site.btaECB President Welcomes Bulgarian Central Bank Governor to His First Monetary Policy Meeting

European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde welcomed Bulgarian National Bank Governor Dimitar Radev on Wednesday at his first participation in a monetary policy meeting of the institution after Bulgaria joined the euro area.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Bulgarian National Bank Governor Dimitar Radev to his first monetary policy meeting since Bulgaria joined the euro area just over a month ago,” Lagarde wrote on her Facebook profile.

The ECB meeting began on Wednesday, with the decision on its key interest rates expected to be announced on Thursday, followed by the ECB President’s regular press conference.

The decision is of historic significance for Bulgaria, as this marks the first time the country is officially participating in the ECB’s decision-making process as a full member of the euro area.

Bulgaria joined the monetary union on January 1, 2026, and Bulgarian National Bank Governor Dimitar Radev has already taken his seat on the ECB Governing Council. Since September last year, he had been attending the institution’s meetings as an observer.