Deputy PM Vassilev: January 1, 2024, remains the date that Bulgaria will join the Eurozone

During the question time in Parliament on Friday, January 7, Deputy Prime Minister Assen Vassilev defended the already announced date for Bulgaria's accession to the eurozone - January 1, 2024. He said that the country at this time is fully technically ready.

"We have two major challenges ahead of 2024 - the inflation criteria and the second is the unique emphasis on the ability to bear the burdens of membership - the justice system and the fight against corruption," said Georgi Ganev of Democratic Bulgaria.

At the moment, we are technically fully ready to adopt the euro, so the date of 1 January 2024 is not in any way threatened. The point is to run the awareness campaign correctly so that everyone understands what it means to adopt the euro - what are the benefits, the potential risks and to make an informed decision. We believe that this is the best plan for Bulgaria. The Action Plan will begin as soon as we have held a broad public discussion. .A large-scale campaign is the first. .All this is clearly written in the Plan But it must be clearly communicated - what is happening with the payment systems, to maintain two cash registers for 1 month, because the change will be in euros and BGN," said Asen Vassilev.

Vassilev answered a question from the MRF that BGN 9 billion, accounted for last year, went mainly to support business and social spending.

An update of the budget is expected to be proposed in June this year, he added. The money is for economic recovery, not spent on roofs, fountains and favourite municipalities of the government, as had been the practice until recently, Vassilev said.