A public lecture and discussion entitled “The Digital Euro: A Threat or an Opportunity for Bulgaria and the Eurozone” was held in the Aula of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. The event was co-organised by the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the European Institute Foundation and the Economic Policy Institute.

The event brought together a large audience of academics, government officials, diplomats, university lecturers and students, as well as the current “Dimitar Stanchov” cohort of trainee attachés at the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute.

The discussion was hosted by Prof. Dr. Kaloyan Simeonov from the European Studies Department at Sofia University. Prof. Dr. Daniela Bobeva of the Economic Research Institute at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences also joined the panel, while the discussion was moderated by Ms. Bozhena Bozhilova, Director of the Bulgarian Fintech Association.

In his presentation, Prof. Simeonov highlighted the added value of introducing the digital euro after 2029, including the possibility of offline payments, the continued availability of cash as a means of payment, and the potential of the digital euro to contribute to the financial stability of citizens in the euro area.

The ensuing discussion addressed a range of topical issues concerning the future of financial markets, the implications for the European financial system, and the opportunities and challenges facing Bulgaria and the euro area. The active participation of the audience contributed to an in-depth and substantive exchange of views.