Bulgaria joins the euro zone

Luxembourg's Finance Minister Gilles Roth attended the meetings of the Eurogroup and the EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin) held on 7-8 July 2025 in Brussels. The main topic on the agenda was the major changes in the eurozone architecture, both political and technological.

Ministers have approved legislative acts paving the way for Bulgaria to join the euro zone. The country will become the currency union's 21st member as early as 2026. The decision marks the enlargement of the eurozone amid growing global pressures and is designed to strengthen the region's economic integration.

At the same time, the Eurogroup unanimously re-elected Irishman Paschal Donohoe as Chairman for a new term of two and a half years. Gilles Roth commented on this decision as "proof of confidence in pragmatic leadership and the ability to ensure economic stability".

In the framework of the Ecofin meeting, ministers discussed current and strategic issues of currency system governance. Among them: promotion of the digital euro project, strengthening of the investment union and recommendations for the implementation of the countries' economic policies in the framework of the European Semester 2025. The implementation of the renewed EU Economic Governance Mechanism, an important tool for controlling budgetary discipline, was also touched upon.

There was also a glimpse into the future: ministers were preparing for the upcoming G20 meeting, where the EU will present a co-ordinated position. The new Presidency of the EU Council - Denmark - presented the priorities of its Presidency, which will take effect on 1 July 2025.

Thus, the Brussels meeting was not just a routine coordination, but an important milestone: it not only shaped monetary policy for the coming years, but also outlined the boundaries of the next stage of integration and digitalisation of the European economy.