#60 Stanchev: Bulgaria’s Euro Leap – What Awaits After January 2026

In this episode of CEA Talk, host Szilárd Szelpál speaks with renowned Bulgarian economist Dr. Krassen Stanchev about Bulgaria’s upcoming adoption of the euro, set for January 1st, 2026. This moment marks a major milestone in the country’s path toward deeper European integration, but it also raises important questions about economic preparedness, public trust, and long-term structural reform.Dr. Stanchev draws on decades of experience in market reforms and EU policy to unpack the deeper meaning behind the transition. He reflects on the path Bulgaria has taken to meet the eurozone’s convergence criteria and assesses the country’s current economic vulnerabilities. The conversation touches on the inflation challenges of recent years, the lingering public skepticism rooted in past currency crises, and the opportunity for euro adoption to strengthen Bulgaria’s investment climate.Together, they explore the readiness of the Bulgarian private sector, especially small and mid-sized firms, to embrace the euro. Dr. Stanchev also considers the broader political and social narratives that could shape public sentiment during the transition, and he highlights the reforms still needed after accession—particularly in fiscal policy, pensions, and labor markets.Looking at the regional picture, the episode concludes with a discussion of how eurozone membership might reshape Bulgaria’s role within the EU and the Balkans, offering a potential geopolitical shift.This episode provides a clear, insightful look at what’s at stake for Bulgaria and what lies ahead as the country prepares to join the eurozone.