Bulgaria’s Anti-Euro Protests Spark Crypto Debate – Is Bitcoin the Solution?

• Bulgarians, led by the ultra-nationalist Revival Party, protested in Sofia against the planned euro adoption, fearing economic instability and loss of financial sovereignty.
• With growing distrust in centralized finance, Bulgarians may turn to Bitcoin as an alternative solution, seeking a hedge against the uncertainties of euro adoption.

Bulgaria is witnessing a wave of protests in its capital, Sofia, as citizens push back against the country’s planned adoption of the euro as its official currency. On Saturday, supporters of the ultra-nationalist Revival Party took to the streets chanting “No to the Euro” and “Yes to the Bulgarian Lev.” Their concerns center on fears of inflation, economic instability, and loss of financial sovereignty if the country abandons the Bulgarian lev (BGN) in favor of the euro.

Despite public resistance, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to introducing the euro by January 1, 2026. The 2025 state budget, which aims to maintain a 3% deficit, is designed to meet the fiscal criteria required for euro adoption. 

Supporters of the transition argue that joining the Eurozone will strengthen Bulgaria’s ties with the European economy, improve financial security, and attract foreign investment. However, critics worry that handing over monetary policy control to the European Central Bank (ECB) could limit Bulgaria’s ability to respond effectively to local economic challenges.

Bitcoin as a Financial Alternative?

The crypto community sees Bitcoin (BTC) as a potential safeguard against the uncertainties tied to euro adoption. As a decentralized, borderless, and inflation-resistant asset, Bitcoin offers an alternative to government-controlled monetary policies. Adopting BTC could give Bulgarians more financial independence, especially in light of economic crises and concerns over centralized banking policies.

Bulgaria already has a significant presence in the crypto space. The country reportedly holds over 200,000 BTC from past government seizures in 2017 valued at $3.3 billion at the time.

Additionally, Bulgaria has been progressively integrating cryptocurrencies into its financial landscape. In 2024, the country recognized digital currencies as legitimate assets and established a legal foundation for their regulation. This move requires cryptocurrency exchanges and wallet providers to obtain official licenses and comply with stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols. 

Notably, the taxation policies in Bulgaria treat cryptocurrency transactions as financial assets. Individual investors are subject to a 10% capital gains tax on profits from selling digital assets, while earnings from mining and staking are taxed at 15% upon the sale of the acquired assets. 

As a member of the European Union, Bulgaria aligns with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), adopted in 2023. MiCA provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto assets across EU member states, aiming to ensure consumer protection and financial stability. 

The country’s favorable tax regime and clear regulatory environment have attracted significant interest from cryptocurrency businesses. Bitget, a crypto exchange based in Seychelles, recently secured a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license in Bulgaria, marking a significant step in offering Bulgarian clients a range of cryptocurrency services. 

While policymakers emphasize economic benefits, public resistance remains strong. At the same time, Bitcoin and crypto adoption are gaining traction as potential alternatives to traditional finance. Bitcoin is currently trading at $96,021, reflecting a 0.29% daily decline and a 0.21% drop over the past week.