Dutch
English
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
SpanishBrussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On Wednesday, the European Commission and European Central Bank gave the green light for Bulgaria to adopt the euro from 1 January 2026, making it the 21st nation to join the single currency area.
Since joining the European Union in 2007, Bulgaria has been working towards adopting the euro as its currency. However, after a long wait, many Bulgarians have lost their initial confidence, with 50% now expressing scepticism towards the euro, according to a Eurobarometer poll in May.
Joining the eurozone means more than just using euros – it also means a spot on the European Central Bank’s Governing Council, which sets interest rates.
What criteria did Bulgaria need to meet for entry?
The EU Commission stated that Bulgaria satisfied the formal requirements to adopt the currency now used by 347 million Europeans across 20 nations in a convergence report detailing how the country’s economy integrates with the rest of the eurozone.
“Today, the European Commission concluded that Bulgaria is ready to adopt the euro as of 1 January 2026 – a key milestone that would make it the twenty-first Member State to join the euro area,”
According to a statement released by the EU Commission.
The Commission also looked at whether Bulgaria’s economy and markets are integrated with the rest of the EU, as well as the trends in the country’s balance of payments.
Meanwhile, in a separate report, the ECB stated that Bulgaria was ready. ECB Executive Board Member Philip Lane said in a statement,
“I would like to congratulate Bulgaria on its outstanding commitment to making the necessary adjustments.”
Later on Wednesday, the ECB will release its own assessment on whether it believes the country is ready and if its central bank is independent.
What are the next steps after EU approval?
With the EU executive arm giving
Comments
9 responses to “Bulgaria Approved to Join Eurozone in 2026 by EU”
-
Finally, after all this time, Bulgaria is getting its shiny new euros! Can’t wait to see them trade their lev for some “serious” currency… maybe they’ll finally be able to afford the fancy coffee in Brussels!
-
Looks like Bulgaria finally got the nod to join the euro club—better late than never, eh? Guess they needed a few more years of “adjustments” to decide if they really wanted to swap their lev for those shiny euros.
-
Bulgaria joining the eurozone in 2026? Brilliant! Just what we need—another country to join the euro club and keep the “financial stability” party going…
-
Just what we needed, another country joining the eurozone! Can’t wait to see how much more ‘stability’ we can squeeze out of this lovely little mess.
-
Looks like Bulgaria’s been practicing for the Euro Olympics, finally ready to toss their leva into the eurozone ring – just hope they don’t trip on those shiny new coins!
-
Just what we needed, another country eager to join the euro club—let’s hope they’ve done their homework this time!
Because who wouldn’t want to play musical chairs with their economy? 
-
Looks like Bulgaria’s finally getting a VIP pass to the euro club, just in time for the 2026 party!
Maybe they can bring some of that “scepticism” along as a plus-one, eh? 
-
Bulgaria finally getting the green light for the euro in 2026? Well, at least now they can join the rest of us in the never-ending game of “let’s blame Brussels for everything!”
-
Oh, fantastic! Bulgaria’s finally joining the eurozone—just as we all needed another country to add to our currency collection! Can’t wait to see how they turn “lev” into “leverage” on the European stage.
Last News
Von der Leyen has ‘good’ call with Trump as EU pushes for July 9 trade deal
“We’re aiming for July 9 to achieve at least an agreement in principle with the U.S.,” said Olof Gill, the Commission’s trade spokesperson, during the midday briefing.
Gill mentioned that discussions were at “the beginning
Fourteen EU Countries Seek to Preserve Cohesion Funds for Regional Development
According to a document reviewed by PAP, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria, Lithuania, La
Belgium’s Justice Minister Verlinden Unveils Leverage Plan
Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Belgium’s Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden introduced a plan to improve court buildings, security, and staff conditions, excluding pension cuts, aiming to ease protests and start further reforms.
As VRT News reported, Annelies Verlinden, the Minister of Justice, has introduced a new plan to help Belgium‘s struggling justice system. This plan aims to add
Thorsten Frei: Merz und sein engster Vertrauter
Slovenia Achieves Success in European CEF Call with Ten Projects
This funding call aimed to enhance standards for the trans-Europe
Stapelstraat in Sint-Truiden Closed Due to 30cm Subsidence
Sint-Truiden (Eurotoday) – Stapelstraat in Sint-Truiden has been closed since June 29, 2025, due to a 30 cm road subsidence. Mayor Gert Stas says sewer issues or old water channels may be the cause.
As VRT News reported, the Stapelstraat, a busy road in Sint-Truiden, is closed. The road is closed because part of it is sinking. This road is between Beekstraat and Grote Markt. It has been closed s
Belarusian Opposition Leader Urges Trump to ‘Punish’ Dictator Lukashenko
“When he began speaking, she recognized only his voice,” Tsikhanouskaya said. “There were tears and hugs, but prison alters peop
Sandu: Russia Cannot Hinder EU Accession Process
During a press conference in Chișinău, Sandu outlined two scenarios for Moldova’s EU membership—
Denmark Calls on EU to Address Hungary’s Rights Violations
Copenhagen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Denmark calls on the European Union to fully utilise its legal tools to address Hungary’s breaches of fundamental rights, including considering the use of Article 7 against Budapest, Politico reported.
Denmark officially launched its presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1, 2025, holding the rotating six-month term until December 31, 20
Ukraine’s Revamped Frontline Fortifications to Counter Russian Advances
“Currently, the most effective setup involves a maximum of one detachment. These consist largely of trench groups, or foxholes, which prevent enemy drones from striking. Drones, especially those o
Leave a Reply