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
Pistorius und das Patriot-Systemproblem
Beim Wochenvoting bitten wir um eure Meinung: Wie entscheidend sind die Patriot-Sys
Teen Detained After Friday Night Incident at Vilvoorde Station
Vilvoorde (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – One minor has been placed in juvenile detention, while two others were released under conditions after Friday’s incident near Vilvoorde station, officials say.
A fourth youngster has been turned over to the public prosecutor’s office in Brussels.
Four adult suspects, including the 24-year-old biker whose detention on Thursday night following a run-in wi
Western Diplomatic Leaders and EU Commissioner Lahbib Condemn Israel’s Treatment of Gaza Civilians
In a social media post, Israel’s foreign ministry stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had fired warning shots t
Tom Berendsen MEP Champions Digital Future for EU Waterways with RIS Revamp
Member of the European Parliament Tom Berendsen, known for his focus on digital innovation in transport, has shared detailed insights on the recent unanimous agreement by the EU transport committee to modernize the River Information Services (RIS) Directive. This update aims to align inland waterway transport with contemporary digital standards, enhancing safety, efficiency, and cross-border int
EU Commission Releases Guidelines for Upcoming AI Regulations Effective August
Britain Can’t Defuse Its Pensions Crisis
Child, 7, in Critical Condition After Fall in Borgerhout
Borgerhout (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A 7-year-old child is in critical condition after falling from a window in Borgerhout. Authorities have launched an investigation into the tragic incident.
He fell from a house’s window. Police said the incident probably happened while the player was playing.
A house on Alfred Oststraat was the scene of the disaster on Monday afternoon in Belgium. The t
EU4Culture Concludes Restoration of Bashtova Castle in Albania
This initiative was executed under the EU4Culture program, with funding from the European Union and implemented by UNOPS in close collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation.
Constructed in the 15th century by the Venetians to oversee the coa
Ukraine’s State Security Hunts for Russian Informants Inside Anti-Corruption Agency
The SBU alleged that Magamedrasulov had close ties with Fedir Khrystenko, a pro-Russian lawmak
Ghent’s Beestig Festival Concludes Debut with Cheers
Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Beestig’s first edition at Ghent’s Beestenmarkt, hosted by Hip Hop Hooray, ends successfully with vibrant DJ sets and live music drawing strong crowds.
Mathieu Brouillet, the organizer, estimates that about 10,000 people came to the square.
“We’re hoping for another edition next year,”
he said.
‘Beestig’ was only authorized by the city of Ghent in May for
Leave a Reply