Bulgaria takes hesitant step into the eurozone

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AFP) - Bulgaria will become the 21st country to switch to the euro when it enters the New Year on Thursday, amid concerns the move could usher in higher prices and add to political instability rattling the Balkan country.

When midnight strikes on Wednesday, Bulgaria will give up the lev currency, which has been in use since the late 19th century.

Successive governments in the count