“The introduction of the euro is a process in which the state will protect its citizens. It should not be associated with speculative price increases. Many euro area countries that have introduced the single currency have not allowed such increases, and we in Bulgaria will not allow them either. On the contrary, the introduction of the euro should be linked to faster economic growth and a more rapid increase in the prosperity of citizens.” This was stated by Finance Minister Georgi Klisurski during a briefing at the Coordination Centre for the Euro Mechanism.

According to him, today a clear signal is being sent that the Ministry of Finance and the Council of Ministers, together with all the institutions involved, are united in the cause of increasing confidence in our new currency. “The caretaker government is firmly committed to the smooth introduction of the euro. This is a long process that will not happen overnight or in a single day – on 31 December or 1 January – but rather, over many months and gradually”, as the minister commented.

He thanked the representatives of the responsible institutions participating in the Coordination Council and declared that the main goal remains the protection of consumers - from pensioners to workers, parents and students, everywhere in the country.

The Minister of Finance expects the regulators' inspections to continue in full force, not only in terms of quantity but also in terms of quality. “Inspections and fines must be precise, carried out where there is a problem, and not be burdensome and unnecessary. Citizens expect the state to regulate, control and protect, so maintain the same high level of activity,” Minister Klisurski recommended. Starting next week, all relevant deputy ministers will participate in the meetings of the Coordination Centre for the Euro Mechanism in order to effectively support its activities and work at a higher pace.