Bulgaria and the European Union

In a significant move toward Bulgaria's integration into the Eurozone, the European Commission (EC) has pledged support for the country's efforts to promote the adoption of the euro.

The Bulgarian Parliament has voted to amend citizenship laws, making proficiency in the Bulgarian language a prerequisite for obtaining citizenship. The amendment, proposed by the Council of Ministers, received overwhelming support with 154 votes in favor and 22 abstentions during the first reading.

The Council of Ministers has given its seal of approval to a pivotal decision, endorsing a bill that introduces crucial amendments to the Bulgarian citizenship act. The proposed changes add a significant condition for individuals of Bulgarian descent or those with a parent possessing Bulgarian citizenship: mandatory proficiency in the Bulgarian language.

From 1 January 2024 Bulgarians will pay with Euros in stores. This is the indicative date for Bulgaria's entry into the Euro area.

It is mentioned in a draft amendments to the decree of the Council of Ministers, which regulates the activities of the Coordination Council for preparation of Bulgaria for membership of the Euro area.

According to an unofficial information, Mariya Gabriel has been approved for a new term. The committees, which tested Gabriel's qualities  at the European Parliament in Brussels in the three-hour hearing for her entrusted Innovation and Youth portfolio, made the decision unanimously.

Commissioner Mariya Gabriel will be heard today by the European Parliament as a candidate for a second term. The hearing will last for three hours - from 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm Bulgarian time.

The Council of Ministers approved the nomination of Maria Gabriel as a member of the European Commission on behalf of the Republic of Bulgaria, the government press service announced.

,,For Bulgaria, the partnership with the European Anti-Fraud Office is of utmost importance'', Prime Minister Boyko Borissov noted during the meeting with the Director General of OLAF, Ville Itala, at the Council of Ministers, the press service of the Cabinet announced.

The Government is expected at its regular meeting to adopt a report on the implementation of the Action Plan for 2019 with the measures stemming from Bulgaria's membership of the European Union on 31 March 2019, the press service of the Cabinet announced.