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yesterday

Bulgaria Adopts the Euro as 2026 Begins

Authorities expect only a small, temporary inflation effect.

Durante enero, el lev seguirá siendo aceptado para pagos en efectivo, aunque el vuelto se entregará únicamente en la nueva moneda. (AP Foto/Michael Probst, Archivo)
A projection on the facade of the Bulgarian Central Bank shows Euro banknotes during New Year's celebrations in Sofia, Bulgaria, January 1, 2026, which also marks the country’s accession to the Eurozone. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Una persona posa con billetes de euro retirados de un cajero automático en Sofía, el jueves 1 de enero de 2026, coincidiendo con la adhesión del país a la unión monetaria del euro
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Overview

  • Cash payments can be made in lev or euro through 31 January, with the euro the only legal tender from 1 February.
  • Prices must appear in both currencies until 8 August 2026, using the fixed rate of 1.95583 leva per euro.
  • Banks converted accounts and card systems to euros and ATMs began dispensing euro banknotes, while the central bank entered the Eurosystem with a seat on the ECB Governing Council.
  • Lev cash can be exchanged free of charge at the Bulgarian National Bank indefinitely and at banks and selected post offices without fees until 30 June 2026.
  • The rollout follows the government's December resignation and strong public skepticism, with 49% opposing the move even as the ECB points to past entries showing only a 0.2–0.4 percentage-point inflation bump.