The European Parliament has approved Bulgaria's accession to the eurozone

This paves the way for the Council of the EU to grant final approval for the country's entry into the currency union, expected to take place on 8 July, concluding with an official ceremony to welcome the newly admitted country.

Meanwhile, in Sofia, the Buditeli (Awakening) civic initiative organised a protest against the euro outside the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria and the European Parliament Office.

Protesters carrying Bulgarian flags and chanting ‘No to the euro, we want the Bulgarian lev’ gathered in front of the building with placards reading ‘The euro is the last nail in Bulgaria's coffin’. They said they would continue the protests and seek support from other citizen initiatives and party representatives.

However, the scorching sun caused the participants to disperse, deciding instead to continue their protests in the evening in front of the parliament and government buildings.