Bulgaria is preparing for a historic moment – entering the eurozone after four years in the waiting room of the ERM II mechanism.
Against the backdrop of the political crisis, the country awaits January 1, 2026 with particular attention.
As part of a series, we meet with key political figures who participated in the process. Among them is the president in the period 2012-2017, Rosen Plevneliev.
On bTV, he recalled that as early as 2012, Bulgaria met the Maastricht criteria, but the circumstances in Europe – the severe financial crisis after 2008 and the unresolved problems in Greece - have made the enlargement of the eurozone impossible.
„At that time, there was no political will on a European scale. First, reforms were needed, then new membership,“ he emphasized.
The former head of state linked the definition of the eurozone as a national priority with the time of the Bulgarian EU Presidency. Together with Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, the key priority that Bulgaria could receive - namely membership in the eurozone - was discussed at that time.
„It was a dream, an ideal. Better late than never. Bulgaria entered the waiting room, and this made the process irreversible“, commented Plevneliev.
He expressed gratitude to the politicians who contributed to the progress - Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Boyko Borisov and former Finance Minister Vladislav Goranov.
According to Plevneliev, entering the eurozone is a huge step forward for every Bulgarian.
„Bulgaria becomes a member of a club of richer and more developed countries. These are better-functioning institutions, greater stability and more opportunities“, he commented.
Regarding savings in levs – including those of children – Plevneliev assured that they are in a safer place.
„The eurozone is a safe haven – for our money, our banks and our state,“ he pointed out.
The former head of state recalled that the stability mechanisms in the eurozone had helped Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Spain in the past.
„The euro will only help us. But we must decide where we will steer our ship - reforms, investments, competitiveness. This is our task“, Plevneliev also stated.