As Part of the Euro Days at the UNWE the Deputy Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank Assoc. Prof. Dr. Petar Chobanov Delivered a Public Lecture to Students

The long-standing UNWE lecturer Assoc. Prof. Dr. Petar Chobanov who is Deputy Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank, Head of the BNB Banking Department and member of the BNB Governing Council, delivered a public lecture to students from the UNWE National and Regional Security Department.

The event was part of the programme of the Euro Days at the UNWE organized by the University, the Institute of Economics and Policies at UNWE and the Bulgarian National Bank. The topic of the lecture - The Transition to the Euro - provoked a great interest among the students, lecturers and guests who filled the auditorium.

"The issue of transition to the euro is of utmost importance for Bulgaria's economic development and financial stability. I am glad that it is at the UNWE – the leading university in economics and finance in the country – that we can discuss this process in an academic environment based on knowledge and arguments", said the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, emphasizing: "Assoc. Prof. Dr. Peter Chobanov is one of the leading experts in the field of public finance and the students have the opportunity to hear an in-depth analysis of the upcoming accession to the euro area based on first-hand observation. I am convinced that initiatives such as the Euro Days establish the UNWE as a center of expertise and dialogue on key issues for the future of the country".

In his lecture Assoc. Prof. Chobanov traced the historical and economic development of the country from the introduction of the currency board in 1997 to the current preparations for joining the Eurozone planned for 1 January 2026.

He emphasized that the transition to the euro is a natural and logical step after more than two decades of currency board stability, which has ensured the confidence of international markets and the sustainability of the Bulgarian economy. "The euro is the natural continuation of the currency board - an instrument that has taught us financial discipline, sustainability and predictability. Today, Bulgaria has the chance to take this important step while maintaining the stability and confidence that have been built up over the years", said Assoc. Prof. Chobanov.

In his presentation he outlined both the economic benefits and the challenges of the future membership in the Eurozone. Among the expected benefits Assoc. Prof. Chobanov highlighted the reduction of transaction costs, the elimination of currency risk, lower interest rates, access to cheaper financing and an increase in the country's credit rating. At the same time, he emphasized the necessity of strict fiscal discipline, improved productivity and effective absorption of European funds so that Bulgaria can take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the membership.

Assoc. Prof. Chobanov also outlined the key role of the education and the universities in the successful implementation of new economic policies: "The UNWE has always been a hub of ideas, expertise and vision for the future of Bulgaria. It is here that young professionals are prepared to put into practice the principles of the sustainable development and financial stability within the Eurozone."

The lecture was followed by a lively discussion in which the students took active part. Questions were raised regarding the impact of the introduction of the euro on prices, the banking sector and the country's economic stability.

The event was part of a series of initiatives by the UNWE aimed at providing a scientifically grounded and expert platform for public debate on important economic issues and encouraging informed dialogue between the academic community, institutions and the business.