site.btaUPDATED EC Representation Head: Bulgaria's Rapid Accession to Euro Area Priority

Bulgaria's rapid accession to the euro area, once the criteria are met, is a priority, said Yordanka Chobanova, the head of the European Commission (EC) Representation in Bulgaria. She was speaking Monday at an international conference on the future of the euro and the future of Bulgaria in the euro area. Chobanova expressed confidence that Bulgaria will continue to follow the direction towards implementation of this priority, without delays for political or other reasons. 

The forum is part of the General Assembly of the European League for Economic Cooperation, which takes place in Bulgaria. It is held under the patronage of the Vice President Iliana Iotova, who took part in the opening ceremony earlier on Monday.

Chobanova pointed out that Bulgaria's accession to the euro club is a priority for the whole euro area. She noted that the Commission, together with the Bulgarian authorities, work on the practical preparations for a smooth and successful adoption of the euro.

On April 12, the EC and Bulgaria signed a partnership agreement to organize information and communication campaigns on the euro changeover. Chobanova said: “Now our country is to draw up a detailed action plan and sign a grant agreement, which will mark the beginning of the actual implementation of these activities.” She expressed hope that the National Assembly will adopt the bill on the euro introduction as a priority, recalling that at the end of April the Commission gave the green light to the proposed draft law.

In Chobanova’s words, the persistent disinformation campaign against the euro in Bulgaria is a serious problem. The disinformation is causing anxiety about the common currency and united efforts are needed to combat it.