Bulgaria to Adopt Euro in January Even As Corruption Concerns Linger 

Bulgaria will adopt the euro as its official currency in January 2026, the Eastern European country announced Wednesday, even as protests broke out earlier this week against the move due to worries about inflation, Politico reported. 

Both the European Commission and the European Central Bank (ECB) approved a move to make Bulgaria the 21st member of the eurozone, acknowledging its achievements in meeting the necessary economic criteria. The ECB said Bulgaria met the requirements regarding currency stability, inflation, public finances, and interest rates, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty noted. 

The final endorsement of the accession is expected during a meeting of European Union finance ministers in July, but European officials have told Politico they don’t anticipate opposition from other eurozone members. 

Despite that optimistic view, concerns remain about money laundering and high-level political corruption in Bulgaria.  

Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007 and committed at the time to adopting the euro currency. However, the country has seen seven elections in the past four years, and legislative failures  – including some aimed at fighting money laundering, inflation, political stalemate, and instability – have complicated its path toward the eurozone. 

On Saturday, thousands of Bulgarians took to the streets to protest against the decision to adopt the euro and ask the government to keep the lev, the currency in use today. Opponents worry that sellers and companies will exploit the transition to raise prices, while increased trade with the rest of the bloc could also push up local costs. 

After the decision, Bulgarian politicians said that the priority is to make sure the adoption of the euro brings benefits instead of disruption. 

Entry into the eurozone is Bulgaria’s second big step in one year on its path toward full integration into the EU. In January, the country became a full member of the Schengen Agreement, which allows the free movement of people across the borders of the member countries.