Bulgaria officially adopted the euro as its national currency on New Year's Day, becoming the 21st member of the eurozone. The Bulgarian lev will circulate alongside the euro until the end of January, with the euro becoming sole legal tender from February 1. Prices will be displayed in both currencies until August 8. While leaders and businesses welcome the move as a milestone for EU integration and economic stability, some citizens express concerns about potential price increases and mistrust in the political establishment. Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007 and has pursued euro adoption since.