site.btaBiggest Risk from Euro's Introduction Is Fraud, Says Deputy PM Tomislav Donchev

The greatest risk in introducing the euro in Bulgaria is the potential for fraud, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev told journalists here on Tuesday. He was in the city for an information meeting on Bulgaria’s euro adoption. According to him, the Ministry of the Interior has been alerted about the possible activation of criminal networks, and he expressed hope that adequate preventive measures will be taken.

Donchev noted that public perceptions of the new currency remain mixed. “Doubts and prejudices can be overcome through accurate information. The advantage of such meetings is that, in addition to representatives of various ministries and the Ministry of Finance, there are also representatives of the Bulgarian National Bank. Let them answer all questions, and I am confident the meeting will end with fewer concerns,” he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister added that it is crucial for everyone to be ready to switch from the lev to the euro on January 1 next year.

“I think we are close to the finish line. We cannot rely on checking whether the systems work on January 1 itself, but I believe that all systems are now almost ready,” Donchev stated.