On Wednesday Starbucks (Symbol: SBUX) announced that it plans to expand its European operations in 2008.

Currently, two stores are planned. Sofia will be the base for the Bulgarian store and Lisbon will be home for the Portuguese store.

Starbucks didn’t announce opening dates, but this may be the first of many as the company looked to extend its leverage overseas.

The news comes as Starbucks’ stock at least temporarily halted its freefall. Three months ago the stock was near $30. This week it neared $20.

Starbucks closed Thursday at $20.53—a 2.50% increase from the previous day’s close.

With more than 15,000 coffee shops through out the U.S. and 42 other markets worldwide, investors are wondering when the decline will cease.

Starbucks stock is down 47% on the year. It opened 2007 at $35.60.