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Bulgaria Adopts the Euro

  • 02 Jan 2026

On 1st January 2026, Bulgaria officially adopted the euro as its national currency, replacing the lev and becoming the 21st member of the euro zone, marking a long-awaited milestone in its European integration journey.

Key Points

  • Expanded Euro Usage: Bulgaria’s entry increases the number of people using the euro to over 350 million across Europe.
  • Previous Entrant: Croatia was the last country to join the euro zone in January 2023.
  • ECB Representation: As a euro zone member, Bulgaria gains a seat on the European Central Bank’s Governing Council, participating in interest rate decisions.
  • Long Policy Effort: Successive Bulgarian governments have pursued euro adoption since the country joined the European Union in 2007.
  • Public Opinion: Opinion polls show Bulgarians remain divided on the move, although businesses have largely supported euro adoption.
  • Economic Convenience: Supporters say the euro will simplify travel, trade, and financial transactions by eliminating currency exchange barriers.