Bulgaria has officially deposited its instrument of accession to the Treaty Establishing the European Stability Mechanism with the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union. This step completes the procedure for the country’s accession to the euro area’s common financial stability mechanism.

Information on Bulgaria’s accession has already been published in the Council of the EU’s official register of treaties and agreements. The Treaty will enter into force for Bulgaria on 29 June 2026, when the country will become the 21st full member of the European Stability Mechanism.

The deposit of the instrument followed the ratification of the Treaty Establishing the European Stability Mechanism and its annexes by the National Assembly on 20 May 2026.

The European Stability Mechanism is the permanent financial assistance fund for euro area countries. Its main task is to help safeguard financial stability by providing financial assistance, where necessary, to member states under clearly defined conditions and in return for the implementation of specific measures.

Through its membership, Bulgaria will gain access to the euro area’s common financial safety net and will participate in the decision-making process within the Mechanism. Decisions on granting financial assistance are generally taken by mutual agreement among the member states, meaning that Bulgaria will have an equal voice in their discussion and approval.

During the first 12 years of its membership, Bulgaria will benefit from a temporary correction to its capital contribution. Bulgaria’s initial paid-in capital will amount to approximately EUR 603 million, divided into five equal annual instalments.

Accession to the European Stability Mechanism is a natural continuation of Bulgaria’s full membership in the euro area and further strengthens the country’s participation in the common European financial architecture.