site.btaParliament Chair Says Convergence Report Is Objective

National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova said she believed the convergence report on Bulgaria's readiness to adopt the euro was objective. She was speaking to reporters at the Rose Festival in Kazanlak on Sunday.

On June 4, the European Commission and the European Central Bank issued reports, concluding that Bulgaria is ready to adopt the euro starting January 1, 2026. Both institutions published their analyses simultaneously.

"The commissioners I met said they expect the state, represented by the government, to continue its work," said Kiselova. She added that both Parliament and the other state institutions would do what is necessary to ensure a smooth transition.

"The moment it became clear that Bulgaria was expecting a positive report, everyone rushed to comment - some were overly enthusiastic, others claimed it was not a success. I believe the truth lies somewhere in the middle. The report is objective, and the institutions have their powers to act both before and after its publication," Kiselova said, adding that the Commission for Protection of Competition and the Commission for Consumer Protection are doing their job.

Asked if the report contains any grounds for concern, she said: "The procedure for approving Bulgaria's potential membership in the eurozone has only just begun with the presentation of this ad hoc [convergence] report. Let's wait until July 8."

On July 8, the European Parliament is expected to issue an opinion on the draft Council decision on the adoption of the euro by Bulgaria. Also on that day, the ministers in ECOFIN are set to approve the legally binding acts related to Bulgaria's accession to the eurozone on January 1, 2026.