Bulgaria ’s Eurozone Journey: Opportunities and Challenges of Adopting the Euro in 2026 by Yannis Karamitsios Bulgaria is set to adopt the euro as its official currency on January 1, 2026, becoming the 21st member of the eurozone. This transition, following the country’s commitment upon joining the European Union in 2007, marks a significant step in its economic integration with the EU. The move to replace the Bulgarian lev, which has been pegged to the euro at a fixed exchange rate of 1: 1.95