Thousands of Bulgarians took to the streets in Sofia and other major cities on Saturday to oppose the government’s plan to replace the lev with the euro, a key step in the country’s deeper integration into the European Union.
The new Bulgarian government, formed last month, has made eurozone membership a key priority, aiming to strengthen Bulgaria’s position in the EU. However, opposition parties and protesters want a national referendum before making such a major change.
“Revival Bulgaria has the will of the people, and that will now says clearly: we do not want the Bulgarian lev destroyed,” said Kostadin Kostadinov, leader of the Revival party. “We want to preserve Bulgaria’s freedom, and that’s why we demand a referendum.”
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has also pushed for a referendum, citing concerns over inflation and the impact on vulnerable groups. He recently submitted a request to parliament to hold the vote, but the pro-EU majority rejected it, accusing Radev of acting under Russian influence.
Economic worries are heightened by recent reports that Bulgaria’s inflation is still too high for euro adoption, according to the European Central Bank. This delay has added to public anxiety over the timing and effects of joining the eurozone.
Currently, seven EU countries—including Bulgaria, Romania, and Poland—have not adopted the euro. While Denmark has an opt-out, the others are expected to join once they meet strict economic criteria.
Many Bulgarians, especially in rural areas, remain skeptical of the euro, fearing it will hurt their purchasing power and livelihoods.
As Bulgaria awaits Brussels’ decision expected in June, the debate over the lev versus the euro continues to shape the nation’s political and economic landscape.
Romanian authorities have evacuated dozens of residents near the Praid Salt Mine amid fears of a collapse triggered by heavy flooding, as emergency teams scramble to contain the damage and safeguard one of the country’s top tourist sites.
Uzbekistan and Belarus are strengthening their trade and industrial cooperation, aiming to boost joint business projects and economic ties.
Ukraine has launched its most extensive drone strike of the war, targeting multiple Russian air bases in a coordinated operation that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed as a “brilliant” and unprecedented blow to Moscow’s strategic aviation forces.
At least 34 people have died in India’s northeast following days of torrential rains that triggered devastating floods and landslides, while thousands remain stranded as rescue operations intensify.
Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister met with International Renewable Energy Agencys Director General to discuss cooperation on renewable energy and the global energy transition.
Romanian authorities have evacuated dozens of residents near the Praid Salt Mine amid fears of a collapse triggered by heavy flooding, as emergency teams scramble to contain the damage and safeguard one of the country’s top tourist sites.
South Korea will host World Environment Day 2025, with a strong focus on eliminating plastic pollution worldwide.
A woman on trial for allegedly poisoning her in-laws with deadly mushrooms has denied any intent to harm, calling the incident a tragic accident.
South Koreans vote Tuesday in a snap presidential election triggered by ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol’s ouster over a failed martial law bid, with top contenders Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo vying to lead amid deep political and economic turmoil.
Uzbekistan and Belarus are strengthening their trade and industrial cooperation, aiming to boost joint business projects and economic ties.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
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Taxi drivers across France are protesting government plans to cut payments for driving patients to medical appointments. These cuts are part of a broader effort by Prime Minister François Bayrou to save €40 billion in the 2026 budget and reduce the country’s large deficit.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
As the US-China trade standoff intensifies, Beijing has released a striking video vowing to resist pressure and uphold its global trade role, accusing Washington of economic coercion.
Britain will expand its nuclear-powered attack submarine fleet and overhaul its defence posture under a major strategic review aimed at preparing the country for modern warfare and countering the growing threat from Russia.
Russia’s Defence Ministry reported that 162 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight during what it described as a large-scale drone attack on its territory.
Romanian authorities have evacuated dozens of residents near the Praid Salt Mine amid fears of a collapse triggered by heavy flooding, as emergency teams scramble to contain the damage and safeguard one of the country’s top tourist sites.
A woman on trial for allegedly poisoning her in-laws with deadly mushrooms has denied any intent to harm, calling the incident a tragic accident.
Romanian authorities have evacuated dozens of residents near the Praid Salt Mine amid fears of a collapse triggered by heavy flooding, as emergency teams scramble to contain the damage and safeguard one of the country’s top tourist sites.
South Korea will host World Environment Day 2025, with a strong focus on eliminating plastic pollution worldwide.
A woman on trial for allegedly poisoning her in-laws with deadly mushrooms has denied any intent to harm, calling the incident a tragic accident.
South Koreans vote Tuesday in a snap presidential election triggered by ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol’s ouster over a failed martial law bid, with top contenders Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo vying to lead amid deep political and economic turmoil.
Uzbekistan and Belarus are strengthening their trade and industrial cooperation, aiming to boost joint business projects and economic ties.
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