Amid Rising Fears Of Russian-Backed Disinformation, Bulgaria Prepares To Join Eurozone By Jan 1

Bulgaria has been working to adopt the euro in January amid fears that Russia-aligned disinformation is deepening distrust of the new currency.

The Balkan country will become the 21st country to join the eurozone on January 1. According to The Guardian, policymakers in Brussels and Sofia hope the latest move will boost the economy of the EU’s poorest nation and cement its pro-western trajectory.

In response, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Bulgaria will have more trade, more investment and more “quality jobs and real incomes” “thanks to the euro”.

The Guardian quoted economy commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis saying in a visit to Bulgaria capital that the move was key at a time of Russia’s war with Ukraine, rising geopolitical

tensions and global economic uncertainty that “underline the importance of European unity”.

“Most European countries – including Bulgaria – are far too small to shape today’s world on their own. They only stand to gain necessary weight by fully integrating into the European Union’s larger political and economic structures,” he said.

The Guardian quoted a recent survey by the ministry of finance stating that, while 51% of citizens were in favour of joining the single currency, 45% were against it.

Meanwhile, investigative reports have cited Russian-linked social media campaigns working to undermine support for the euro by spreading disinformation.

On alleged Russian influence on public opinion about the euro, The Guardian quoted Dombrovskis saying it was “no secret” Russia was waging a hybrid war against Europe. “It is provocation, acts of sabotage, violation of European airspace, meddling in political processes in the European Union, also in other countries, and it is spreading disinformation,” he said.