On July 8, 2025, the EU Council approved Bulgaria's entry into the eurozone starting January 1, 2026, making it the 21st country to adopt the euro. The decision was supported by the European Parliament with 531 votes. A fixed exchange rate was set: 1 € = 1.95583 leva. The event strengthens euro integration and symbolizes EU expansion despite geopolitical challenges. Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enlargement_of_the_eurozone https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgaria_and_the_euro