News

28 August 2025

Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva and National Social Security Institute Governor Vesela Karaivanova discussed the preparation and the launching of a joint public awareness campaign whose target is the elderly people in connection with the adoption of the Euro on 1 January 2026.

The initiative titled “Pensions in Euro” will be launched on 19 September in the town of Doupnitsa with joint away offices and will cover mainly smaller populated areas in the country. The main objective is to inform and advise pensioners on all matters related to the upcoming change – from the conversion of the pensions into Euro to the identification of counterfeit banknotes so that they do not fall victim to fraudsters.

Leaflets showing Euro banknotes and coins will be distributed at the meetings so that elderly people may become familiar with the new currency (notes and coins) and their elements.

Reports to the Ombudsman’s office show that the currency conversion process causes worry on the part of quite a number of senior citizens.

“It is important that all Bulgarian citizens, especially the elderly people, receive clear, understandable and timely information about the adoption of the Euro and how the Euro will impact their income. This is not just an economic, but also a social program that requires support and trust,” Velislava Delcheva emphasized.

“The NSSI (National Social Security Institute) will be an active partner in this campaign, for the issue of pensions is in the focus of public attention. We want people to be assured and well informed about the way in which their income will be converted and guaranteed,” the NSSI Governor Vesela Karaivanova said in addition.

Detailed information about the locations of the campaign to continue across municipalities and its schedule will be uploaded on the website of the Ombudsman and further communicated by the local authorities and media.