Bulgaria will join the eurozone on Thursday, becoming the 21st country to adopt the European Union’s single currency.

The Balkan nation, home to around 6.4 million people, is set to phase out its national currency, the lev, by the end of 2025. The lev has been in circulation since the late 19th century.

The Bulgarian government says adopting the euro will help strengthen the economy of the EU’s poorest member state, deepen ties with Western Europe, and shield the country from Russian influence.