site.btaParty of European Socialists Supports Bulgarian Socialist Party in Commitment to Bulgaria's Accession to Eurozone

In a position, the Party of European Socialists (PES) supported the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) in its commitment to Bulgaria's accession to the eurozone, BSP said on Friday.

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev's decision to submit a request for a referendum to Parliament just a few weeks before Bulgaria receives its extraordinary convergence report, which creates a risk of delaying the introduction of the euro, is disappointing, the position reads.

PES supports the strong commitment of the BSP - United Left to protect the rule of law and democracy, including its clear position in Parliament to declare the referendum proposed by the President inadmissible, in accordance with the decision of the Constitutional Court, the PES added.

PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck stated that in these times of heightened geopolitical challenges, responsibility is of paramount importance. Bulgaria must remain firmly committed to deeper European integration. PES welcomed the BSP - United Left for its responsible political leadership in defending European values, upholding the rule of law and Bulgaria's progress towards the euro, a step that brings clear benefits not only to the country, its citizens and economy, but also to the European Union as a whole, said Filibeck.

Bulgaria's membership of the eurozone will deepen European integration and bring significant economic benefits to Bulgarian citizens and industries. PES rejects any attempts to instill fear or undermine this important process, he added.

PES stands behind the BSP and its current leadership in their unwavering commitment to ensuring that Bulgaria takes its rightful place in the eurozone, Filibek added, quoted in the statement.

Earlier in the day, President Rumen Radev said he would refer the matter to the Constitutional Court over the "unprecedented violation of legality" over the order of National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova, to deny his request for a referendum.

On May 15, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said that 171 MPs had supported the position that he and BNB Governor Dimitar Radev had presented to them, which stated Bulgaria's firm and unwavering position to complete the process of introducing the euro from January 1, 2026, to its successful conclusion.