Bean There, Done That? Bulgaria Eyes the Euro, Faces Funny Money Mayhem!

Euro topia or Euro trouble?

Right so Bulgaria like me trying to parallel park my Mini is thinking of joining the Eurozone! The big bosses at the European Commission and the European Central Bank have given a nod but not everyone is chuffed like Teddy at a picnic. Apparently the Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov – sounds like a sneeze doesn't it? – thinks it'll make everything spiffing. More stability more growth he says! Like when I found a tenner in my old coat pocket. Result!

Priced to Move? More Like Priced to Panic!

But here’s the rub! People are worried about prices going up. Imagine even MORE expensive beans! Some are saying it's like losing your favorite comfy armchair. One expert bloke Valentin Tataru (another sneeze name!) reckons that shops might round up prices when they switch over. "Uh oh," as I always say when I'm about to accidentally set something on fire. But he also thinks it shouldn't be too bad 'cause their money is already sort of stuck to the Euro like glue. Good news for my beans budget hopefully!

Bye Bye Lev Hello Euro... Goodbye Independence?

Andrius Tursa who seems to know a thing or two about central Europe says giving up their money the 'lev' could feel like losing a bit of Bulgaria. Like when someone nabs the last custard cream! It's all about feeling in control. 'Are you sure?' I asked Teddy once when he tried to drive my mini...he didn't look convinced. Plus they won't get to decide their own interest rates anymore. That's the ECB's job now! But apparently it might mean cheaper loans and mortgages which is a bonus.

Eurozone: A Bean efit Bonanza?

Jasmin Groeschl a very important economist reckons joining the Eurozone could be like finding a twenty in the street! More stability more growth more foreign investors waving their money around! She says the ECB's watching eye will keep things nice and steady. "Deeper financial integration would strengthen Bulgaria's financial system under the ECB's oversight enhancing monetary stability," She said. Whatever that means it sounds good right? Like when I pretended to be a conductor – looked the part didn't understand a thing!.

Trade Tourism and Teddy Bears...

Mr. Tursa also chirped up adding that trade and tourism might get a boost. Seems Bulgaria's mates mostly live in the EU and lots of tourists visit. No more faffing about with changing money which means more time for sunshine and ice cream! And less opportunity for me to get confused at foreign vending machines. Result!

Political Bean spilling!

But hold on to your hats! There's a bit of a ruckus going on. People are protesting! They don't want the Euro! Mr. Tursa (him again!) thinks it could cause trouble with those who like to stir things up... I know all about stirring things up especially at Christmas. But despite all the fuss some experts think it's worth it in the long run. Less control but more stability. Like wearing a seatbelt – a bit annoying but probably a good idea. Maybe Bulgaria will manage to get it right! Good luck to them I say! And remember if all else fails you can always use beans for barter.