Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a Balkan country that entered the EU nearly two decades ago. It's newsworthy due to significant political and economic shifts. President Rumen Radev is resigning, triggering snap elections after leading parties failed to form a government following widespread protests against corruption and rising taxes. These protests, fueled by younger generations, led to the previous government's ousting. Adding to the upheaval, Bulgaria adopted the Euro at the start of 2026, a move intended to bring stability but also sparking anxiety among citizens who fear price increases due to currency rounding. This combination of political instability and economic transition makes Bulgaria a focal point within the EU.