Bulgaria prepares to join the euro: all planned for January 2026

Everything is changing for Bulgaria . From January 1, 2026, the country will officially join the Eurozone .

Bulgaria in the Eurozone: A New Economic Era from January 2026

It is not just a date on the calendar. January 1, 2026 will mark Bulgaria's official entry into the eurozone , becoming the 21st member state to use the single currency.

A historic turning point, the result of years of preparation, technical checks and political pressure. Today the final green light arrived from the EU Council, which approved the accession and set the conversion rate between lev and euro at 1.95583. Precise to the cent.

“It is a real success,” said Ursula von der Leyen, implying that behind this move there is not only economics, but also trust. Trust in a country that, for years, has walked on the edge of instability but has held firm to its European objective. And now the euro is no longer an aspiration. It is reality.

The advantages of the euro: lower costs, more transparency and… easier travel

Joining the euro is not just symbolic. It changes everyday life. Bulgarian citizens will no longer have to deal with exchange costs from 1 January 2026 , prices will be clearer and access to European funding will become more direct. Not to mention that moving between EU countries – for work, study or business – will be much easier.

Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy, did not mince his words: “The euro strengthens growth, stabilizes prices, makes the economy more resistant to shocks.” And then there is the integration into the single market. A boost for Bulgarian companies, which will be able to be more competitive, less isolated.

The EU Council also celebrated the milestone: “I congratulate Bulgaria and its people for this extraordinary achievement,” said Stephanie Lose. It is the end of a long journey. But also the beginning of something bigger. And if someone in Bulgaria is still skeptical, the coming weeks will be decisive to understand whether this choice will be welcomed as an achievement or as a leap into the dark.