The expectation is that the convergence report will reflect what Bulgaria has achieved. What we see from the IMF is that the criteria for joining the eurozone have been met. The report will give its assessment in this regard for Bulgaria's entry into the eurozone.

This was stated to BGNES by the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva.

She recalled that Bulgaria has been on a currency board since 1997. “We have a currency that has been linked to the euro since 1999, i.e. we are de facto in the eurozone, and now we will be de jure,” Georgieva noted.

When asked by BGNES how she would comment on President Rumen Radev's request for a referendum on the date of accession to the eurozone, which he then referred to the Constitutional Court, and whether this would have any impact, Kristalina Georgieva replied that this was the president's decision and his right.

“I do not comment on his opinion. We comment on the facts. The facts are that Bulgaria has met the criteria for joining the eurozone,” the IMF managing director emphasized and continued:

“The experience of other countries also shows that joining the eurozone brings significant benefits to the country, raises the investment rating—which means more investment in Bulgaria, more jobs, and creates conditions for some sectors of the economy where the common currency, the euro, makes the environment more attractive, especially tourism.”

Kristalina Georgieva pointed out that what scares people is whether prices will go up. Experience, she said, shows that this does not happen, i.e., if something costs 10 leva today, it will cost 5 euros. "Experience also shows that there are some in the commercial sector who try to deceive consumers, and that when the state takes serious action to stop these attempts, the result is that they are quickly stopped. We saw this with the Croatians—they are a very good example for Bulgaria. I was in Dubrovnik last week and saw with my own eyes that tourism is developing very well," she added, explaining that people are satisfied and the standard of living is higher.

Kristalina Georgieva expressed the same wish for the people of Bulgaria.

When asked by BGNES how important it is to have political stability in the country in the coming months, she called for an end to the debate, saying, “We are focused on the economy in the fund.” І BGNES