The Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association (BICA) and the Ministry of Interior (MI) presented specific measures to ensure security in the process of adopting the euro. The discussion brought together representatives of the General Directorates of National Police, Combating Organized Crime, SANS, the National Revenue Agency, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, the Customs Agency, Bulgarian Posts, business and the expert community to discuss the risks and challenges of introducing the single European currency, as well as the necessary actions to overcome them. The opening was made by the Deputy Minister of Interior Filip Popov and the Chairman of the Board of BICA Rumen Radev.
"Joining the Eurozone is not just an economic measure, but a long-term strategic choice that follows the logic of our European integration. The benefits for Bulgarian enterprises are clear and concrete – from eliminating currency risk and reducing exchange costs to easier integration into value chains and greater access to investments," said Rumen Radev.
The role of the Ministry of Interior was defined by the Chairman of the BICA as key both in ensuring public order and security, and in preventing financial cybercrimes that may accompany the transition to the introduction of the single European currency.
"The Ministry of Interior is already working on a specific plan of actions aimed at countering risks, including attempts at speculation, fraud or destabilizing practices," said Deputy Minister of Interior Filip Popov.
He specified that there will be an increased police presence even in small settlements, around the branches of Bulgarian Post, where leva can be exchanged for euros. "The security of this transition is a shared responsibility – of institutions, businesses and citizens. With coordination, transparency and trust, we will achieve a smooth and successful transition to the new currency," said Filip Popov.
Within the first panel "Security in the introduction of the euro - combating counterfeiting and fraud", moderated by the Secretary General of the BICA of Banks and Credit Institutions Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milena Angelova, specific risks related to financial crimes, cyber threats and abuses, as well as possible prevention measures, were discussed.
Representatives of the National Police Directorate General emphasized the risks of fraud that may arise in the first months after the introduction of the euro. Among them are counterfeit banknotes and coins, telephone and online fraud, fake exchange offices and phishing campaigns.
The Ministry of Interior has launched enhanced prevention measures, including information campaigns and monitoring of risky individuals. The Ministry of the Interior stated that citizen awareness is the surest protection against crimes.
The second panel "Actions of institutions and social partners" was dedicated to the role of state bodies and employer organizations in ensuring a smooth transition, and was moderated by the Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Eng. Stefan Chaykov.
The National Revenue Agency stated that within its powers they are making serious efforts to ensure a smooth transition to the euro. Vladimir Georgiev, state expert on revenue in the Control Directorate, emphasized that the NRA has already carried out the necessary developments and tests of document management systems and is fully prepared for the introduction of the single European currency. He also noted the active role of business in the process and its readiness to fulfill all legal requirements.
Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policy Ivan Krastev stated that the main focus of the MLSP campaign is the most vulnerable groups of the population, with the goal of directly reaching the largest possible number of people. According to him, special attention is paid to recognizing fraud signals, which are already being promoted among citizens both through the field work of the ministry's employees and through audio-visual materials on social networks.
The Customs Agency presented its key functions during the transition to the euro. The main focus is on the control of funds transferred across borders and the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism. From the information presented, it became clear that procedures for temporary detention of undeclared or suspicious funds have been introduced, as well as stricter sanctions - including imprisonment, confiscation and fines of up to 20% of the amount. The contribution of the control body to limiting the spread of counterfeit banknotes and coins through active institutional cooperation was also emphasized.
The final discussion outlined the general belief that the successful introduction of the euro requires a high degree of preparation, coordination between institutions and active participation of social partners. The need for a transparent information campaign, effective inter-institutional control and a smooth transition to ensure security and trust in the process of introducing the euro was emphasized.
On the occasion of the event, a congratulatory address was received from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Silvi Kirilov, MD - Minister of Health
