Prime Highlights:

• Bulgaria becomes the 21st country to adopt the euro, marking the final stage of its European integration after joining NATO, the EU, and the Schengen zone.
• Many young, urban, and business-minded Bulgarians see the euro as a boost for trade, clearer pricing, and attracting more investment.

Key Facts:

• Citizens can pay in both lev and euros until the end of January, after which only euros will be accepted. Shops are required to display dual pricing.
• New euro coins feature national symbols like St. Ivan of Rila and the Madara Rider, reflecting Bulgaria’s heritage and reassuring people about the country’s independence.

Background:

Bulgaria, the EU’s poorest country, has officially joined the eurozone as its 21st member, adopting the single currency. This move puts Bulgaria ahead of neighbors like Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.

For younger, city-based, and business-minded Bulgarians, the change is seen as a positive step. It is the final step in Bulgaria’s journey into Europe after joining NATO, the EU, and the Schengen zone. Many people hope the euro will make trade easier, prices simpler, and bring more investment.

However, the transition has sparked unease among older and rural communities. The Bulgarian lev, which has been in use since 1881 and pegged to European currencies since 1997, is being replaced. Opinion polls indicate the population is nearly evenly split on the new currency, reflecting widespread caution.

Political instability adds another layer of uncertainty. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov’s coalition lost a confidence vote in December following mass protests over the 2026 budget. Bulgaria has held seven elections in the past four years, with an eighth likely soon.

Local business owners have expressed both concern and optimism. Todor, who makes plastics in Gabrovo, worries that switching to the euro could hurt his sales because of inflation and uncertainty. On the other hand, Ognian Enev, a tea shop owner in Sofia, welcomes the change, saying that many prices and big purchases are already listed in euros. Shops must now show prices in both lev and euro, and people can pay in either currency until the end of January. After that, only euros will be accepted.

To ease concerns, consumer watchdogs have been established, and some public transport fares are set to decrease slightly. The new euro coins carry national symbols, including St. Ivan of Rila and the Madara Rider, reflecting Bulgaria’s heritage and reassuring people about its independence.

People and economists are closely watching to see if Bulgaria will follow the successful path of the Baltic countries or face a slower, more difficult transition like Italy. For now, joining the eurozone is a historic step in Bulgaria’s progress toward stronger economic and European integration.