On January 1, 2026, Bulgaria will adopt the euro, becoming the 21st EU nation to do so after joining the EU in 2007 and the Schengen Area in 2024. Currently, six EU countries—Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Sweden—still use their own currencies. The euro, managed by the European Central Bank, facilitates trade among 350 million users and is the second-most traded currency globally. Countries must meet specific economic criteria and spend two years in ERM II before joining the eurozone, with Denmark holding a formal opt-out agreement.
