro in more than 2,230 settlements where there are no bank branches or ATMs. He added that that over 1,500 post offices across the country already have trained staff who will carry out actual currency exchange. Additionally, all necessary technical equipment has been purchased and implemented — counting machines, barcode readers, counterfeit detection devices, video surveillance systems, among others.

Deputy Economy Minister Doncho Barbalov listed the key priorities for the Ministry: ensuring clear dual pricing in leva and euros, strict rules on currency conversion and rounding, and monitoring prices of essential goods to prevent unfair hikes. He highlighted that switching between currencies is a complex process requiring cooperation across Government and society.

Bulgarian National Bank Governor Dimitar Radev said that that Bulgaria has already passed the stage of political declarations regarding its accession to the eurozone and practical actions are taking center stage. Radev explained that businesses will be among the main beneficiaries of the introduction of the euro on January 1, 2026, as exchange costs will be eliminated, transactions will be facilitated, trade risks will be reduced, and competitiveness will increase.

Yordanka Chobanova, Head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria, underlined euro's transformative power, adding that joining the eurozone is a strategic investment, just as Bulgaria's accession to the EU was 18 years ago. She noted that there are 341 million people using the euro today, which is the second most powerful currency in the world, a symbol of European unity, and a source of economic growth. Chobanova pointed out that Bulgaria will join the euro area at a time of record high public confidence in the euro area at 83%.

Economic and Social Council Chair Zornitsa Rusinova noted that in the coming months, numerous events will be held in almost all cities and settlements across the country, involving all institutions responsible for the euro adoption process. “We will provide clear answers to all the questions Bulgarian citizens may have,” she said.

Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association Managing Board Chair Rumen Radev highlighted the fact that Bulgaria's entry to the eurozone will help businesses to eliminate transaction costs, generating over BGN 1 billion annual benefits. These resources can be redirected towards investments, innovation, and the creation of new jobs, he stressed. Radev added that eurozone accession will boost competitiveness and open access to more favourable financing. 

On Monday, Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova explained the goals of the information campaign: "Public awareness-raising events will take place in all 28 regional capitals and more than 100 settlements in smaller municipalities. Representatives of all institutions involved in this process - the Finance Ministry, the National Revenue Agency, the Commission for Consumer Protection, the National Social Security Institute, and the Financial Supervision Commission - will inform the public about what comes next, helping to dispel any speculation and counter attempts to misrepresent the information."