Thu Jan 01 13:33:32 UTC 2026: ## Bulgaria Joins Eurozone Amidst Hopes and Fears
Sofia, Bulgaria – Bulgaria officially adopted the euro on Wednesday, January 1st, becoming the 21st member of the Eurozone nearly two decades after joining the European Union. The move, celebrated by some as a step towards economic stability and closer integration with the West, is met with anxiety by others who fear rising prices and stagnant wages.
At midnight, the Bulgarian lev, the national currency for over a century, was replaced by the euro. The European Central Bank President, Christine Lagarde, warmly welcomed Bulgaria to the “euro family” as celebratory images of Bulgarian euro coins illuminated the central bank in Sofia.
Supporters of the euro adoption argue it will strengthen Bulgaria’s fragile economy, shield it from external influences, and further integrate it with Western institutions. “Great! It works!” exclaimed Dimitar, a resident who withdrew euros from an ATM shortly after midnight, speaking to the Associated Press.
However, public opinion remains divided. Many Bulgarians are concerned that the change will lead to inflation while wages remain stagnant, exacerbating the country’s existing struggles with political instability. President Rumen Radev, in a televised address, criticized the lack of a public referendum on the decision, highlighting the divide between the political class and the public.
The country has recently been mired in political uncertainty, with anti-corruption protests leading to the collapse of the government and the prospect of another election.
“People are afraid that prices will rise, while salaries will remain the same,” one resident told AFP news agency.
While anxieties persist, some remain optimistic. “The whole of Europe has managed with the euro, we’ll manage too,” said Vlad, a retiree in Sofia. Businesses are currently displaying prices in both levs and euros as the country transitions to the new currency.
First Piper 