"Sometimes, when you stand between a hard place and a rock, there’s no smooth way forward. Only pressure. And pressure either crushes you – or turns you into something stronger."
I’m standing in it. In the reality. I’m a Swede who chose to live in Bulgaria. I’ve seen the mountains, the people, and the possibilities. But I’ve also seen the cracks in the foundation. And right now – as Bulgaria prepares to step into the Eurozone – it feels like the country is exactly there: Between a hard place and a rock.
On the streets of Sofia, both joy and anger echo. Demonstrations for and against the euro’s introduction are a daily occurrence. Meanwhile, the mayor of Varna has been arrested on corruption charges and is being held in custody in Sofia. No one is surprised. Everyone is tired.
And in January 2026, the country will change its currency – from the lev to the euro.
A step forward? Or a leap in the wrong direction?
When symbolism becomes self-deception
The euro symbolizes more than coins and bills. It stands for stability, trust, and belonging to the EU’s inner circle. A proof of membership.
But what happens if the leap into the eurozone comes before the country is truly ready?
Before the justice system is independent?
Before corruption is addressed?
Before the system is strong enough to handle the responsibilities that come with it?
Then the euro isn’t a savior – it’s a magnifying glass.
What was once hidden in the shadows becomes painfully visible.
And it hurts.
A country where order is an illusion
Bulgaria is full of paradoxes. It’s a place where things can get done quickly – but where justice moves at a crawl.
Where people know something is wrong – but no longer believe it can be fixed.
Where young people with heart and brains leave the country because there’s no room for them here.
Corruption isn’t just at the top. It trickles down through every layer of the public system. Every small office, every school renovation, every procurement, every hospital budget.
It’s not always bribes in envelopes – but almost always in loyalties, family ties, or silence.
The euro as hope – or as a mirror?
I often hear the same argument:
"Once we have the euro, things will get better. That will force change. Then order will come."
But what if it’s the other way around?
What if the euro only reflects what already exists?
What if the new currency doesn’t change the system – but merely reveals its flaws?
The EU’s patience – and its test
For years, the EU has viewed Bulgaria as a problem child. Special monitoring systems, endless reports, and constant reminders about rule of law. But every time Bulgaria has backslid, it’s still been rewarded with new funds, new support programs, new chances.
Now the same EU is about to welcome Bulgaria into its deepest economic circle. Even though everyone knows the country isn’t ready.
It’s like telling a child who hasn’t learned to swim:
"Let’s jump into the deep end – you’ll figure it out as we go."
What happens if Bulgaria can’t meet the standard?
1. Trust crisis
Both internally and externally. Investors pull out. EU citizens begin questioning the system itself.
2. Freezing of EU funds
The EU may withhold money, demand repayments, or attach stricter conditions to new grants.
3. Public unrest
Cost of living will likely rise after the currency switch – hitting already vulnerable citizens hard. This could fuel anger, radicalization, and political instability.
Are there solutions?
Yes. But they require someone brave enough to take the fight. For real.
1. Strengthen the judiciary
Build independent institutions that actually function. Dismantle the loyalty networks. It’s possible – but politically costly.
2. Digitalize public systems
Reduce the chance for human interference. Create systems that leave digital trails instead of paper trails. Use automation to make corruption harder.
3. Empower civil society
NGOs, journalists, and whistleblowers are the immune system of a healthy society. Give them resources, protection, and respect.
4. Build a new generation of leaders
New blood is needed. Young people not raised in the old system. People who refuse to play by its rules. They exist – but they rarely get the microphone.
My place in all this
I didn’t move to Bulgaria because it was easy – but because it was alive. Because here, chaos and opportunity coexist. Because here, I’ve met people who fight every day, even though the system works against them.
But I’ve also seen how easy it is to lose hope.
How people stop caring. How silence spreads.
And how a new currency changes nothing – unless people believe change is worth the fight.
The end of the beginning – or the beginning of the end?
The euro could finally push real reform forward.
Or it could become yet another layer of cosmetic change over a crumbling structure.
We don’t know yet. But the clock is ticking.
Bulgaria stands between a hard place and a rock.
The question is what the country will do with that pressure.
"Pressure creates cracks. But it also creates diamonds."
By Chris...