#52026DC0175Introduction of the Euro in Bulgaria
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
Bulgaria’s switch from the lev to the euro is reviewed as broadly smooth, with the report focusing on cash supply, dual circulation, price display, consumer complaints, and inflation concerns. The euro became Bulgaria’s currency on 1 January 2026, with a one-month period when both lev and euro cash could be used. Banks, post offices, retailers, consumers, payment providers, and public authorities were directly affected. For businesses, the main compliance point is pricing: dual price display in lev and euro runs until 8 August 2026, and authorities are continuing checks on correct conversion, rounding, and unjustified price increases. Commercial banks and post offices exchange lev cash until the end of 2026, free of charge until 30 June, while the Bulgarian National Bank exchanges lev banknotes and coins free of charge with no time limit.
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Key Changes
- Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, with a one-month dual circulation period for lev and euro cash.
- Businesses must continue dual price display in lev and euro until 8 August 2026, with checks on conversion, rounding, and unjustified price increases.
- Lev cash can be exchanged at commercial banks and post offices until the end of 2026, and at the Bulgarian National Bank free of charge with no time limit.
Obligations
What this law requires
Businesses must display prices in both Bulgarian lev and euro until 8 August 2026.
Businesses must apply the correct lev-to-euro conversion rate and rounding rules when converting or displaying prices.
Businesses must not impose unjustified or abusive price increases in connection with the euro changeover.
Commercial banks must exchange Bulgarian lev cash until 31 December 2026.
Commercial banks must exchange Bulgarian lev cash free of charge until 30 June 2026.