European Union officials gave the green light Wednesday for Bulgaria to become the 21st member of the euro currency union,, a key EU project aimed at deepening the ties between member countries. The Balkan country of 6.

Many fear a rise in prices during the switch, as had occurred in other countries that joined over the past decade.

Bulgaria has been given sign-off to join the euro zone. The country becoming part of the euro zone would take the bloc from 20 to 21 members. Countries need to meet several criteria, including on price stability,