site.btaESC Chair Zornitsa Rusinova: Civic Oversight Is Key to Preventing Price Speculation During Euro Changeover

Civic oversight is one of the most reliable ways to counteract speculative price increases during the process of adopting the euro, Zornitsa Rusinova, Chair of the Economic and Social Council (ESC), said during a discussion on “The Effect of the Eurozone: Lessons from Member States", held at the Council of Ministers.

Rusinova called on citizens to be active, especially in light of the upcoming dual price labeling in levs and euros starting August 8, 2025. She emphasized that if consumers notice significant price changes on certain products within a short period, they should immediately report it to the Commission for Protection of Competition, the Commission for Consumer Protection, or even local authorities.

“It is important for people to know that their voice matters and can help prevent abuses,” Rusinova stressed. She pointed out that ESC observations show consistently higher prices outside Sofia in outlets belonging to the same retail chains. This highlights the need for a unified mechanism to ensure price equality across the country.

Rusinova also reminded that the ESC will launch an extensive information campaign covering the technical aspects of euro adoption, including currency exchange procedures, and urged citizens not to rush to exchange their levs but to wait for the official transition to the new currency.

The forum marks the beginning of a broad public debate addressing the fears, hopes, and expectations related to Bulgaria’s entry into the eurozone.