site.btaMore than Half of Bulgarians Feel Underinformed about Euro Changeover - Survey

More than half of Bulgarians, or 55%, feel underinformed about the planned euro changeover, according to a survey commissioned by the 24 Chasa daily and conducted by the Trend polling agency.

The survey was carried out between May 12 and 18 through standardized face-to-face interviews with 1,001 Bulgarians aged 18 and over.

41% of respondents said they feel informed about the introduction of the euro. Awareness is particularly low among people over 60 and ethnic minorities, while more than half of university graduates reported feeling informed, Trend said.

When asked to choose between three options regarding Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro, 21% said it should happen on January 1, 2026, 33% said it should take place in the coming years, and 38% opposed the adoption altogether. Support is strongest among younger people aged 18–39, while older and more socially vulnerable groups remain the most skeptical. Supporters of GERB and Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC–DB) are the most in favor of Bulgaria’s accession to the euro area as of January 1, 2026.

The survey also shows that 59% of respondents support President Rumen Radev's initiative to hold a referendum on the euro changeover, while 31% oppose it. The initiative has not affected public perceptions of the President’s performance, which remains stable for yet another month, according to Trend.

Public assessment of key institutions has not changed much in recent months, despite ongoing political developments. Support for Parliament remains low, with only 15% giving it a positive rating, compared to 77% negative. The government’s approval remains stable for the third month running at 26% positive and 57% negative. 

The electoral landscape has also remained relatively stable. GERB continues to lead with 26.2% of voter support, followed closely by Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (13.8%) and Vazrazhdane (13.5%). The Movement for Rights and Freedoms – New Beginning has seen a slight increase to 11.6%, while the BSP–United Left holds steady at 6.8%.

Three other parties are polling at similar levels: There Is Such a People with 6%, Morality, Unity, Honor (MECh) with 5.9%, and the Democracy for Rights and Freedoms with 5.8%, down slightly from 6.7% in March. The Velichie party remains just below the threshold for entry into Parliament, with 3.9% support.