site.btaFinance Minister: No EU Member State Has Seen Its Economic Growth Slowing Down from Euro Adoption

The introduction of the euro completes Bulgaria's full integration into the European Union, Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova said in Targovishte, Northeast Bulgaria, on Tuesday. “Our membership in the eurozone will bring undeniable benefits,” she added. Petkova visited the town for an event part of the National Information Campaign for the Introduction of the Euro in Bulgaria.

“Membership means, first and foremost, economic and price stability, much easier access to markets for businesses, and the elimination of costs associated with converting funds from leva to euro,” Petkova stressed. 

“The biggest advantage and significance of the country's membership is that Bulgaria will have the opportunity to participate in decision-making related to the financial and economic development of the EU, alongside the large countries. This is extremely important and valuable for Bulgaria in terms of image,” the Minister pointed out.

Petkova outlined the Government's priorities, including ensuring that the transition to the single currency is smooth, fair, and does not lead to stressful situations. According to the Government, the key to success and Bulgaria becoming a full member of the eurozone on January 1, 2026, is that people must be informed and know what to expect in the process of introducing the euro.

"To achieve this effect, Bulgarian citizens and Bulgarian businesses must be informed about what lies ahead, what will happen at each stage from now on, so that they can make the right decisions. That is why today's meeting is held as part of the national campaign of the Government and the Bulgarian National Bank," the Finance Minister added. 

Not a single Bulgarian lev will be lost, as the BNB will revalue at the fixed rate free of charge, Petkova said in Targovishte. She pointed out that Bulgarian commercial banks will revalue leva into euro during the first six months of January 2026. Where there are no bank offices, Bulgarian Post will play a significant role - in about 2,000 municipalities and small towns, where their teams will carry out the conversion.

The Minister stressed that the information that the euro will cause prices to rise is false and speculative. “This is categorically untrue. The euro, on its own, cannot influence or increase the price of any goods or services. The factors that determine prices are different and are related to the economic process taking place in a given country,” added Petkova. 

"No European Union Member State has seen its economic growth slowing down from euro adoption. Membership in the eurozone means more investment, more jobs, and thus higher incomes," Petkova was adamant.