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Dimitar Radev

Dimitar Radev

Governor, Bulgarian National Bank

Appears in 1 story

Notable Quotes

The euro is not just an economic solution, not merely a currency—it is a sign of belonging. Under the currency board, we followed ECB policy without a vote. Now we sit at the table where decisions are made.

Stories

Bulgaria adopts the euro after 19-year wait

Rule Changes

Now voting member of ECB Governing Council

Bulgaria became the 21st member of the eurozone on January 1, 2026, replacing the lev at a fixed rate of 1.95583 per euro. ECB President Christine Lagarde welcomed Governor Dimitar Radev to the Governing Council table in Frankfurt, calling the euro "a powerful symbol" of European unity amid global geopolitical uncertainty. The ECB illuminated its headquarters with "Welcome, Bulgaria" in all eurozone languages. The adoption happened despite 49% public opposition and President Rumen Radev's New Year's address lamenting that "those in power chose not to listen to the citizens" about holding a referendum. Euro banknotes and coins began circulating at midnight, ending nearly three decades under a currency board.

Updated Jan 1