Bulgaria is welcoming a new year and a new currency. The nation of 6.4 million in southeastern Europe will become the 21st member of the shared euro currency on Jan. 1. It means deeper integration with the European Union and smoother trade, travel and investments. It’s something the Bulgarian government has for years pressed for. However, polls show continued skepticism, fears of higher prices and disinformation spread on social media. Much of that resistance appears to come from fears that inflation will increase as merchants round prices up their prices during the changeover.
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