MNI BRIEF: EC Says Bulgaria Is Ready To Join Euro Area

Bulgaria is ready to join the euro as of the start of 2026, the European Commission said in its in its convergence report on the country on Wednesday.

The Commission said Bulgaria has met all the economic, fiscal and financial criteria for membership, including low inflation, exchange rate and long-term interest rate stability and sound public finances. 

Bulgaria's legislation enshrining the independence of its central bank was also deemed by the Commission to be fully compatible with that of the EU.   

EU leaders will take a final, political-level decision on Bulgaria's entry into the euro when they meet in Brussels towards the end of this month.