BRUSSELS, June 19 (Chatnewstv.com) — Euro area finance ministers on Thursday recommended that Bulgaria join the eurozone in 2026, setting the Balkan nation on course to become the currency bloc’s 21st member.
The Eurogroup endorsement follows positive convergence assessments by the European Commission and the European Central Bank, which found that Bulgaria met the economic and legal criteria required for membership.
“I am very pleased to announce that the Eurogroup agreed today that Bulgaria fulfils all the necessary conditions to adopt the euro,” said Paschal Donohoe, President of the Eurogroup. “This is a crucial step on Bulgaria’s path to become the 21st member of the euro area in 2026.”
The ministers proposed that Bulgaria introduce the euro on January 1, 2026. The move will now go to the EU Council, which is expected to adopt the necessary legal acts following consultation with the European Parliament and the ECB.
“Today’s milestone is a testament to Bulgaria’s strong commitment to economic convergence, reform and European integration,” Donohoe said. “The adoption of the euro is not simply a technical process. It is a powerful symbol of trust, stability and shared prosperity.”
The final decision is expected in July, after the Ecofin Council meets on June 20 and the European Council reviews the matter at its summit on June 26 and 27.
If approved, Bulgaria would become the newest member of the euro area since Croatia adopted the single currency in 2023.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
