From January 1, Bulgaria will officially switch to the euro, thus becoming the 21st member of the Eurozone. This decision, which will take effect on Thursday, put an end to the long-standing process of abandoning the country's national currency - the Bulgarian levy.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Bulgaria on this step and assessed it as the result of many years of consistent work and commitment to the goal. He emphasized that the transition to the euro will open up new opportunities for simple payments, easier travel, and Bulgarian business.
At the same time, the adoption of the euro is taking place against the backdrop of heated debates within the country. During 2025, large-scale protests were held in Bulgaria by supporters of the preservation of the national currency - the lev. Opponents of the euro expressed concern about rising prices and undermining economic independence.
Despite this, successive governments viewed joining the Eurozone as a strategic goal. Proponents of the reform believe that the euro will stabilize the economy, facilitate trade, strengthen cooperation with the European Union, and reduce the country's vulnerability to external influences, including those of Russia.
In recent years, political instability has persisted in Bulgaria. Anti-corruption protests have led to the collapse of the conservative government, and the country is on the verge of an eighth election in the last five years.
Economically, Bulgaria has long been closely tied to the euro. After hyperinflation in the 1990s, the lev was tied first to the German mark, and later to the euro. Currency stability control was entrusted to the European Central Bank. According to experts, joining the Eurozone will give Bulgaria such important advantages as stable prices, cheap financing, and further facilitation of trade in the European market.
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