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,

Bulgaria has the green light to join the euro next year and become the 21st member of the European Union's currency union.

Bulgaria's accession to the euro zone as of January next year will bring higher economic growth and higher living standards for the people, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said on Thursday.