Bulgaria’s efforts to join the Eurozone by January 2026 have reignited political and public debate, with top officials tying accession to critical economic reforms, most notably, curbing unlicensed gambling.
Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov said Eurozone entry would help dismantle the grey economy by addressing illegal gambling, which he called a major societal issue.
Deputy Interior Minister Filip Popov warned that such operations often fund organized crime and are difficult to police due to foreign-based servers.
Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova reaffirmed the government’s commitment to euro adoption, calling it vital for economic stability. She dismissed President Radev’s proposed referendum on the issue as an attempt to stall progress. The disagreement reflects broader political tensions over the timing and impact of adopting the euro.
Officials argue that cracking down on illicit financial activity is not only a domestic priority but also essential for meeting EU regulatory standards. Addressing these gaps may prove key in demonstrating Bulgaria’s readiness for full Eurozone integration
