Bulgaria, the least wealthy nation in the European Union, has officially joined the eurozone, becoming its 21st member. This decision comes despite more prosperous countries like Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary being seen as more likely candidates. Many young and urban Bulgarians view this change as a hopeful and potentially profitable opportunity. It marks a significant step for Bulgaria, aligning it more closely with Europe after joining NATO and the EU, and now adopting the euro. However, the move has sparked fear and opposition among older, rural citizens who are more conservative. The Bulgarian lev, which has been in use since 1881, will be replaced by the euro. Since 1997, the lev has been linked to other European currencies, first the Deutschmark and then the euro. Current opinion polls suggest that Bulgaria's population of 6.5 million is almost evenly split on the euro adoption. Political instability further complicates the transition, as Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov’s coalition government faced a confidence vote on December 11, following widespread protests against the 2026 budget. Bulgaria has conducted seven elections in the last four years, and another one is expected early next year. Todor, a 50-year-old small business owner from Gabrovo, a town near the Balkan mountains, expressed his discontent, saying, “I don’t want the euro, and I don’t like the way it has been imposed on us.” He believes that if there were a referendum, about 70% of the people would oppose the euro. A referendum on this issue was suggested by President Rumen Radev but was turned down by the current government.
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