Outgoing Prime Minister Gifts New Bulgarian Euro Coins to EU Leaders

Outgoing Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov today, December 18, presented sets of Bulgaria’s new euro coins to the leaders of European institutions—Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa, and Roberta Metsola—as well as to the heads of EU member states. Zhelyazkov is in Brussels for a summit where a decision is expected on providing a reparations loan to Ukraine from frozen Russian assets in Europe.

“Bulgaria is ready to be an active and responsible partner within the EU’s Economic and Monetary Union. Adopting the euro is the result of consistent efforts and reforms and will contribute to economic stability, greater trust, and new opportunities for Bulgarian citizens and businesses,” Zhelyazkov told von der Leyen ahead of the summit.

The outgoing prime minister expressed his gratitude to Ursula von der Leyen for the European Commission’s consistent support of Bulgaria’s eurozone accession process. He stressed that such support is crucial for the successful completion of the process and the full integration of Bulgaria into the euro area.

Zhelyazkov also briefed von der Leyen on the national symbols depicted on the reverse side of the coins, highlighting their connection to Bulgarian history, cultural identity, and the country’s place within the European family.