The national information campaign on the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria continued with events held in Veliko Tarnovo and Smolyan. The forums brought together representatives of local authorities, businesses, and citizens, who had the opportunity to hear from leading economists, financiers, and bankers, and to receive expert answers regarding the accession process. Participants in the discussions included eng. Daniel Panov, Mayor of Veliko Tarnovo; Temenuzhka Petkova, Minister of Finance; Iliya Lingorski, Member of the Governing Council of the Bulgarian National Bank; Valentin Mundrov, Minister of e-Government; Atanas Zapryanov, Minister of Defense; and Doncho Barbalov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry. In Smolyan, the meeting was hosted by Mayor Nikolay Melemov, with the participation of Dora Yankova, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works; Atanas Kostadinov, Deputy Minister of Environment and Water; and Rumyana Petkova, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy.

Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh emphasized that Bulgaria’s accession to the euro area will contribute to a stronger international image of the country. “We live in a time when the world is facing multiple crises — climate, military, and financial. The nations that succeed are those that know how to unite and seek common solutions. The euro area is precisely such a union of developed countries that build strong economies, shared markets, and a common currency,” he said.

Minister Borshosh pointed out that the tourism sector is among the best prepared for the transition to the euro, as it has long operated on a European scale. “For our hoteliers, restaurateurs, and tour operators, this transition is expected and welcome. The euro area makes Bulgaria a more visible and secure tourist destination. Membership will not automatically solve every problem, but it will highlight our strengths, facilitate business, and make communication between companies from different countries far more efficient,” he commented.

As an example, the Minister referred to Croatia’s experience, where external factors such as the energy crisis and war created economic challenges, yet euro area membership itself brought only positive outcomes. “We must not confuse propaganda with reality — the problems of individual economies are not the problems of the euro area. That is a manipulation. The euro area is a major advantage, not only for tourism but for all sectors — a union that protects its members and carries global weight,” said Miroslav Borshosh.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of tourism as a sector capable of creating sustainable economic opportunities in regions where other industries struggle to develop. He noted that tourism can serve as a response to the demographic crisis, as it provides jobs, retains young people, and gives them opportunities to build families and businesses in their home communities. He concluded by saying that Bulgaria’s goal is to build a forward-looking nation with a strong and exemplary economy, and that joining the euro area is an essential part of that path.