Europe Asia News

To ensure a smooth transition to the new currency, the Bulgarian lev will remain in circulation alongside the euro throughout January. From February 1, the euro will become the country’s sole legal tender.

Between January 1 and June 30, the exchange of levs into euros at banks and post offices will be free of charge. After this period, currency exchange transactions will be subject to fees.

The Bulgarian National Bank stated that the conversion of levs into euros will continue indefinitely and for as long as necessary. However, it added that the mandatory dual pricing of goods and services in euros and levs will end on August 8, 2026.

Vladimir Ivanov, Chairman of Bulgaria’s State Commission on Commodity Exchanges and Markets, described 2025 as a year of market stability during a brief meeting, saying he expects 2026 to begin in a similar manner, “especially after the reduction in transaction costs following the introduction of the euro.”

Nikolay Valkanov, Executive Director of the Association for Modern Trade, also said in an interview that retailers, from large chains to small shops, have made significant efforts to ensure a smooth transition to the new currency.

For the Bulgarian government, joining the Eurozone has been a central priority since the country joined the EU in 2007.

The European Commission announced on June 4, 2025, that Bulgaria met all convergence criteria. On July 8, 2025, the Council of the European Union officially approved Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro, effective from January 1, 2026.

The Eurozone was established on January 1, 1999, when the euro was officially launched in 11 countries, including France, Germany and Austria.

Currently, among the 27 EU member states, six have not yet adopted the euro. These are Sweden, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Denmark.