site.btaDeputy PM Zafirov Expects Favourable and Objective Convergence Report on Bulgaria's Eurozone Bid

Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov Tuesday said he expects Bulgaria to get a favourable and objective convergence report on its progress towards eurozone accession. Interviewed by the Bulgarian National Television, he said he expects a realistic assessment of Bulgaria's achievements in the process of full integration in the eurozone.

On June 4, the European Commission and the European Central Bank are expected to give Bulgaria the green light to adopt the euro from the start of 2026.

It is important to note that, besides its expert nature, such a report also carries significant political weight for the respective country, said Zafirov. "I am confident that the high goals we have set, as a society and as a government, for economic stability and social solidarity can only be achieved through full integration into the greater European family."

Asked about the impact of anti-euro rallies across the country and plans for more protests on Wednesday, Zafirov said that they are intended to shake the confidence of Bulgaria's partners, but he believes that they have failed to do so. Still, Bulgarian society is divided on the issue, and some uncertainty remains: "We should treat the concerns of our compatriots with respect." In his view, the protests are largely inspired by political stagnation in the past few years, which has deepened social inequalities and injustices and the economic slowdown.