Bulgaria's Path towards ERM II Participation

Today the Finance Ministers of the euro area Member States, the European Central Bank (ECB), the representatives of the Minister of Finance and of the Central Bank Governor of Denmark discussed the prospects of Bulgaria's participation in the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II) in the presence of the Commission, the Bulgarian Finance Minister and Central Bank Governor, and issued the following statement.

We welcome the intention of the Bulgarian authorities to put in place the necessary elements for a successful entry into ERM II.  Following constructive discussions with the ECB, the Commission, the euro area Member States and Denmark, Bulgaria has taken a number of commitments in policy areas which are of high relevance for a smooth transition to, and participation in, ERM II. With regard to, in particular, banking supervision, Bulgaria is expected to send a request to enter into close cooperation with the ECB in line with the existing procedures, and will undertake the necessary preparations accordingly - including support to the ECB's comprehensive assessment. Additional commitments relate to other financial sector issues and institutional quality and governance. Such reform efforts towards a more robust financial sector, stronger institutions and more efficient economic structures will contribute to the successful participation of Bulgaria in ERM II.

The ECB and the Commission will monitor the effective implementation of these commitments acting within their respective areas of competence as provided for by the Treaties and secondary legislation. Once they have provided a positive assessment, a decision will be taken by the ERM II parties on the formal application of the Bulgarian authorities for ERM II participation. The decision will be linked to...