Bulgaria joins the Eurozone, adopts the euro as official currency

Thurday, January 1, 2026 – Bulgaria joined the Eurozone on New Year’s Day, adopting the euro as its official currency. With this, the country has become the 21st member state of the euro area.

This change follows a recommendation made by the European Commission on June 4, 2025, which stated that Bulgaria had met all the necessary criteria to adopt the euro. The European Central Bank had shared the same conclusion.

Phased Transition Period

· Until January 2026: The Bulgarian lev (BGN) and the euro will both remain in circulation.
· From February 1: The euro will become the sole legal tender.
· From January 1 to June 30: Lev can be exchanged for euros free of charge at banks and post offices.
· After July 1: A fee will apply for currency exchange.

Bulgaria’s entry into the Eurozone marks another historic step in the country’s economic stability and the European integration process.