BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT – President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde celebrated Bulgaria’s imminent accession to the euro area.
Congratulations, Bulgaria! You should take pride in your accomplishments. Joining the euro area, one of the EU’s significant successes, marks a vital achievement that reflects years of dedication and perseverance through challenges, stated Ursula von der Leyen.
The euro will facilitate payments and travel for Bulgarians. It will create new opportunities for Bulgarian businesses and enhance Bulgaria’s influence in Europe. This move benefits Bulgaria and reinforces Europe, making our economy more resilient and competitive globally, added the President of the EC.
The Commission has been fully supportive of Bulgaria’s path to adopting the euro. With Bulgaria’s inclusion, 21 EU nations and over 357 million Europeans will utilize the common currency. Public approval for the euro remains robust within the EU and the euro area, with a significant majority believing the euro is beneficial for both the EU and their nation, as revealed by the latest Eurobarometer survey, the EC noted.
Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, expressed appreciation for the Bulgarian National Bank’s diligent efforts in preparing for the euro’s adoption and extended wishes for a prosperous New Year.
As 2026 arrives, we proudly welcome Bulgaria into the euro family, Lagarde announced via a social media post.
This announcement is part of a series of public statements made by Christine Lagarde in late 2025, highlighting Bulgaria’s advancement towards euro area membership.
This is a historic occasion that will bolster trade, travel, and financial stability throughout Europe, Lagarde noted in one of her posts.
The European Central Bank will commemorate Bulgaria’s accession with an official visual display on the southern side of its main building in Frankfurt. The animation will feature the message “Welcome, Bulgaria” in all euro area languages and display the national side of Bulgaria’s 50 cent, 1 euro, and 2 euro coins.
This projection will run for four minutes and be displayed from January 1 to January 11, 2026, with its inaugural showing on New Year’s Eve. The visuals will incorporate the colors of the European Union and synchronize with the music of the “Ode to Joy”.
Bulgaria will officially adopt the euro and become the 21st member of the euro area on January 1, 2026, nearly 19 years after joining the European Union. The Council of the EU unanimously approved the final decisions regarding Bulgaria’s euro adoption on July 8 this year. Earlier that day, the European Parliament also endorsed by a large majority the report on introducing the single European currency in Bulgaria. (31.12.2025)
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