site.btaDeputy PM Zafirov, MEP Penkova Meet EU Ambassadors in Bulgaria

Deputy Prime Minister and Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) Chair Atanas Zafirov and MEP and BSP International Affairs Secretary Tsvetelina Penkova held a meeting with the EU ambassadors to Bulgaria, the Cabinet’s press service reported on Monday. The meeting was convened at Penkova’s invitation.

The discussion covered the current political situation, 2026 national budget, the adoption of the euro, and the recent protests. EU policies related to the development of a single energy market and the Union’s enlargement agenda were also addressed.

In his opening remarks, Zafirov said that joining the euro area is a strategic goal and a deliberate choice of the current government. He stressed that the process of adopting the euro is the logical completion of the country’s European integration path begun in 1997, adding that eurozone membership must above all guarantee social stability and help reduce inequalities.

Zafirov acknowledged public concerns about potential price increases. He called for European-level support and the sharing of best practices that have helped EU Member States curb price abuses, speculation and Euroscepticism, which in turn fuel populism and anti-European rhetoric.

Penkova, who serves as Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, answered questions related to the transition to a low-carbon economy and renewable energy. She told the ambassadors that significant differences remain in electricity prices for both businesses and households. If the EU is to build an effective Energy Union, more efficient joint efforts will be needed, she said.