Bulgaria will join the euro area as of 1 January 2026

29 December 2025

On 1 January 2026, Bulgaria will adopt the euro as its official currency, becoming the 21st member of the euro area. This step marks an important milestone in the process of European integration.

The accession was approved by the Council of the European Union on 8 July 2025, following a positive assessment of compliance with the convergence criteria.

To celebrate the event, the main building of the European Central Bank in Frankfurt will be illuminated with the colours of the Bulgarian flag, to symbolize the new member's entry into the euro area.