Bulgaria becomes the 21st member of the Eurozone

The EU Council on Economic and Financial Affairs (ECOFIN) unanimously approved the final three acts enabling Bulgaria’s accession to the eurozone. Earlier, MEPs in Strasbourg had adopted the report supporting Bulgaria’s admission to the euro area.

"As of 8 July, Bulgaria takes its place as the 21st country in the eurozone," commented Denmark’s Economy Minister, Stephanie Lose, who chaired the meeting of European finance ministers. ECOFIN also decided that the exchange rate will remain fixed at 1.95583 leva per 1 euro.

The government is committed to a smooth and effective transition to the euro in the interest of all citizens, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov stated in a post on the social network X. "We did it. From 1 January 2026, Bulgaria will officially adopt the euro. We thank all institutions, partners, and everyone whose efforts made this historic moment possible," the Prime Minister’s message read further.