How joining the eurozone united Bulgaria against pro-Russian forces

Bulgaria is celebrating its second major victory this year.

On 1 January, the country officially joined the Schengen Area, and just one year later – on 1 January 2026 – it is likely to join the eurozone as well.

However, this step faces strong opposition from pro-Russian forces, including President Rumen Radev, who are making last-ditch efforts to block Bulgaria’s accession.

Their motives are simple: the economic boost expected from eurozone membership could drastically shift the electoral landscape – not in favour of "friends of Russia." It would also significantly weaken Russia’s soft power in the region.

Read more about the political battle over Bulgaria’s eurozone accession in the article by Serhii Herasymchuk and Volodymyr-Nazarii Havrysh of the Foreign Policy Council "Ukrainian Prism": Bulgaria's defeat of the Kremlin: how Russian agents are trying to block the country’s eurozone accession and why it matters.

The idea of deeper EU integration became a unifying factor for most Bulgarian parties – even traditional ideological rivals.

For instance, the opposition Euro-Atlantic party We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB) announced a pause in its opposition activities until 9 July, after votes on Bulgaria’s eurozone entry take place in the European Parliament and the EU Council.

This means that in just a month, when Bulgaria’s eurozone path becomes irreversible, the fragile unity among Bulgarian parties may start to fracture – giving pro-Russian forces a chance at a comeback.

For now, the pro-Western opposition is choosing not to jeopardise Sofia’s European integration milestone.

Opposition to joining the eurozone comes exclusively from pro-Russian parties, who have built their platform around preserving the Bulgarian lev. As noted, eurozone membership could dramatically undermine their political base.

Pro-Russian forces began their campaign with a 16 May forum The Battle for the Lev – Bulgaria’s Last Battle, where pro-Russian politicians tried to scare the public with claims of inflation, poverty and rising prices resulting from the switch to the euro.

Then, on 31 May, mass protests took place, drawing around 100,000 participants – three times fewer than the total number of voters who support the key pro-Russian party, "Revival."

On 4 June, "Revival" MPs attempted to disrupt a parliamentary session, even resorting to physical confrontation.

Amid failed rallies, fading propaganda efforts, and the near-inevitability of eurozone accession, Bulgaria is currently experiencing a period of anti-Russian sentiment.

Though the political crisis in Bulgaria is far from over, local politicians have shown they can temporarily put aside their differences when something truly important for the nation is at stake.

This experience may ultimately help the country find a path out of its current turmoil.