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2w ago

European Commission Clears Bulgaria for Euro Adoption as of January 2026

A July decision by EU finance ministers will determine whether Bulgaria adopts the euro on January 1, 2026.

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Die bulgarische 2-Lew-Münze ähnelt der 2-Euro-Münze – kann aber leicht verwechselt werden.
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Overview

  • The European Commission confirmed that Bulgaria meets all convergence criteria to adopt the euro, including price stability, sound public finances and an ERM II exchange rate peg in place since 2020.
  • Final approval requires a formal decision by EU finance ministers, which is expected in July, ahead of the planned currency switch on January 1, 2026.
  • Bulgaria’s inflation rate has fallen to 3.6% in 2025 and is projected at 1.8% in 2026, satisfying the eurozone’s price stability threshold.
  • Adopting the euro is projected to enhance trade, investment and tourism by eliminating currency risk and integrating Bulgaria more fully into the European monetary union.
  • Opposition remains strong from nationalist parties and President Rumen Radev, with public opinion polls showing Bulgarians are nearly evenly split over potential price increases and sovereignty concerns.