Milen Dobrev on Romanian TV Antena: Schengen and the Eurozone have a positive impact on investor interest
Bulgaria's accession to the eurozone and the Schengen area is attracting the attention of investors, Milen Dobrev, executive director of the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told Romanian television Antena. Antena, one of the major national televisions in Romania, published an extensive article titled "Bulgarians send us a message before adopting the euro: We hope you join this VIP club".
According to Dobrev, Bulgaria is joining a kind of “club of economies with excellent stability”. This is reflected in a number of benefits – the euro eliminates currency risks and creates a predictable exchange rate, and Schengen membership ensures easier cross-border business. The result is reduced transaction costs for companies, which will no longer pay currency conversion fees and will have easier access to European capital.
Credit rating increase
Dobrev also recalls that the credit rating upgrade in July, just days after the decision of the European Parliament and the European institutions, is a sign of confidence from international agencies. Fitch raised Bulgaria's long-term rating to "BBB+" with a stable outlook, mainly due to the expected entry into the eurozone. Shortly after, Scope Ratings raised the rating to "A-", indicating that the single European currency will eliminate currency risk, expand access to liquidity from the European Central Bank and strengthen banking stability. This is also the first time in history that Bulgaria has had such a high credit rating.
Investors seek security
The benefits at the business level, according to Dobrev, are obvious – companies will save on currency conversion fees and enjoy more efficient work with the stable European currency. The euro not only provides protection from costs and currency fluctuations, but also gives investors confidence that the country’s mechanisms are sustainable and compatible with those in major European economies. This view was also supported by key institutional steps taken in June and July 2025. The European Commission and the European Central Bank confirmed that Bulgaria meets all convergence criteria, and has a stable banking system.
In conclusion, according to Dobrev, the combination of the Eurozone + Schengen brings not just symbolic weight, but real economic advantages – low risk, more accessible finances and more efficient business processes. And the trust of international rating agencies confirms it – Bulgaria is already among the preferred destinations for new investments, which Ruse and the entire region can benefit from.
