Bulgaria’s long-awaited approval to adopt the euro by January 1, 2026, has stirred both optimism and anxiety among its citizens. The European Commission's green light marks a milestone for the Balkan nation, promising closer integration with Europe’s economic core. Yet, beneath the headlines, public opinion remains sharply divided.

For people like Igor Ruge, a hotel manager at the popular ski town of Bansko, the euro signals opportunity. He believes the move will boost Bulgaria’s tourism appeal, making it easier for visitors from the eurozone to assess value and plan trips without worrying about exchange rates. “It will help guests understand just how affordable and attractive Bulgaria is year-round,” Ruge said, reflecting a sentiment common among those in tourism and export industries.

However, this enthusiasm is not shared by all. Bulgaria, which joined the EU in 2007, remains its poorest member state, with widespread distrust in government institutions. Years of political instability, marked by repeated elections and fragile coalitions, have weakened faith in the system. Many Bulgarians fear that adopting the euro will drive prices up, citing similar outcomes in other countries that switched currencies.

A recent Eurobarometer survey shows skepticism is on the rise: 50% of Bulgarians now oppose adopting the euro, up from 46% just months ago. Economists say the reluctance is deeply tied to low institutional trust. “When people don’t believe their government can protect their interests, major changes like this become frightening,” said Petar Ganev, an analyst at the Institute for Market Economics in Sofia.

The government, meanwhile, insists it is prepared to manage the transition responsibly. Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova pledged strict price monitoring during the switch to prevent unfair hikes. The central bank also vowed to help coordinate an education campaign and activate technical systems to support the euro transition. Already, stores have begun displaying prices in both leva and euros to ease the adjustment.

Despite these efforts, resistance remains vocal and politically charged. On Wednesday, thousands gathered in Sofia for a protest organized by the nationalist Revival Party, decrying the euro as a tool of “economic colonization.” Many in rural regions, where incomes lag and inflation bites harder, fear the euro will erode their already limited purchasing power.

Voices like that of 75-year-old Nikola Ragev illustrate the depth of concern. Selling vegetables in Pernik, a modest town near the capital, Ragev expressed dread over the looming change. “People are already struggling. They count their pennies, not euros,” he said. As Bulgaria steps toward euro adoption, bridging the gap between policy optimism and public fear will be a key challenge in the months ahead.