Our strategic orientation towards the euro remains unchanged, stated the Governor of the BNB
SOFIA/LUXEMBOURG – “Bulgaria is currently experiencing political tensions and waves of public pressure. These dynamics are part of democratic life and generate intense public debate. But despite these changes, the strategic orientation toward the euro remains preserved.” This was stated by the Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) Dimitar Radev in a speech during the Annual Dinner of the European Stability Mechanism in Luxembourg, the BNB reported.
Radev also noted that the introduction of the euro requires political responsibility and public trust, and not only technical readiness.
The Governor of the BNB pointed out that support for the adoption of the euro exists across a broad political spectrum and is enshrined through a constitutional majority. This is not a consensus of unanimity, but a consensus of continuity – based on the understanding that the long-term security and prosperity of the country depend on deeper European integration, he noted. This continuity lends stability and reliability to the accession process, Radev added.
In his speech Dimitar Radev also pointed out that Bulgaria brings important experience – that of a small, open economy accustomed to functioning under conditions of strict monetary discipline, maintaining fiscal sustainability, and adapting to external shocks. He added that this experience will be a valuable contribution to the Eurosystem and to the joint efforts to manage an increasingly complex European and global environment. Quoting Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa, one of the architects of the euro: “The euro is a community of stability and trust,” Radev stated that for Bulgaria joining this community marks the beginning of a new stage in our European development – a stage that strengthens our institutions, supports citizens, and deepens our commitment to the future of Europe. Behind every technical preparation stands a simple truth: the euro is for the people – for their savings, their security, and their future, Dimitar Radev further noted in his speech.
Earlier, the Governor of the BNB met in Luxembourg with the Managing Director of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) Pierre Gramegna. For the first time, the Bulgarian flag was also raised in the building of the institution – a symbolic gesture marking Bulgaria’s upcoming membership as the 21st country in the mechanism after our accession to the euro area, the central bank reported. The Governor of the BNB also took part in a strategic discussion with the members of the Board of Directors of the European Stability Mechanism, dedicated to the adoption of the euro in Bulgaria as of 1 January 2026, the current situation in the country, and its future membership in the mechanism. Dimitar Radev left his message in the book of the European Stability Mechanism, in which he thanked Managing Director Pierre Gramegna and the entire team of the institution for the excellent partnership and expressed expectations for active interaction in support of a stable European economic framework.
During his visit, Dimitar Radev also met with the Bulgarian experts working in the structures of the European Stability Mechanism, among them members of the institution’s board Kalin Anev Janse, Management Board member and Chief Financial Officer, and Yana Joneva, Chief Operating Officer and Management Board member of the European Stability Mechanism. Deputy Minister of Finance Metodi Metodiev also took part in the meetings. (11 December)
