Bulgaria will request a convergence report on its readiness to join the eurozone on February 18, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced in an interview with the program Panorama.

Zhelyazkov said the request would follow the submission of the country’s new annual budget. The government plans to present the 2025 budget to parliament by February 14, withdrawing the interim cabinet’s draft along with the budgets for public social insurance and the national health fund. This decision was made during the first meeting of the new Council of Ministers.

The proposed budget will aim to cap the deficit at 3%, Zhelyazkov stated. “In the coalition agreement with Democratic Bulgaria, joining the eurozone is a key goal and priority,” he emphasized. Bulgaria must meet the criteria for debt, inflation, and deficit levels to proceed with the convergence report request, he added. “We are not seeking a shortcut but rather the sustainability of public finances,” the prime minister said.

Nomination Process for Prime Minister

When asked about his nomination as prime minister, Zhelyazkov said the decision came during negotiations, particularly with Democratic Bulgaria. However, he noted a lack of consensus on having a political leader assume responsibility, which he argued is critical for stable governance.

The nomination decision was finalized around December, Zhelyazkov said, after talks with Democratic Bulgaria broke down. Despite this, he highlighted that over 90% of the joint governance agreement was developed with them. The decision to end negotiations came after the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and There Is Such a People (ITN) deemed his nomination acceptable. “We do not share the view of having a neutral, equidistant candidate for prime minister,” he stated.

Zhelyazkov suggested that a coalition including Democratic Bulgaria would have resulted in a more stable government. He also noted the importance of support from the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), calling it a prerequisite for securing the necessary political backing for the government’s actions.

Ukraine Support and Broader Governance Goals

On support for Ukraine, Zhelyazkov reaffirmed Bulgaria’s commitment. “We have been helping Ukraine since day one and will continue to do so in solidarity with EU and NATO measures,” he said.

Regarding upcoming appointments for regulatory bodies, Zhelyazkov indicated that discussions would involve all political groups when the time comes. He also emphasized the need for broad parliamentary support for key decisions, stating, “There are no grounds not to seek a wide majority as long as it nominates candidates who enjoy public trust.”