The European Commission says Bulgaria's adoption of the euro by next January is "no longer realistic" because of inflation, an acknowledgement that sheds greater light on the caretaker government in Sofia's announcement last week that its new "target date" is January 2025. Finance Minister Rositsa Velkova cited legislative failures, including reforms to combat money laundering in addition to EU concerns over inflation, for the postponement, which comes with Bulgaria about to stage its fifth election in just two years. A commission spokesman told RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service this week that "price trends are consistent" with the revised schedule. To read the full story by RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service, click here.
EU Echoes Inflation Fears Behind Bulgarian Delay In Joining Eurozone
Bulgarian Finance Minister Rositsa Velkova (file photo)