ECB President Christine Lagarde announced Bulgaria will adopt the euro on January 1, 2026, highlighting benefits and addressing concerns during a high-level conference organized with Bulgarian authorities.
On January 1, 2026, Bulgaria will adopt the euro as its currency. This decision marks the culmination of a long journey, reflecting Bulgaria’s integration into Europe’s monetary history and its commitment to the euro area.
In her speech at the high-level conference on “Bulgaria on the Doorstep of the Eurozone,” ECB President Christine Lagarde emphasized that joining the euro is a step towards prosperity and security for Bulgaria. She highlighted that Bulgaria’s GDP per capita has increased significantly over the past decade, and that euro adoption will further enhance economic integration, reduce currency barriers, and lower costs for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.
Lagarde also addressed concerns about sovereignty and inflation. She clarified that Bulgaria’s Governor will have voting rights on the ECB Governing Council, and that safeguards will mitigate inflationary impacts during the changeover. She noted that public support for the euro has increased across Europe, and that Bulgaria’s reform momentum is key to maximizing benefits from euro adoption.
Finally, she stressed that Bulgaria’s decision to join the euro strengthens its resilience against global shocks and enhances its voice within the euro area, aligning with Bulgaria’s national spirit of sovereignty and unity.
For more information, visit the official ECB announcement at https://www.ecb.europa.eu//press/key/date/2025/html/ecb.sp251104~37e3eb95c0.en.html.
