site.btaEuropean Council Expected to Support Bulgaria’s Entry into Eurozone in 2026

The European Council will meet in Brussels on Thursday to discuss defence, migration, security, the economy and support for Ukraine. EU heads of state and government are expected to support Bulgaria’s entry into the eurozone from 1 January next year.

The meeting participants will exchange views on economic challenges, working with key partners and strengthening the international role of the euro. Ahead of the meeting, European Council President Antonio Costa called for accelerating the EU’s overall defence readiness by 2030 and for more efficient use of funds.

The EU will remain steadfast in its support for Ukraine, with a goal to put an end to the war launched by Russia and to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, Costa said in a letter to European leaders. He added that Ukraine's path to EU membership will be discussed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to participate in this part of the meeting.

The participants will also discuss the situation in the Middle East, especially in Gaza. Costa announced that he will brief the European Council on his travels to the Western Balkans.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov will also participate in the meeting of the European Council, which will continue on Friday, the press service of the Council of Ministers said.