Parliament endorses Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro

MEPs gave an overwhelmingly favourable opinion on Tuesday on Bulgaria’s bid to adopt the euro and join the Euro area on 1 January 2026.

Parliament, by 531 votes in favour, 69 against and 79 abstentions, adopted a report confirming Bulgaria fulfils the criteria for adopting the euro on 1 January 2026.

After confirmation by EU member states, Bulgaria will become the 21st member of the Euro area. The most recent country to join was Croatia in 2023.

Quotes

Rapporteur Eva Maydell (EPP, BG) said after the vote:

“Today’s vote sends a clear signal: Bulgaria is ready to join the Euro area. All criteria have been met, and this step marks a key milestone towards Bulgaria’s full European integration - for the country and its citizens.”

Press conference

A press conference with the rapporteur will be held at 14:00 CET, in Strasbourg. You can follow it here. As a journalist you can also participate and ask questions by logging in through Interactio.

Next steps

Parliament’s opinion will be forwarded to the Euro area member states who, later today, are expected to give Bulgaria the final go-ahead.