Bulgaria Gears Up for Potential Eurozone Entry: Dual Pricing and Public Debate Continue

Bulgaria is preparing for potential Eurozone membership, with dual pricing expected to begin in July to help consumers adapt to the euro. This measure, announced by Deputy Economy and Industry Minister Nikolai Pavlov, aims to ensure price transparency during the transition. Bulgaria's financial system has long operated with a fixed exchange rate against the euro. The prospect of euro adoption has ignited public debate. President Rumen Radev proposed a national referendum on the matter, but this was rejected by National Assembly speaker Nataliya Kiselova, who cited legal concerns. Public opinion is split, with recent polls indicating that a significant percentage of Bulgarians feel uninformed about the euro adoption process, and there are varying levels of support for holding a referendum. Recent protests have also highlighted public concerns about the change.