Bulgaria, welcome to the euro area! – Embracing the common currency in a changing world

On 1 January 2026, Bulgaria becomes the newest members of the euro area following a long process of convergence. To celebrate this milestone in the history of Bulgaria and of the euro area, the Section for Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion (ECO) of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will organise a public debate to discuss Bulgaria's road to the euro, its prospects as part of the common currency area, and the outlook for the euro area in a world of geopolitical challenges, inflationary pressures and economic uncertainties. As Bulgaria prepares to adopt the euro, the EESC's ECO Section examines what the monetary union delivers in practice. Drawing on two decades of eurozone experience, we explore whether the euro's institutional design adequately serves diverse economies and how civil society can ensure that the monetary union benefits citizens broadly.

The event will be webstreamed (original, EN, FR). No registration is needed and participation is free of charge.

Follow the event on Twitter: @EESC_ECO

Ask your questions to the panellists via Sli.do with the event code: #EuroInBulgaria

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