European Commission Expected to Report on Bulgaria Eurozone Entry in June

The European Commission is set to publish a convergence report in early June assessing Bulgaria's readiness to adopt the euro, as part of its efforts to join the eurozone by January 1, 2026. Bulgaria must meet several EU criteria, including low inflation, stable public finances, and an independent central bank, to switch from its lev currency to the euro. The Bulgarian government and business community strongly support euro adoption as a key national priority, with Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova emphasizing ongoing efforts to secure Bulgaria's place in the Eurozone. Bulgaria's main trading partners within the EU include Germany, Romania, Italy, Greece, and France, which collectively account for over 60% of its exports. Meanwhile, Serbia, despite maintaining close ties with Russia and China, has reiterated its full commitment to the EU accession process, with European Council President António Costa stressing the need for alignment on foreign and security policy. Costa's visit to Belgrade aimed to clarify Serbia's position amid criticism over its President's attendance at Russia's Victory Day parade, underscoring the delicate balance Serbia faces in its EU aspirations.