site.btaUPDATED Party Leaders Extend New Year Greetings, Address Bulgaria's Euro Area Accession

Representatives of political entities in the 51st National Assembly have extended New Year greetings and addressed this country's euro area accession in posts on social media. 

Bulgaria officially adopted the euro on January 1, 2026, becoming the 21st member of the euro area - exactly 19 year after joining the European Union. 

GERB leader Boyko Borissov said: I am convinced that the euro area is not just a change of currency, but a civilizational choice. This key decision required a clear choice from the political class - narrow party populism or statesmanship. For GERB, the choice was clear. This choice and this goal guided us during the negotiations to form a government and throughout its work, in order to meet the requirements: fiscal discipline, reforms, and coordination between institutions. The year was a test not only for the economy, but also for democracy, and for whether decisions would be made with the future in mind rather than the next elections.

Rumen Hristov, leader of the Union of Democratic Forces, which is part of the GERB-UDF coalition, said: Today, a long-standing dream of the UDF and the democratic community became a reality. With the adoption of the euro, Bulgaria has finally become a full-fledged member of the European Union. When the UDF set the country on its Euro-Atlantic path, we knew it would not be easy. This did not stop us, because we are convinced that Bulgaria’s prosperity, higher standard of living, and dignified future are tied to its full European integration. 

Assen Vassilev, chair of Continue the Change, a partner in the Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) coalition, said: For the first time since the Second Bulgarian Empire, Bulgaria is printing a currency that is accepted beyond the country’s borders. January 1, 2026 marks the beginning of an era. Bulgarians travel freely, work, and develop businesses as equal citizens in the richest union in the world.

Ivaylo Mirchev, co-chair of Yes, Bulgaria, also a partner in the CC-DB coalition, said: May 2026 be the year when our full euro integration and civic awakening change our country for the better. The year in which the anger from the squares and the strength of the protests turn into constructive action and responsibility for the future of Bulgaria and our children. Determination and faith should guide public actions, expressing confidence that Bulgarians can work together to build a strong community and a dignified, modern country, standing proudly alongside its European partners.

Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov said: The past year will go down in history as 12 turbulent months that brought both despair and hope for the Bulgarian people. Bulgarians are once again facing a final historic chance at a time when the world is changing, borders are being redrawn and old regimes are collapsing. Bulgaria has a golden opportunity to regain full freedom and independence by having its own currency, a strong army, and a prosperous and educated population. 

Movement for Rights and Freedoms - New Beginning leader Delyan Peevski said: With the start of the new year and the adoption of the euro, Bulgaria has been given a chance for a new beginning. The country must now move forward with confidence, stability and national self-esteem, and must not allow division and hatred to undermine statehood and the democratic order. In times of challenges, the State needs security, functioning institutions and sensible decisions made in the interest of the people.

Outgoing Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Council of the Bulgarian Socialist Party Atanas Zafirov said: Today, Bulgaria takes the final step on its long path of full European integration. The Bulgarian euro is not just a currency. It is part of our civilizational and conscious choice, which we make every day. Joining the euro area is by no means the end of our European development. Let us begin the new year by building the Bulgaria that we all want to see.

There Is Such a People leader Slavi Trifonov said: All the compromises I made over the past year were for this moment, because I unconditionally believe that from now on Bulgaria will be a complete and full-fledged member of the European community, something that we all absolutely deserve. The Bulgarian financial system will be guaranteed, Bulgarian tourism will turn into tourism of world-class level, and Bulgaria will become a dream destination for citizens from all over the world. And above all, and most importantly, we will all live better.

The Alliance for Rights and Freedoms described the start of the year as a time for reflection and responsibility for the future - a time to acknowledge that mistakes are part of public and political life, but also that forgiveness, dialogue, and wisdom are the way forward. The ARF added that "today, more than ever, Bulgaria needs to unite around values and goals that go beyond temporary differences - for the sake of our children’s future, safety, education, and opportunities to live in a fair and democratic country." The ARF wished that the new year would bring greater peace for Bulgarian citizens, more trust in institutions, and sustainable solutions in the public interest.

Morality, Unity, Honour (MECh) leader Radostin Vasilev said: The New Year requires not words, but character and courage. Bulgaria needs order, justice, and governance that serves the people, not the mafia. Our duty is to defend our sovereignty, protect the national interest, and restore the power of the state - in the law, in the institutions, and in the accountability of those in power to the people.

Velichie leader Ivelin Mihaylov wished health, strength, and courage to "all good people." He added: Let us remember that God has given us free will, and all decisions are ours, not imposed by anyone. In 2026, let us use this precious gift and, through our choices, help goodness prevail.