Bulgaria Set to Join Euro Zone in 2026 as EU Gives Support (1)

The euro zone is set to continue its eastward expansion after Bulgaria was deemed ready to become the currency bloc’s 21st member.

The European Commission recommended on Wednesday that the Black Sea nation of 6.4 million should be allowed to adopt the common currency in 2026. The European Union’s executive arm and the European Central Bank said in separate reports that all the requirements on issues including inflation and public debt had been fulfilled.

“Thanks to the euro, Bulgaria’s economy will become stronger, with more trade with euro area partners, foreign direct investment, access to finance, quality jobs and real ...