Bulgaria became the 21st member of the eurozone, despite political turmoil and divided public opinion, marking a significant step in its integration into the European mainstream. The move, finalized recently, positions Bulgaria alongside nations using the euro, even as more economically robust candidates like Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary remain outside the currency union, according to Reuters.

The replacement of the Bulgarian lev, which has been the national currency since 1881, with the euro has sparked mixed reactions across the country. The lev, meaning "lion," had been pegged to other European currencies since 1997, first to the Deutschmark and then to the euro.

For many urban, young, and entrepreneurial Bulgarians, the adoption of the euro represents an optimistic and potentially beneficial development. It signifies the culmination of Bulgaria's efforts to align with Europe, following its membership in NATO, the EU, and the Schengen zone.

However, older, rural, and more conservative segments of the population view the change with fear and resentment. Opinion polls suggest that the country's 6.5 million residents are almost evenly split on the new currency.

The transition has been further complicated by political instability. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov's coalition government lost a confidence vote on Dec. 11, adding uncertainty to the economic shift.

Bulgarian shops have been displaying prices in both lev and euros since August in preparation for the changeover. The dual pricing is intended to help citizens become familiar with the new currency and to prevent price gouging during the transition period.

Bulgaria, often cited as the poorest country in the European Union, hopes that adopting the euro will bring greater economic stability and attract foreign investment. The government anticipates that the euro will reduce transaction costs, eliminate exchange rate risk, and foster deeper integration with the European economy.

The path to euro adoption has been challenging for Bulgaria, requiring the country to meet strict economic criteria, including maintaining low inflation, sound public finances, and exchange rate stability. The European Central Bank and the European Commission have closely monitored Bulgaria's progress in meeting these requirements.

The long-term implications of Bulgaria's euro adoption remain to be seen. While proponents emphasize the potential for economic growth and stability, critics worry about the loss of monetary policy independence and the potential impact on prices and wages. The coming months will be crucial in assessing the success of this transition and its effects on the Bulgarian economy and society.