site.btaFinance Minister Announces Start of Nationwide Information Campaign on Bulgaria's Euro Adoption

An information campaign on Bulgaria's accession to the euro area and the adoption of the euro as the national currency is set to begin nationwide, Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova said on Bulgarian National Television on Monday. She noted that "Bulgaria's entry into the euro area should not be a cause for concern but rather a source of pride and a precondition for economic growth and price stability."

"Membership in the euro area is a strategic priority for the country. It was achieved through joint efforts, and I believe that we should all feel proud and satisfied. In fact, this practically marks the final step in Bulgaria’s full integration into the European Union," Petkova said.

"There is no reason for panic since euro area membership comes with many significant benefits. Membership in the euro area offers opportunities for economic and price stability, increased investment, and growth. Bulgarian citizens and businesses have nothing to worry about. In fact, we can travel to euro area countries and see their level of economic development and income levels," the Minister said.

She added that no EU Member State has seen a decline in living standards or economic growth after adopting the euro.

Petkova noted that Bulgaria is entering the euro area with stable public finances and in full compliance with all requirements and aims to preserve this stability after joining.

Tuesday will mark the start of "the information campaign of Bulgaria, the Finance Ministry, and the Bulgarian National Bank." "Public awareness-raising events will take place in all 28 regional capitals and more than 100 settlements in smaller municipalities. Representatives of all institutions involved in this process - the Finance Ministry, the National Revenue Agency, the Commission for Consumer Protection, the National Social Security Institute, and the Financial Supervision Commission - will inform the public about what comes next, helping to dispel any speculation and counter attempts to misrepresent the information," Petkova said.