Eurobarometer data reveal significant insights into Bulgarian attitudes towards adopting the euro, highlighting both optimism and skepticism among the population. According to the survey, 71% of Bulgarians anticipate their country joining the Eurozone within the next five years, marking a notable increase of 9% since April 2023. This optimism places Bulgaria ahead of other surveyed EU nations including Romania, where 44% share a similar expectation, followed by the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Sweden, each ranging between 24% to 33%.
Despite this optimism regarding future adoption, a substantial 65% of Bulgarians believe that Bulgaria is currently unprepared for the transition to the euro, despite multiple adjustments to proposed timelines by political leaders.
When asked about the potential impact of adopting the euro, nearly half (49%) of respondents expressed concerns about negative consequences, with 21% fearing very negative outcomes. Optimism has waned slightly, with only 10% anticipating a very positive effect, while 34% foreseeing a rather positive impact, totaling 44% of optimists overall.
Personal opinions on euro adoption mirror these concerns, with 12% of respondents strongly optimistic, 33% moderately optimistic, 27% expecting somewhat negative outcomes (a 4% increase) and 20% convinced that the change would worsen their situation.
Public sentiment regarding the timing of euro adoption has also shifted slightly since April 2023. Currently, 28% of Bulgarians favor adopting the euro as soon as possible, a 2% increase, while an equal percentage prefer never adopting it. Those advocating for a delayed transition decreased by 1%, to 30%, while 13% expressed a desire for immediate adoption, down by 2%.
Concerns about price increases post-euro adoption are prevalent, with 64% of Bulgarians expecting higher prices, compared to only 4% anticipating a decrease. Additionally, skepticism prevails regarding price control mechanisms during the transition period, with 52% strongly agreeing that price gouging will be an issue and 26% tending to agree.
A significant portion of the Bulgarian population remains apprehensive about losing economic policy autonomy upon euro adoption, with 50% believing their country will surrender control. Furthermore, 55% express concerns that adopting the euro will erode Bulgaria’s national identity, with 40% strongly agreeing with this sentiment.
In contrast, the Eurobarometer survey found that among EU countries outside the eurozone, 58% of respondents overall support introducing the euro in their respective nations. Support is particularly robust in Romania (77%) and Hungary (76%), with notable increases observed in the Czech Republic, where support rose by 6% YoY. (Novinite)