Bulgaria joins euro area from 1 January

On 1 January 2026, Bulgaria will adopt the euro as its currency, marking an important milestone for the country, for the history of the euro, and for the EU as a whole. This follows a period of intensive preparation and effort by Bulgaria to meet all the necessary requirements, The European Commission reported.

The euro will deliver practical benefits to Bulgarian citizens and businesses. It will make travelling and living abroad easier, boost the transparency and competitiveness of markets, and facilitate trade. Euro banknotes and coins will also become a tangible symbol for all Bulgarians of the freedom, convenience and opportunities that the EU makes possible for its citizens.

The Commission has fully supported Bulgaria in the process of joining the euro. With Bulgaria's accession, 21 EU Member States and more than 357 million EU citizens will share the EU's common currency. Public support for the euro in the EU and euro area remains very strong, with broad majorities of EU citizens believing the euro is a good thing for the EU as a whole, and for their own country, as shown by the latest Eurobarometer.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: “Bulgaria joins the euro area, one of the European Union's greatest achievements. This milestone reflects years of hard work and commitment, overcoming challenges. The euro will bring benefits for the Bulgarian people making payments and travel easier. It will bring new opportunities for Bulgarian businesses, allowing them to seize better the advantages of our common single market. It will further strengthen Bulgaria's voice in Europe. This step is good for Bulgaria, and it strengthens Europe as a whole. It makes our economy more resilient and competitive globally. Congratulations, Bulgaria! You can be proud of what you achieved.”