Sofia clears the final euro hurdle
Bulgaria has the final green light to introduce the euro on 1 January 2026 after the EU finance ministers passed the necessary legislation on Tuesday. The European Commission and the leaders of the EU member states had already given their approval in June. Commentators in the national press encourage euro advocates and critics alike to make the best of the conversion.
No need to worry
Webcafé's cultural editor Manuela Gerenova tries to reassure the sceptics who have been protesting against the euro in recent weeks:
“We will not lose our identity in the sea of European freedoms with the introduction of the euro. We will strengthen it. ... Bulgaria preserved its language, its folklore and its culture over almost 700 years of foreign rule. The fear that we will lose ourselves if we change our currency is understandable, but believe me, it is completely and utterly unfounded. It's only human to fear change, but there is no need to fear our country's European course.”
Great news for the economy
The first positive effect will be that the international rating agencies will raise Bulgaria's credit rating, fakti.bg is convinced:
“When Croatia became the twentieth member of the Eurozone, the agencies upgraded its rating by two notches, giving the country an A-level investment grade rating. This means more favourable financing conditions for the state and businesses. Not that the average citizen cares, but it is of huge importance for the economy.”
Time to stop complaining
It's time to stop criticising the conversion to the euro, columnist Kristian Schkwarek stresses in Trud:
“I've written and spoken at length about how I don't want the frenzied green-liberal political class in Brussels, Strasbourg and Frankfurt to gain even a smidgen more influence over the nation states. And I will continue to defend this position in which I firmly believe. Nevertheless, I hope that I will not be proven right on this issue. Now that the matter has been decided and we will belong to the Eurozone from the start of next year, I hope that I will be proven wrong and that only good things will come of it. I wish this with all my heart, for us and for our homeland, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that this whole process will only have positive effects, even if it damages the reputation of those of us who expressed reservations.”