Overview
- The lev was replaced at a fixed rate of 1.95583 per euro as the currency switch took effect on January 1.
- Bulgaria-specific euro coins entered circulation, featuring national motifs, with reports warning of confusion due to similarities to former lev coins.
- The European Central Bank, echoed by Christine Lagarde, promotes expected benefits for exporters and visitors, including estimated annual savings of about one billion leva for small and mid-sized firms.
- Public skepticism remains high, with many fearing price increases and questioning whether the euro will deliver broad benefits.
- The rollout comes during political turbulence with no regular government or approved 2026 budget, and President Rumen Radev criticized the process for lacking a referendum.