The Bulgarian government has stated that joining the euro could be a positive step for the country to take.

Petar Dimitrov, the economy and energy minister, said adopting the currency would help it achieve greater financial stability throughout the current economic crisis, reports Focus.

Although the eastern European nation is not yet part of the eurozone, the country is in favour of becoming a member and is looking to join within the next few years.

Mr Dimitrov commented: "The introduction of the euro in Bulgaria will provide calmness both for citizens' savings and the business."

He added that the rate of inflation is unlikely to go up if Bulgaria changes to the single currency earlier than it originally planned.

The comments come after Slovakian prime minister Robert Fico told Reuters that he believes joining the euro will make its economy more resilient.

Fifteen EU member states already use the currency, including Slovenia, Cyprus, Italy and Spain.