Every second person in Bulgaria disapproves adoption of the euro, attitudes among businesses much more positive - polls

Every second person in Bulgaria has a negative attitude towards the adoption of the euro. Attitudes among businesses are much more positive, according to a survey by Alpha Research polling agency commissioned by the Ministry of Finance, the results of which were released on December 19.

The survey was conducted among 1,200 people and 500 companies. It shows that half of the people do not approve the adoption of the euro and 30% approve. 60% of businesses approve. The survey showed that even if awareness of the issue increases, people are still negative.

Only 10% of the respondents have more information about the adoption of the euro. The percentage is higher among businesses.

People's main concerns are that adopting the euro may lead to raise in prices, increased inflation and risk of fraud, mainly in retail chains. Businesses have similar concerns, saying that they may be honest, but they are not sure about their competitors.

The advantages they report with the euro are that it will make it easier to pay in foreign currency, it will make travel easier and thus no money will be lost in transactions, and it will also make easier access to loans.

"The first task of the communication strategy was to conduct a nationally representative survey among people and businesses about the public attitudes towards the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria, to see what is the starting point, to know what are the fears, what are the concerns of people, of businesses, about the introduction of the euro, so that on the basis of this we can prepare specific and clear answers to all the questions that concern people and businesses and find solutions," said Rositsa Velkova, caretaker Minister of Finance.

"People who have neither used euros before nor think they will adapt easily are mostly concentrated in small settlements, elderly people with low education in small settlements. For them, information on the internet alone will not be enough. Obviously, it would be a very good initiative to work with mayors, with local institutions, with people who can help these citizens not to become victims of fraud," said Boryana Dimitrova from Alpha Research.

The caretaker finance minister assured that by March next year a special law on the euro will be ready and will be submitted to the National Assembly.