Thousands of supporters of Bulgaria's ultra-nationalist pro-Russian Vazrazhdane (Revival) party fought with police on February 23 as they attempted to storm the European Union mission in Sofia during a protest against the country's planned adoption of the euro.

The anti-government protesters, chanting "Resignation" and "No to the Euro", threw red paint, firecrackers and Molotov cocktails at the EU building in the capital Sofia, setting the front door on fire before the police pushed them away.

Our EU office has been vandalized,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling the attack “outrageous.”

According to an opinion poll conducted by the Bulgarian Mjara Institute at the end of January, more than half of adults (57.1 per cent) are against the introduction of the euro "in principle", while 39 per cent are in favour. Only 25.7 per cent support joining the eurozone in 2026.

Supporters of Bulgaria's pro-Russian party Vazrazhdane (Revival) clashed with police and set fire to the entrance of the European Commission building in Sofia on February 22. The incident occurred during a protest against Bulgaria's adoption of the euro.

If there is no referendum, we will block the work of the National Assembly,” said Kostadinov, whose party is the third largest in parliament. Bulgaria, which joined the EU in 2007, has been plagued by political instability over the last several years.

Clashes broke out in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, on Saturday, 22 February, between police and protesters of the pro-Russian Revival party who attacked the EU Delegation in the country. Source: European Pravda,