Bulgaria Makes Historic Entry into Eurozone, Adopts Euro as Official Currency

SOFIA, Jan 1 (Reuters) – Bulgaria officially entered Europe’s single currency area, the Eurozone, on the first day of 2026, adopting the euro as its new official currency. With this move, the country has become the 21st member state of the euro area.

This decision follows a recommendation from the European Commission in June last year and a report from the European Central Bank. The Commission confirmed that Bulgaria had met all the necessary criteria for adopting the euro, including price stability, public finances, exchange rate, and interest rate.

Although the euro has been adopted, both the Bulgarian Lev (BGN) and the euro will remain in circulation across the country throughout January. Prices for goods and services must be displayed in both currencies.

From February 1, the euro will become the sole legal tender in the country, replacing the Lev. All transactions in Lev must be converted to euros by then.

Banks and post offices will allow the free exchange of Bulgarian Lev for euros from January 1 until June 30. However, a fixed fee will be applied for currency exchanges after July 1.

Bulgaria’s entry into the Eurozone is seen as a historic step towards European integration and a testament to the country’s economic stability. It is expected to make travel and trade across Europe easier for Bulgarian citizens.