Bulgaria joins euro area from 1 January

Bulgaria joins euro area from 1 January 2026

Bulgaria adopted the euro as its official currency on 1 January 2026. The European Commission and the European Central Bank confirmed that the country met the required economic and legal criteria for joining the euro area.

The lev was exchanged at a fixed rate of 1.95583 lev per euro. A one-month period of dual circulation was implemented, and dual price displays were required until 8 August 2026. Consumer protection measures and public information campaigns were carried out to monitor prices and ensure a smooth transition.

With Bulgaria’s accession, the euro area now comprises 21 EU Member States. The national changeover plan, coordinated by Bulgarian authorities, guided the introduction of euro banknotes and coins, the withdrawal of the lev, and the operation of ATMs and banks.

Source: European Comission