Name: Bulgaria becomes eurozones 21st member
Uploaded: 2026-01-01T14:48:27.254Z
Duration: 2 min 22 s
Description: Bulgaria has officially adopted the euro as its national currency, leaving the lev behind. But the switch comes at a difficult moment, with deep political divisions at home and widespread fears over rising prices.

Bulgaria has officially adopted the euro as its national currency, leaving the lev behind. But the switch comes at a difficult moment, with deep political divisions at home and widespread fears over rising prices.

Sofia

Bulgaria has adopted the euro, exchanging its national currency, the lev, to become the 21st member of the eurozone. The transition follows a prolonged process, with previous delays due to inflation rates not meeting EU requirements and significant public opposition, particularly among older and rural populations.

The euro's introduction comes at a time of political instability in Bulgaria, with frequent elections and widespread concerns about corruption. While some hope eurozone membership will boost investment and improve living standards, far-right parties and Russian-linked social media campaigns have opposed the move. Upcoming elections are expected to determine whether Bulgaria can form a stable government and implement reforms to realize the potential benefits of euro adoption.

Bulgaria becomes eurozone's 21st member

Lining up to trade the past for the future. Exchanging Bulgarian LEVs for Euros. It's taken Bulgaria a long time to get here. The country joined the European Union in 2007. But joining the Eurozone was pushed back multiple times. Due to inflation that didn't meet EU targets. Recent polls show nearly half the population was against adopting the Euro. The stark divide erupting in a scuffle in parliament in June when European regulators approved Bulgaria's entry to the Euro. Many people, especially older residents in the countryside, fear more inflation. It's difficult because for practical reasons. So the currency is new. They are a bit afraid that they will not easily get accustomed to the new look of the banknotes and the coins. They have difficulties in calculating the prices. In the streets of the capital, Zofia, opinions were mixed. I'm rather against it because I fear that we will become poorer. I think it's overdue because we should have adopted the Euro a long time ago. Bulgaria is the poorest EU country by GDP. And there are hopes that joining the Eurozone will spur investment. And improve trade. Gradually lifting the standard of living. But the Euro is coming amid a long-running political crisis. There have been seven elections in the past five years. And corruption is seen as widespread. The most recent government fell just last month after it released an economic plan that called for raising taxes. Far-right pro-Russian parties are squarely against the move to the Euro. And investigators have found that social media accounts tied to Russia have tried to undermine trust in the currency. It's all put Bulgaria to the test. Elections in March will show if it can elect a stable government and then pass anti-corruption reforms so it can actually enjoy the promised economic advantages of the Euro.

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