Some 62% of Bulgarians believe that the country’s recent transition to the euro currency happened ‘smoothly and efficiently’, according to a Eurobarometer survey.
As the survey, which was carried out in February of this year, found, 30% believe that the transition to the single currency wasn’t smooth or efficient, however.
Single currency
At the same time, Bulgarians are torn as to whether adopting the euro is a positive for the country itself, with nearly half of respondents (49%) stating that having the euro is a good thing for Bulgaria, while 43% disagreed.
Support for the single currency was stronger, however, when respondents considered its broader European impact, with two-thirds (67%) saying that the euro is a good thing for the European Union overall, compared with just 17% who disagree.
Around two-thirds (66%) of respondents also believe that the euro will increase inflation in Bulgaria, while only 21% think it will help maintain price stability.
Positive consequences
Despite those concerns, slightly more respondents expected positive consequences from euro adoption than negative ones. 47% of respondents said they expect the introduction of the euro to benefit Bulgaria overall, compared with 44% anticipating negative effects.
Similarly, 46% believed the euro would have positive consequences for them personally, while 42% expected negative impacts.
‘ While Bulgarian respondents are torn whether the euro is a good thing for Bulgaria, a majority consider the euro a good thing for the European Union overall,’ Eurobarometer noted.
‘More Bulgarians expect the introduction of the euro to have positive consequences for Bulgaria and them personally than negative consequences. At the same time, most believe the euro will increase inflation in Bulgaria.’
The survey was commissioned by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs, and forms part of the Eurobarometer series tracking public attitudes toward the euro and wider EU economic policy. Read more here.
