site.btaOutgoing PM Hails New Year with Bulgaria as Eurozone Member, Says It Brings Security, Financial Stability and More Opportunities

In a New Year address, published on the Council of Ministers’ Facebook page, Bulgaria's outgoing Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said: "We are welcoming the New Year 2026 as a member of the euro area – a strategic step that brings greater security, financial stability and more opportunities for both citizens and businesses. This provides a solid foundation for higher incomes, a more competitive economy and sustainable development."

Zhelyazkov went on to say:

"The year 2025 was dynamic and challenging, but extremely important for Bulgaria. It was a year of responsible decisions, focused efforts and fulfilled commitments. We returned Bulgaria to the path of growth and successfully completed the process of full integration into the economic and financial structures of the European Union.

"Bulgaria is bidding farewell to 2025 with a gross domestic product of EUR 113 billion and economic growth of over 3%, placing the country among the five fastest-growing economies in the European Union.

"I am confident that the path we have charted and secured for Bulgaria will continue to deliver tangible positive results for Bulgarian citizens and will further establish our country as a stable and authoritative partner within the European Union and NATO. I believe our society is mature and wise. This is a guarantee that the path we have chosen to follow is steadfast and worthy, and that the choices we make are not only for ourselves, but also for others," the Prime Minister said.

He wished the Bulgarian people health and prosperity.