site.btaBulgaria Enters Stage of Practical Actions for Euro Introduction, Says BNB Governor

The Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB), Dimitar Radev, said in Burgas during the launch of the national information campaign for the introduction of the euro on Tuesday, that Bulgaria has already passed the stage of political declarations regarding its accession to the eurozone. Now, practical actions are taking center stage. These are the concrete steps that will determine how successful the transition to the new currency will be for the economy, for business, and above all, for the people. 

Radev explained that businesses will be among the main beneficiaries of the introduction of the euro on January 1, 2026, as exchange costs will be eliminated, transactions will be facilitated, trade risks will be reduced, and competitiveness will increase. “This is particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises, which will gain equal access to the single market at a lower cost of capital,” Radev noted.

He noted that the true measure of the euro's success is the benefits for citizens - greater stability and security, protected savings, more transparent loans, and better purchasing power. It is understandable that people have questions. That is why the Government is already implementing measures, including strict price supervision and an active information campaign, the BNB Governor added.

According to Radev, municipalities will also benefit from the introduction of the single European currency through easier access to European programs, greater predictability in budget planning, and growth in tourism. The most important thing is the proximity of municipalities to the people, as they are the ones who must explain the process on the ground and ensure that it is perceived as fair and transparent, Radev said, outlining two main challenges: the perception of prices and political stability.

“Even when statistics show stability, the perception of price increases can erode confidence. The solution is strict control, honest dialogue, and timely information. Membership in the eurozone is a national project that requires consistency and agreement on key issues,” Dimitar Radev added. He assured that the central bank and the banking system are fully prepared for the introduction of the euro. Logistics are going according to plan, the minting of Bulgarian euro coins has begun, and commercial banks are working in close coordination with the BNB.

“Since the beginning of this month, the BNB has been participating as an observer in the Eurosystem bodies, which guarantees full synchronization even before January 1, 2026,” Radev said. He expressed the opinion that success will not come only from the BNB and the banking sector, but depends on all institutions, businesses, trade unions, and local authorities.