EU Council Finalizes Bulgaria's Euro Adoption

On July 8, 2025, the Council of the European Union adopted the final legal acts required for Bulgaria to introduce the euro on January 1, 2026, completing the country's accession process to the euro area.

Details

The Council's decision includes setting the conversion rate between the Bulgarian lev and the euro at 1.95583 lev per €1, aligning with the current central rate in the exchange rate mechanism (ERM II). This marks Bulgaria's official entry as the 21st member of the euro area.

Implications

The adoption of the euro is expected to enhance Bulgaria's economic integration within the European Union, providing benefits such as reduced transaction costs and increased financial stability.

Next Steps

Bulgaria will undertake final preparations to ensure a smooth transition to the euro, including public information campaigns and logistical arrangements for currency changeover.

For more details, refer to the official press release from the Council of the EU.