European Parliament approves Bulgaria's adoption of the euro

The vote came as thousands of Bulgarians have protested in recent weeks against joining the eurozone.

The European Parliament has overwhelmingly voted in favour of Bulgaria’s request to join the euro, paving the way for it to become the 21st member of the bloc to use the currency. On Tuesday, 531 MPs voted in favour of a report confirming that the eastern European country meets all the necessary requirements to adopt the euro. In total, there were 69 votes against the proposal and 79 abstentions. “Today’s vote sends a clear message: Bulgaria is ready to join the eurozone,” rapporteur Eva Maydell said. “All criteria are met, and this step is a major step towards Bulgaria’s full European integration – for the country and for its citizens,” she added. The decision must also be approved by member states before Bulgaria can start using the euro in January 2026. It is expected that they will give the plan the green light by the end of Tuesday, according to the European Parliament. In recent months, protests were held in Bulgaria against the country’s bid to join the eurozone. On 28 June, thousands of demonstrators gathered in a central square in downtown Sofia to voice their opposition to the move, arguing that it would be better to keep the Bulgarian lev, a position taken by pro-Russian and nationalist parties. Since Bulgaria joined the EU almost two decades ago, it has been beset with political insecurity and corruption, which have helped to fuel euroscepticism among its population. Feeding into that sentiment, opponents of the eurozone have published false claims online about how joining the currency could lead to increased poverty in the country. Economists have said Bulgaria will not feel any significant change in the short term, as the lev is currently pegged to the euro by law.