site.btaGermany Backs Bulgaria's Eurozone Entry

Finance Ministers Christian Lindner of Germany and Assen Vassilev of Bulgaria conferred in Berlin on Friday, Vassilev's Ministry said in a press release.

Germany backs Bulgaria's eurozone entry, Lindner told his Bulgarian counterpart.

At the meeting, Vassilev presented his country's progress towards the adoption of the common European currency, noting that Bulgaria currently meets all Maastricht criteria with the exception of inflation, which is falling every month and already approximates the reference level.

The two ministers concurred on the importance of Bulgaria's admission to the euro area on January 1, 2025, pointing out that this should be done if the technical criteria are fulfilled. They agreed that this subject must become part of the European agenda, the Ministry said.

Current EU legislative initiatives and cooperation between the two countries' customs authorities were also discussed. Lindner was highly appreciative of Bulgaria's efforts to protect the Union's external borders. The sides agreed on continued cooperation in this area, the press release.