Overview

• On July 8, 2025 EU finance ministers gave final approval for Bulgaria to adopt the euro, making it the eurozone’s 21st member.
• The European Commission and European Central Bank confirmed in June that Bulgaria meets all Maastricht convergence criteria after stabilizing inflation and maintaining its lev peg within ERM II since 2020.
• Thousands of protesters have rallied in Sofia against the switch and recent polls indicate nearly half of Bulgarians fear price hikes and oppose abandoning the lev.
• Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov has pledged a “harmonious” and “efficient” transition to minimize economic disruption.
• Supporters argue euro adoption will reinforce Bulgaria’s ties with Western Europe and shield it from Russian influence.