High-level conference marks final stretch before Bulgaria becomes 21st eurozone member on January 1, 2026

Bulgaria took center stage in European finance today as the country's top officials welcomed the continent's most influential economic leaders to Sofia for a landmark conference on the nation's imminent adoption of the euro. The high-level forum "Bulgaria on the Threshold of the Eurozone," held at the prestigious Boyana Residence, brought together a who's who of European financial power to celebrate and discuss Bulgaria's historic transition.

A Birthday to Remember

In perhaps the most memorable moment of the day, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde revealed a personal connection to Bulgaria's euro adoption that brought warmth to the technical proceedings.

"January 1, 2026 - my heart will beat for you, Bulgaria, as I celebrate my 70th birthday. This will be a special moment, I assure you. Maybe I will actually bring some good Bulgarian wine to celebrate this day, because this is what is usually done on a birthday," Lagarde announced to the audience.

The symbolic gesture underscored the significance of the moment: Bulgaria will become the 21st member of the eurozone on the exact day Lagarde turns 70, creating a personal milestone that mirrors the nation's historic achievement.

Further reading: Christine Lagarde: The Euro Will Bring Bulgaria Prosperity and Security

Europe's Elite Endorse Bulgaria's Readiness

The conference assembled an unprecedented gathering of financial leadership:

Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank

Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund

Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity

Pierre Gramegna, Managing Director of the European Stability Mechanism

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov

Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova

Dimitar Radev, Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank

Lilyana Pavlova, former Vice President of the European Investment Bank

The consensus was clear: Bulgaria is ready.

"I can say with confidence that Bulgaria is ready to successfully introduce the euro from January 1, 2026," declared Finance Minister Petkova, emphasizing that preparations are complete at both national and local levels.