2nd LD Writethru: Bulgaria adopts euro, becomes 21st eurozone member
SOFIA, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria joined the eurozone and adopted the euro as its official currency on New Year's Day, becoming the 21st member of the euro area.
Throughout January, the Bulgarian lev (BGN) will remain in circulation alongside the euro. However, from Feb. 1, the euro will become the country's sole legal tender.
Between Jan. 1 and June 30, people will be able to exchange lev for euros free