The European Money Quiz (EMQ) aims to improve financial literacy among 13–15-year-old students. It was launched in 2017 as an initiative to promote financial education by the national banking associations in Europe and is coordinated by the European Banking Federation (EBF). The EMQ is one of many activities organized in over 30 countries during the European Money Week, which takes place in March each year.
The Association of Banks in Bulgaria, as a member of EBF, is a partner and coordinator for the implementation of EMQ at the national level. One of the main directions in which ABB and its members work is to increase the financial literacy of the population in our country. Knowledge of personal finances, the economy and risks for the population is crucial for managing daily expenses, dealing with challenges, avoiding fraud and building a sustainable financial future for generations.
ABB’s key partner for the implementation of the initiative in Bulgaria is the Association of Economic Schools in Bulgaria (AESB). The pilot edition of the project will involve 5 schools from Sofia, Plovdiv and Burgas. At the national level, the competition final for 8th and 9th grade students will be part of the European Money Week, which in 2025 will be held between 17 and 21 March. During that period, banks in Bulgaria are also expected to join various initiatives to increase financial literacy among students and young people in the country.
The 2025 EMQ European finals will take place on 22 and 23 May in Brussels. According to the terms of the Brussels finals, the two winners of the national competition held in Bulgaria will participate in them. They will compete with the EMQ winners from the national competitions from all other countries participating in the initiative.
(Updated: 14.04.2025) Over 100 students from the National Commercial and Banking High School, the National Financial and Economic High School, the Private Vocational High School of Banking, Trade and Finance in Sofia, the National Commercial High School in Plovdiv and the Commercial High School in Burgas participated in the pilot edition of European Money Quiz in Bulgaria. During the organization and the national final of the competition, representatives of UBB, Postbank, ProCredit Bank, Allianz Bank, Central Cooperative Bank and TBI Bank took active part in the process.
The national final of the competition was held online simultaneously in the five high schools, with students answering questions related to financial literacy, money and financial management. After an extremely competitive game, the winner was Lora Kirilova, and the second place was taken by Kristiyan Kostov, who managed to do it not only correctly, but also faster than the other participants. Both are 9th grade students at the National Commercial and Banking High School. The Bulgarian finalists will compete with the winners from over 35 countries participating in this year’s edition of the European Money Quiz, that will take place in Brussels on May 22 and 23.
Prof. Dr. Daniela Feschiyan, President of the Association of Economic Schools in Bulgaria, commented on the victory: “I wish great success at the finals in Brussels and a worthy performance before the European Banking Association and European institutions in all events and activities! Admirations also to the teachers – Kalina Gergova and Eli Oracheva, who successfully prepared the two laureates.”
“For us, this competition was a new and wonderful challenge. Usually, our teams are made up of students in grades 11 and 12. Today, the ninth-graders delighted us with their undisputed victory and knowledge about finances. The motto of NCBHS is to always be first in every competition and I think we have honored it once again.” – shared Emilia Ivanova, Director of NCBHS.
