Many fear a rise in prices during the switch, as had occurred in other countries that joined over the past decade.

European Union officials gave the green light Wednesday for Bulgaria to become the 21st member of the euro currency union,, a key EU project aimed at deepening the ties between member countries. The Balkan country of 6.

Bulgaria is set to enter the Eurozone in 2026 after receiving approval from the European Commission and meeting all key economic conditions.