As the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve, Bulgaria made history by becoming the 21st country to adopt the euro, marking a transformative moment for the small Balkan nation.

The transition from the 19th-century lev to the single European currency was celebrated dramatically in Sofia, with Bulgarian euro coins projected onto the central bank's building and thousands of citizens braving sub-zero temperatures to witness the momentous occasion.

For Bulgaria's 6.4 million residents, this economic milestone represents more than just a currency change. Successive governments have long advocated for euro adoption, seeing it as a strategic move to boost the country's economic prospects, strengthen Western ties, and potentially counterbalance Russian regional influence.

President Rumen Radev captured the significance of the moment in a national broadcast, describing the euro adoption as the 'final step' in Bulgaria's European Union integration. The country first joined the EU in 2007, and this currency transition represents a crucial milestone in its international economic journey.

However, the transition is not without complexity. Many Bulgarians remain divided, with significant concerns about potential price increases and the potential for additional political instability. The euro's introduction symbolizes hope for economic improvement, but also brings legitimate apprehensions about immediate economic challenges.

As dawn broke on January 1st, Bulgaria entered a new economic era – officially the European Union's poorest member, but now fully integrated into the eurozone's monetary system. The nation stands at a pivotal moment, balancing historical challenges with forward-looking economic aspirations.