EU Parliament President Metsola, Bulgarian Officials Reaffirm Commitment to Eurozone Accession Amid Referendum Debate

Sofia, The Gulf Observer: Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, has voiced strong support for Bulgaria’s accession to the eurozone, emphasizing that joining the single currency would bolster the country’s economic stability, deepen EU integration, and affirm Bulgaria’s place “at the heart of Europe.”

“Integration makes you stronger,” Metsola told bTV in an interview. “The euro is more than a currency—it symbolizes stability, convergence, and belonging to the European project’s core.”

Metsola framed euro adoption as the logical next step after Bulgaria’s inclusion in the Schengen Area, advocating for open public debate, informed arguments, and national consensus. While acknowledging hesitation as natural, she stressed that long-term benefits outweigh transitional concerns.

Her comments come amid growing domestic political debate over a referendum proposed by President Rumen Radev, which seeks public input on euro adoption. The referendum has been deemed unconstitutional by the Speaker of Parliament and several leading political voices.

Bulgarian Government Pushes Forward

In parallel, Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova declared that Bulgaria is more prepared than ever to join the eurozone. Following recent consultations with the European Commission and the European Central Bank, Petkova reiterated the government’s determination to meet all criteria by January 1, 2026.

“This is a strategic national priority. Bulgaria stands ready,” she said, adding that the Law on the Introduction of the Euro will include robust consumer protection measures and mechanisms to prevent price speculation.

Petkova dismissed Radev’s referendum initiative as unconstitutional and politically motivated, accusing the president of sabotaging Bulgaria’s European trajectory.

“No country has seen its purchasing power decline after adopting the euro. We will guarantee stability and protect consumers,” she assured.

Political Debate: Consensus with Fractures

In a televised panel debate on bTV, Bulgarian Members of the European Parliament clashed over the eurozone referendum:

• Andrey Kovatchev (GERB) dismissed the referendum as unnecessary and unconstitutional, citing widespread support for pro-EU parties during recent elections.
• Nikola Minchev (WCC-DB) described the proposal as a last-ditch populist effort to delay Bulgaria’s European integration.
• Ilhan Kucuk (DPS) called for better public outreach, accusing the government of failing to communicate the benefits of euro adoption effectively.
• Ivaylo Valchev (“There Is Such a People”) defended referendums as democratic tools, but questioned the timing and intent, suggesting it could divert attention from urgent national issues.