Bulgarian National Bank receives Economy of Light award for its role in Bulgaria’s euro introduction and efforts to limit the informal economy

The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) has received the “Person or Organization That Has Contributed to the Containment and Prevention of the Informal Economy through an Active Position” award in the national “Economy of Light” competition organized by the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association. The award recognises the BNB’s organisation and management of the process of introducing the euro in Bulgaria. The nomination notes that participation in the euro area supports financial transparency, brings stricter regulatory standards and deepens integration into the European financial infrastructure, which are presented as factors that constrain the informal economy and expand formal economic activity. Governor Dimitar Radev accepted the award on behalf of the BNB, linking efforts to limit the informal economy to trust and transparency in the financial system, and the release also highlights the BNB’s public communication campaign to raise awareness and financial literacy, including explanations of the security features of euro banknotes and coins.