President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu congratulated Bulgaria on joining the euro area, effective January 1, 2026.
“Congratulations to Bulgaria on joining the euro area today, an important step that opens new opportunities for citizens and businesses. Moldova looks on with admiration and hope at this achievement as we continue on our own European path. Congratulations, Bulgaria,” Maia Sandu wrote on the X platform.
With this move, Bulgaria becomes the 21st country to adopt the single European currency. Croatia was the most recent country to join the eurozone, in 2023.
The European Union introduced the euro as its official currency on January 1, 2002, initially in 12 member states.
Bulgaria, which has a population of about 6.4 million, joined the European Union in 2007. The country adopts the euro amid ongoing economic and political challenges.