Bulgaria receives euro approval: a step despite protests!
Bulgaria receives euro approval: a step despite protests!
Bulgarien, Land - Bulgaria received the EU's official approval of introducing the euro on January 1, 2026. This decision follows the EU Commission's proposal and the advocacy by the EU Finance Minister, as reported by Kosmo With this step, Bulgaria becomes the 21st member of the euro zone and joins Croatia, which introduced the joint currency in early 2023. In order to be able to take over the euro, however, Bulgaria had to meet specific convergence criteria that include stable prices, solid state finances and constant exchange rates.
Control of inflation plays a crucial role in the purchasing power of the new money. The European Central Bank (ECB) and the EU Commission monitor the progress of the candidates for accession, and Bulgaria has been fulfilling all the necessary conditions since June 2023. Previously, it failed due to an inflation rate of 9.5 percent that destroyed an original plan for the introduction of the euro in 2024. A report by ECB of June 4, 2025 confirms the positive progress in Bulgari's economic convergence since 2024 relieved.
convergence criteria and economic progress
The convergence criteria that Bulgaria had to meet relate to several economic stability measurement variables, including price stability and solid public finances. In April 2025, the inflation rate in Bulgaria was 2.7 %, which is significantly below the reference value of 2.8 %. These reference values have been determined, taking into account the inflation rates of Ireland, Finland and Italy, as explained in the report
The country's budget deficit was 3.0 % of GDP in 2024, and the public debt rate was 24.1 %. Bulgaria has not been the subject of a procedure for excessive deficit since 2012. As a result, the country successfully met the legal requirements for the introduction of the euro. A positive evaluation of the ECB also underlines Bulgaria's commitment to economic adjustments and structural reforms. Despite the progress, the introduction of the euro triggered massive resistance in Bulgaria. Nationalist and pro -Russian groups in particular protest against the end of the euro. In February 2023 there was an attack on the EU representation in Sofia, followed by nationwide protests that demanded the preservation of Bulgarian LEW. These demonstrations were largely organized by the Prorussian Small Party Welitschie, which carried out Europe -wide autocorsos against the currency changeover. The Wasraschdane nationalist party is planning a large demonstration in Sofia and has requested a referendum on the currency question, which was, however, rejected in the Bulgarian parliament. According to a survey by Mjara, 54.9 % of adults were introduced to the euro in May 2023. Nevertheless, 66.3 % of companies in Bulgaria support the company's step because they expect the positive influence on trade and tourism, similar to how Croatia has experienced. The stable conversion course in Bulgaria, which connects the LEW with the euro, should ensure a smooth transition. The final euro introduction still requires legal acts of EU member states at the level of finance ministers. The obligation of all EU countries, except Denmark, creates additional pressure for Bulgaria and other countries to introduce the euro. public and political reactions
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| Ort | Bulgarien, Land |
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