Overview
- Bulgaria became the eurozone’s 21st member on January 1, with the lev and euro circulating in parallel throughout January.
- The euro will become the country’s sole legal tender on February 1 after the one-month transition period.
- Banks and post offices will exchange leva for euros at no charge through June 30, and mandatory dual pricing ends on August 8, 2026.
- The Bulgarian National Bank will continue converting leva into euros without time limits beyond the free-exchange window.
- EU institutions cleared the path last year, with the European Commission confirming convergence on June 4 and the Council approving accession on July 8, as national leaders hailed the move while acknowledging domestic debate over the lack of a referendum.