The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola , highlighted Bulgaria 's progress toward adopting the euro as its primary currency, describing it as " one step away ." Her remarks followed a meeting with Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Metsola praised Bulgaria 's long-awaited inclusion in the Schengen Area, a milestone achieved after 13 years of persistent effort. She underscored the euro 's importance, likening it to Schengen as a vital part