Euro in Bulgaria: A Divided Population and a Stepping Stone towards EU Integration
EU leaders endorse Bulgaria's transition to the Euro currencyadoption
Get ready, Bulgaria! The Euro is coming! In a historic EU summit decision on January 1, 2026, the countries of the European Union have given the green light for Bulgaria to adopt the common currency. This decision, backed by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his colleagues, marks a significant milestone in the Balkan country's journey towards closer EU integration.
Bulgaria, a member of the EU since 2007, will join the Eurozone as the 21st member, following Croatia's entry in 2023. The Euro's introduction facilitates trade and travel, providing an advantage for businesses and investors, who no longer have to worry about exchange rates. Tourists can also relax, as they won't need to exchange their currency when visiting Bulgaria after it joins the Eurozone.
However, the news has sparked intense debate and protests among Bulgarians. The introduction of the Euro has been met with strong opposition from pro-Russian and euroskeptic factions, who fear an increase in prices due to the change. These groups have been active in spreading anti-euro narratives and disinformation campaigns, resonating with a segment of the population that is less informed about the full benefits of Euro adoption.
Bulgaria's economic authorities, trade unions, and banking representatives, on the other hand, support the transition, anticipating potential economic growth and stabilization. The government, led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, celebrated the European Commission's approval as a culmination of years of reform and alignment with EU partners.
Despite the support from the government and the business sectors, public opinion remains divided, as it is slightly more opposed to the move than it was before. A mid-2025 survey by the Bulgarian institute Mjara showed that 43% of Bulgarians support the Euro introduction, while around 50-51% oppose it. Meanwhile, a majority of 66.3% of the Bulgarian economy supports joining the eurozone, according to a separate survey by Alpha Research.
Pro-Russian populists and euroskeptic forces, led by opposition party Vazrazhdane, have staged protests demanding the retention of the lev and more national sovereignty. President Rumen Radev, known for his euroskeptic stance, attempted unsuccessfully to initiate a referendum on delaying euro adoption. In response to the opposition, economic authorities have begun controls to combat or prevent unjustified price increases following the announcement of positive reports from the EU Commission and the ECB.
Nonetheless, the Euro's arrival is imminent, and Bulgaria, like many EU countries, takes a significant step towards closer economic union. While public opinion remains divided, the benefits for businesses, travelers, and the broader economy could outweigh the apprehensions, making way for continued growth and integration within the EU.
Sources: ntv.de, mau/dpa
- Bulgaria
- Euro
- EU Council of Ministers
- The employment policy within the community is expected to experience changes as Bulgaria, upon adopting the Euro, may experience increased trade and business opportunities, potentially influencing the job market.
- In light of Bulgaria's transition to the Euro, the finance industry, particularly banking representatives, anticipate economic growth and stabilization, reflecting a broader industry-wide view on the benefits of EU integration.
- The Euro's integration into Bulgarian economy has not only drawn interest from the business sector but also sparked discussions in the realm of politics, with euroskeptic factions vocalizing their opposition and pro-Russian populists demanding national sovereignty.
