BRUSSELS – The European Commission (EC) confirmed that the decisions regarding Bulgaria’s entry into the eurozone have been finalized and are currently in effect. This was stated by an EC spokesperson during a press conference, in response to inquiries about potential changes by January 1 due to Bulgaria’s political climate.
When asked if there is a “technical possibility” for Bulgaria to refrain from entering the eurozone next year or to exit after joining, the spokesperson provided a clear response. He noted that Bulgaria has fulfilled the necessary criteria for eurozone membership. Consequently, all relevant decisions have been made, and Bulgaria is set to adopt the euro on January 1.
Bulgaria is set to become the 21st member of the eurozone on January 1, 2026, nearly 19 years following its accession to the European Union. The EU Council unanimously approved the final decisions on July 8, 2025, regarding the country’s euro adoption. Earlier that same day, the European Parliament also endorsed the report on Bulgaria’s introduction of the single currency with a significant majority.
Starting December 1, the sale of starter kits containing Bulgarian euro coins for citizens and businesses commenced.
This announcement from the EC comes amidst recent developments in Bulgaria, including a series of anti-government protests. On December 11, the government led by Prime Minister Rossen Zhelyazkov resigned, and the National Assembly voted on the resignation the following day.
On the same day, the party “Vazrazhdane,” which organized multiple protests against Bulgaria’s eurozone accession throughout the year, declared its intention to propose that parliament pass a resolution requesting a one-year delay for the euro’s introduction. However, party leader Kostadin Kostadinov expressed doubt that the proposal would gain support from other parliamentary groups. (12.12.2025)
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