Radev Proposes Euro Referendum

President Rumen Radev has officially submitted a proposal for a national referendum on whether Bulgaria should adopt the euro in 2026, the Presidential Press Secretariat announced Monday, CE Report quotes BTA

The proposed question for the referendum is: “Do you agree to have Bulgaria adopt the single European currency euro in 2026?” The move is based on Article 10, Paragraph 1 of the Direct Citizen Participation in Government and Local Self-Government Act.

President Radev emphasized that introducing the euro requires strong national consensus, stating, “Every Bulgarian citizen has the right to express an opinion regarding their money and well-being.” He underscored that the national currency is a symbol of statehood and sovereignty, and that decisions of such magnitude should not be made without majority support.

Radev’s proposal frames the referendum as a test of democracy for the 51st National Assembly and a chance to rebuild trust between citizens and institutions. He also argued it would reengage voters and restore legitimacy to the democratic process.

The proposal notes that other EU countries have held similar referendums and that stronger economies have delayed euro adoption until public consensus was achieved.

According to the National Assembly’s press office, the proposal was registered at 3:08 p.m. on Monday. It is expected to be reviewed by the Budget and Finance Committee and the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs.