Bulgaria‘s entry into the eurozone bolsters the country’s voice in Europe and “strengthens Europe as a whole”, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has commented.
Bulgaria formally entered the eurozone on 1 January, with the currency replacing the lev as the country’s national currency, at a rate of 1.95583 lev per €1. The two currencies will be used alongside each other for a period of one month, to enable a progressive withdrawal of the former currency.
In a statement, the European Commission said that the move the euro will ‘bring practical benefits’ to Bulgarian citizens and businesses, facilitating trade and boosting the competitiveness of the domestic market.
‘Hard work and commitment’
“Bulgaria joins the euro area, one of the European Union’s greatest achievements,” von der Leyen commented. “This milestone reflects years of hard work and commitment, overcoming challenges. The euro will bring benefits for the Bulgarian people making payments and travel easier.
“It will bring new opportunities for Bulgarian businesses, allowing them to seize better the advantages of our common single market. […] It makes our economy more resilient and competitive globally. Congratulations, Bulgaria! You can be proud of what you achieved.”
Price transparency
Since August 2025, it has been compulsory for shops and businesses in Bulgaria to display prices in both lev and euro, a process that will continue until August of this year.
In addition, the prices of 101 frequently-purchased products are being updated daily on a website operated by the country’s Consumer Protection Commission, to ensure transparency for the general public, and to prevent businesses from unjustifiably increasing prices during the currency changeover.
Some 96% of ATMs in Bulgaria began distributing euro banknotes on 1 January, with the remainder set to comply within two weeks of the start of the new year.
‘The Bulgarian authorities have undertaken extensive preparations for the country’s entry into the euro area by implementing their national changeover plan, which sets out all the details for the organisation of the introduction of the euro and the withdrawal of the lev,’ the Commission noted. Read more here.
