The EU Council adopted the final three legal acts required for Bulgaria to introduce the euro on 1 January 2026.
This completes the process for Bulgaria to become the 21st member of the euro area and to benefit from using the EU’s common currency, the euro, as of next year.
“From today, Bulgaria takes its place as the 21st member of the eurozone. This marks the culmination of a thorough process towards Bulgaria’s accession, comprising rigorous analysis and intensive preparation. I warmly congratulate Bulgaria and the Bulgarian people on this tremendous achievement.”
— Stephanie Lose, Danish minister for economic affairs
One of the three legal acts sets the conversion rate between the euro and the Bulgarian lev at 1.95583 lev per 1 euro. This corresponds to the current central rate of the lev in the exchange rate mechanism (ERM II).
Council decision on the adoption of the euro by Bulgaria
Council regulation adding Bulgaria to the list of euro area member states
Council regulation establishing the Bulgarian lev’s conversion rate to the euro
Euro area member states recommend that Bulgaria become the 21st member of the euro area (press release, 19 June 2025)
Statement by the President of the Eurogroup, 4 June 2025
The euro (background information)
Joining the euro area (background information)