Bulgaria joins the euro after rocky path to new currency
BBC••general
Key Points:
- Bulgaria has become the 21st member of the eurozone, surpassing countries like Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, marking a significant step in its integration into the European mainstream.
- The adoption of the euro is welcomed by many young, urban Bulgarians as a positive economic move, while older, rural populations express fear and resentment over replacing the longstanding Bulgarian lev.
- Public opinion is divided, with polls showing an almost equal split on euro adoption, and political instability complicates the transition, as Bulgaria has faced multiple elections and government changes recently.
- The government rejected a proposed referendum on euro adoption, despite some citizens' strong opposition, while others see the change as largely technical and beneficial for trade and daily transactions.
- During January,
