site.btaEuropean Commission, European Central Bank Assure Bulgaria of Their Support for Country's Eurozone Entry

Bulgarian Finance Minister Assen Vassilev attended a regular meeting of the EU Economic and Financial Affairs (ECOFIN) Council in Brussels on Thursday, Vassilev's Ministry said in a press release.

During an exchange of views on the state of play of the economic and financial impact of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Bulgaria firmly backed the provision of financial and economic support which should be bound to the implementation of particular reforms by the Ukrainian partners that will also further the country's European integration.

Within the framework of his visit to Brussels, the Bulgarian Finance Minister conferred with Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe, European Commission Executuve Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, EU Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni and European Central Bank (ECB) Executive Board member Piero Cipollone. At the meeting, the EC and ECB officials expressed full support for Bulgaria's entry into the eurozone. At the Eurogroup meeting in December, Bulgaria will present a report on its progress towards the euro changeover.  

Vassilev also held a meeting with Belgian Finance Minister Vincent Van Peteghem, who will preside over the ECOFIN Council meetings in the first half of 2024. The two discussed the calendar of Bulgaria's admission to the Eurozone, the press release says.