The Eurogroup has recommended that Bulgaria become the 21st member of the eurozone, BGNES reported.

At the meeting in Luxembourg, Bulgaria was represented by Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova and BNB Governor Dimitar Radev.

The Eurogroup is the informal forum of finance ministers from the countries using the euro.

"All eurozone member states unanimously supported Bulgaria's membership of the eurozone from January 1, 2026. The convergence reports of the EC and the ECB were discussed. Everyone unanimously agreed that Bulgaria meets absolutely all the criteria and requirements to become part of the eurozone. Today is truly a great day for our country," said Temenuzhka Petkova.

During the discussions, representatives of the European Commission and the European Central Bank presented their assessments of Bulgaria's readiness.

The Eurogroup meeting is taking place in Luxembourg one day before the ECOFIN Council meeting.

The final decision on Bulgaria's adoption of the euro will be taken on July 8 in Brussels by EU finance ministers.

Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe said earlier that Bulgaria's entry into the eurozone would be very good for the Bulgarian economy.

He is convinced that this will contribute to the strength and success of the eurozone. "The euro is a currency that has been successful for many years in keeping inflation low. We saw this after the shock rise in energy prices, when inflation jumped. We managed to bring it down then. You need to pursue the right budgetary policy, which I believe you will do, and in the coming years Bulgaria will overcome this challenge," he added.

Stay tuned for more details. ІBGNES