Bulgaria Set to Join Eurozone

In a significant move towards deeper European integration, the European Parliament has endorsed Bulgaria’s application to adopt the euro as its official currency. The decision, made in a plenary session, saw an overwhelming majority of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) vote in favor, with 531 votes supporting the bid, 69 against, and 79 abstentions.

Scheduled to join the Eurozone on January 1, 2026, Bulgaria will become the 21st member of the Euro area, marking a pivotal shift in its economic landscape. The decision follows a confirmation that Bulgaria meets all necessary criteria for the transition to the euro, similar to Croatia’s recent adoption of the currency in 2023.

Rapporteur Eva Maydell, representing the European People’s Party from Bulgaria, expressed optimism after the vote, noting, “Today’s vote sends a clear signal: Bulgaria is ready to join the Euro area. All criteria have been met, and this step marks a key milestone towards Bulgaria’s full European integration.”

A press conference with Maydell is scheduled to take place in Strasbourg, providing further insights into the implications of this decision. The European Parliament’s endorsement will now be forwarded to the Euro area member states for final approval, anticipated later today.