Bulgaria Adopts Euro Nearly 20 Years After Joining EU

Bulgaria on Thursday became the 21st country to switch to the euro, a milestone met with both cheers and fears, nearly 20 years after the Balkan nation joined the European Union.

At midnight (2200 GMT Wednesday), Bulgaria gave up the lev, in use since the late 19th century, and Bulgarian euro coins were projected onto the central bank’s building.

“I warmly welcome Bulgaria to the euro…