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Temenuzhka Petkova

Temenuzhka Petkova

Finance Minister of Bulgaria

Appears in 1 story

Notable Quotes

Bulgaria has met all the necessary criteria to join the euro area honestly and honourably and will take its rightful place. Bulgaria's entry into the euro area should not be a cause for concern but rather a source of pride and a precondition for economic growth and price stability.

Stories

Bulgaria adopts the euro after 19-year wait

Rule Changes

Led government preparation for euro adoption

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