“Since Bulgaria joined the EU, the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA) has consistently advocated for the euro to become our currency as quickly as possible. This is not because we want to give up sovereignty, nor out of subservience to others, but based on logic and sound arguments,” said Dobri Mitrev, BIA Chairman, during the first in a series of regional informational meetings on the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria, organized by the Ministry of Finance.
The forum took place today (September 2, 2025) in Burgas and was officially opened by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov, and Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova. The event was moderated by Zornitsa Rusinova, Chairperson of the Economic and Social Council of Bulgaria. Other speakers included Dimitar Radev, Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank; Yordanka Chobanova, Head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria; Grozdan Karadzhov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications; Zhecho Stankov, Minister of Energy; Miroslav Borshosh, Minister of Tourism; Rumen Spetsov, Executive Director of the National Revenue Agency; and Vasil Golemanski, Chair of the Financial Supervision Commission.
Dobri Mitrev further explained:
“If we imagine our economy as a loaf of bread, we have already provided the flour, water, and salt. What do we need to make this mixture into a good loaf? We need something that activates the enzymes to make these ingredients work together. We see the euro in the same way – it is the yeast, the leavening, the opportunity for the Bulgarian economy and society. By itself, it will not make us richer or poorer.
Yes, there are anomalies and seemingly inexplicable differences in prices, but if we look deeper, they are not as illogical as they appear. We should not link discussions about people’s incomes, poverty, and inflation solely to the currency.
We went through a monetary reform in July 1999 when we removed three zeros from our banknotes. What dramatic change happened? Nothing!
This informational campaign is extremely important because it ensures that every citizen and business operator has access to the information they need. All questions and details must be addressed.
Technical and organizational challenges will arise. No process of this complexity can happen completely painlessly. The key is to minimize the “pain” and treat it as a signal to take the necessary measures.
Let us be balanced when discussing prices and compliance with legislation. Businesses are highly sensitive to any disruptions. Control and sanctions for violators are necessary, but we must not turn this into fear among economic operators. Many regulatory bodies already have the right to enter companies and request information, documents, and price justifications. This is necessary to assure society that things are done fairly and transparently, but limits must be respected. We should not assume that the most enterprising part of society is inherently dishonest or will cheat customers.
I dare to say that the vast majority of Bulgarian businesses are nationally and socially responsible. As a representative of an organization with a 45-year history, I trust and am convinced of the integrity of Bulgarian entrepreneurs. I believe that together we will navigate these next six months (from today), and I am confident that by next March, this topic will be behind us.”
