site.btaAssen Vassilev: January 1, 2026 Most Likely Date for Bulgaria's Eurozone Entry

Former finance minister and Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria MP Assen Vassilev told reporters Wednesday that Bulgaria's average annual inflation rate in the last 12 months is 2.6%, according to December data of the National Statistical Institute, meaning that this country meets the EU inflation criterion.

He stressed that this was the last criterion for joining the eurozone Bulgaria was yet to meet, and now the government has two weeks, according to a resolution of the National Assembly, to request a convergence report from the European Commission. This report and a subsequent decision by the Council will determine the date for Bulgaria's entry in the eurozone, Vassilev said.

July 1, 2025, was considered as a potential date, but it would only be possible if the inflation criterion had been met the previous year. Asked about the most likely date for Bulgaria's eurozone accession, Vassilev said it is January 1, 2026. In his view, a regular government is not a requirement for this to happen. The criteria are entirely technical; the legislation has been adopted, and Bulgaria meets the rules for a 3% deficit and a debt level below 60% of GDP; at present, this country has the EU's lowest debt-to-GDP ratio, Vassilev said.

He believes Bulgaria is ready for the eurozone and its growth rate is picking up.