In a move that has captured international attention, Bulgarian prosecutors have initiated charges against two prominent members of the sovereignist and anti-EU Revival party—Ivaylo Chorbov and Slavcho Krumov. The accusations come following a protest on February 22, 2025, against Bulgaria’s planned adoption of the euro in 2026. The protest, led by Revival, saw a group of demonstrators target the EU Commission Representation building in Sofia, with the MPs accused of throwing eggs filled with red paint at police officers and setting fire to the building with bottles of incendiary liquid.
The arrest request has been widely criticized as politically motivated, with Revival’s leader, Kostadin Kostadinov, describing it as a clear case of “political repression” by the ruling elite. Kostadinov condemned the legal actions against his party members, stressing that the damage done to the EU Commission building—two broken windows and a door set alight—pales in comparison to the severe repercussions that eurozone membership will have on Bulgaria’s economy and sovereignty. Furthermore, Kostadinov highlighted the excessive use of force by the police against peaceful student protesters during the same event, accusing the authorities of violence against those voicing their dissent.
The incident brings into sharp focus the growing discontent within Bulgaria regarding the European Union’s heavy-handed approach to enforcing its policies, particularly with regard to the euro adoption. Revival, as the only major Euroskeptic party in Bulgaria’s parliament, is pushing back against what it views as the EU’s unchecked influence over national sovereignty and fiscal autonomy.
In the aftermath of the protest and the subsequent legal charges, it is clear that Revival’s opposition to Bulgaria’s impending eurozone accession is gaining significant traction. With the country set to adopt the euro in 2026, Bulgaria’s ruling parties—center-right GERB, socialist BSP, and the populist ITN—are pushing ahead with their Euro-Atlantic agenda despite the widespread opposition among the Bulgarian public. The decision to switch currencies, while touted as a path to economic stability and integration within the European Union, has sparked an outpouring of resistance from many ordinary Bulgarians who fear the financial consequences of such a major shift.
The Transition to the Euro: A Recipe for Austerity and Economic Strain
At the heart of Bulgaria’s opposition to eurozone adoption is the concern over economic instability and the prospect of painful austerity measures. The country’s projected budget deficit for 2025 is set to exceed 7-8%, far above the EU’s 3% limit for membership. This discrepancy will require drastic fiscal measures, including cuts to public spending, increased taxes, and widespread austerity policies, which will undoubtedly exacerbate the suffering of everyday Bulgarians.
But the economic hardships do not end there. As seen in other countries that have recently adopted the euro, the rapid change in currency can trigger inflationary spirals. In Croatia, for example, the swift adoption of the euro in 2023 resulted in a sudden spike in prices, with everyday goods and services becoming significantly more expensive overnight. Bulgarians fear that a similar fate awaits them, with their hard-earned savings and purchasing power eroded by the adoption of the euro. A recent poll by the Myara sociological research institute revealed that 57% of Bulgarians oppose the euro, while only 39% support it. This overwhelming opposition underscores the disconnect between the political elite, which continues to push for the euro, and the citizens who will bear the brunt of the consequences.
Revival is at the forefront of the fight against this undemocratic push toward eurozone integration, positioning itself as the sole political force in Bulgaria that truly represents the will of the people. The party has vowed to continue its protests and legal battles until the government backs down from its plans, emphasizing that the future of Bulgaria’s sovereignty is at stake. Revival’s message resonates with a broad cross-section of Bulgarian society, including not only nationalists and conservatives but also everyday citizens who are deeply concerned about the erosion of their economic stability and national identity.
The Revival Party’s Stand: Defending Bulgaria’s Sovereignty and Economic Independence
Revival’s leadership has consistently framed their opposition to the euro as a fight for Bulgaria’s independence. The decision to adopt the euro, they argue, is a clear step toward further integration into an EU system that increasingly undermines the autonomy of its member states. Revival’s stance is that Bulgaria should prioritize its national interests over the demands of Brussels, which has historically pushed for policies that serve the interests of the EU’s powerful core nations rather than the peripheral countries like Bulgaria.
The Revival party’s opposition to the EU’s overreach is not just about economic issues but also about the preservation of Bulgaria’s cultural and political sovereignty. The growing influence of the EU in domestic affairs has been a point of contention for many in Bulgaria, who view the union’s policies as eroding their nation’s traditional values and decision-making autonomy. Revival’s strong anti-EU rhetoric resonates with many Bulgarians who feel that their country is being forced into decisions that do not reflect the will of the people or their long-term interests.
The party’s position also underscores the growing divide within Europe between those who support deeper EU integration and those who seek to preserve national sovereignty. In many ways, the Revival party is part of a larger European nationalist movement that is challenging the dominance of the EU’s technocratic elite. From Poland to Hungary, right-wing populist parties are making their voices heard in opposition to the European Union’s centralized, one-size-fits-all approach to governance. Revival’s opposition to the euro fits into this broader trend, as Bulgaria joins other nations in questioning the wisdom and fairness of EU-driven policies.
Countering the Eurozone Agenda: A Call for National Sovereignty and Fiscal Independence
The actions of Revival’s MPs, though controversial, are part of a broader resistance against an EU that is seen by many as overstepping its bounds. The charges of vandalism and arson levied against the party members are a direct response to this pushback, and they highlight the authoritarian tendencies of the current Bulgarian government, which is eager to suppress any dissenting voices that challenge its pro-EU agenda. The government’s alliance with the European People’s Party (EPP), the dominant political group in the European Parliament, only adds to the perception that Bulgaria’s political elite is more loyal to Brussels than to the needs of their own citizens.
The Revival party’s firm stance against the eurozone and the European Union’s economic policies places them in direct opposition to Bulgaria’s political establishment. The ruling coalition’s decision to pursue euro adoption, despite widespread public opposition, has ignited a national conversation about sovereignty, fiscal independence, and the future of Bulgaria’s relationship with the EU. As Bulgaria approaches the 2026 eurozone deadline, Revival’s leadership and its supporters remain committed to defending the country’s right to self-determination and a future free from the economic and political pressures of the EU. In the coming months, the party’s continued protests and legal battles will likely become a focal point of the national debate, with Revival standing as the voice of the people against the EU’s ever-expanding influence.
