The University Became a Platform for Discussions on the Future of Bulgaria in the Eurozone

A Round Table Conference on Bulgaria in the Eurozone – Expectations and Reality was held in the Large Conference Hall. The discussion was organized by the UNWE Political Economy Department and the Social Theories, Strategies and Forecasts Section at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The event was moderated by Prof. D.Sc. Borislav Gradinarov, Visiting Lecturer at the Political Economy Department.

Prof. D.Sc. Borislav Gradinarov, the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, Prof. D.Sc. Pencho Penchev, Head of the UNWE Political Economy Department, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rumen Andreev, Vice Dean for Quality and International Cooperation and Head of the Socio-Economic Theories Section at UNWE Political Economy Department /from the left to the right/

The Round Table Conference is under the patronage of the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov. In his welcoming speech to the participants he stated: "The UNWE is a place for such discussions, and I am sure that we can be a useful platform for this topic." He added that one of the principles of management is that once a decision has been made, it must be implemented - we have already been accepted into the eurozone, and from 1 January 2026, we will be part of the large European economic family. "I greet the organizers for the timeliness of the discussion. This is a topic that concerns the academic community, business, and citizens alike. The preparation must be serious and large-scale. We need clear communication, training for the administration and business, as well as measures to ensure a smooth transition for the most vulnerable groups. Our university has a responsibility to be a platform for such dialogue."

The Deputy Director of the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology at Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Prof. D.Sc. /Phil./ Bogdana Todorova also welcomed the participants in the discussion. "The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences has always been committed to analyzing social problems and processes. This is also the case with the current topic. I hope that today's Round Table Conference will provide an opportunity for in-depth analysis and solutions." She also greeted the organizers: "Over the years very strong academic relations have been established with the University of National and World Economy. I am sure that they will continue to deepen in the future. And I would be delighted to continue organizing similar events, both national and international."

From a historical perspective Prof. D.Sc. Pencho Penchev examined the evolution of money in our lands, beginning with the appearance of coins in Ancient Lydia and emphasizing that the first coins were actually found in Sozopol. "Centuries later, when the First Bulgarian Empire was established, some people believe that we had no currency, but we did - in the form of sheep and cows. During the Second Bulgarian Empire, Bulgarian coins were imitations of Byzantine coins. And under the Ottoman dominion, just before the Liberation, individual coins were minted in some Bulgarian municipalities. After the Liberation, money in Bulgaria was extremely diverse, even though the lev was designated as the official currency", said Prof. Penchev adding that money is one of the most complex and important social institutions. "This discussion is not unnecessary. It must be conducted", concluded Prof. Penchev.

"From 1 January 2026 the Bulgarian lev will be history. This in itself evokes strong emotions and seriously divides our society. There are many questions to which we can find answers. The adoption of a common single currency is a step towards a complementary choice", said Prof. D.Sc. Borislav Gradinarov.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milena Angelova, Chief Secretary of the Bulgarian Industrial Association, also welcomed the organizers of the discussion and delivered a presentation on the Effects of the Eurozone on Competitiveness and Investment.

The Eurozone: a Toxic Economic Environment or an Opportunity for Bulgaria was the title of the paper presented by Prof. D.Sc. /Econ./ Rumen Gechev.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Plamen Oresharsky spoke to the audience about how the euro helps strong economies. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zahary Tormanov presented a report on the Legal Aspects of the Adoption of the Euro in the Republic of Bulgaria. Prof. Dr. Gancho Ganchev examined the topic Bulgaria in the Eurozone: New Possible Trajectories for Development. The Deputy Chairman of the National StatisticaI Institute Dr. Svilen Kolev delivered a presentation on the Activities and Challenges Facing the National Statistical Institute in the Process of Adopting the Euro in Bulgaria.

The Round Table Conference continued with a second panel moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rumen Andreev. In the panel took part Prof. Garabed Minasyan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yosif Avramov, Chief Assist. Dr. Lyuboslav Kostov, Prof. Dr. Iskra Baeva, Prof. D.Sc. Vasil Todorov and Petar Staynov, Doctoral student at the UNWE Political Economy Department.

At the end of the Conference a lively discussion took place and the participants shared their opinions and discussed various issues related to the eurozone in depth. Many interesting and provocative ideas were put forward and the discussion continued to engage participants with important questions about Bulgaria's future.