January 22 (SeeNews) - Bulgaria's way towards joining the EU's Exchange Rate Mechanism II (ERM II) is open due to the country's solid macroeconomic indicators, prime minister Boyko Borissov has said.
"Bulgaria is one of the most disciplined countries in the EU, with the lowest foreign debt, zero budget deficit, budget surplus, huge fiscal reserve, economic growth, 6% unemployment, zero inflation, 10-12% increase in personal income, according to Eurostat," Borissov said during a press briefing broadcast by Bulgarian public radio BNR on Saturday, following his meeting with German chancellor Angela Merkel in Sofia.
Thus, Bulgaria does not pose a threat to the Eurozone, Borissov added.
It is all up to the European Central Bank to decide, he said.
Earlier this month, Bulgaria's finance minister Vladislav Goranov said the government will most likely apply for joining the ERM II, the system set up by the EU for the preparation of member states for the introduction of the euro, in the first half of 2018 while the country holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Bulgaria is also ready to join the EU's Schengen borderless area, Borissov opined. As the Netherlands is the country, which is most opposed to Bulgaria's membership in Schengen, Borissov said he intends to use Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte's visit to Bulgaria next month as an opportunity to show him the efforts Bulgaria is making towards securing its borders which also form part of the EU's external border.
Bulgaria's accession to Schengen is a topic that has now been discussed for a long time, Angela Merkel said. Germany sees the efforts Bulgaria is making and supports its bid for Schengen, she added.