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

Former finance minister Assen Vassilev MP of Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria told reporters 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 has been discussed as a possible date, but it would have been feasible only if the inflation criterion had been met last 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  is picking up.