Overview

• EU finance ministers in Brussels adopted the legal acts required for Bulgaria to replace the Lew with the euro on January 1, 2026.
• The irrevocable exchange rate has been set at 1.95583 Lew per euro following confirmation that convergence criteria have been met.
• The Bulgarian government has rolled out an information campaign promising price controls, consumer safeguards and fair adjustments to wages and pensions.
• Pro-Russian and nationalist groups have organized protests in Sofia, highlighting deep public fears over inflation and loss of monetary sovereignty.
• Some retailers have already increased prices on basic goods ahead of the switch, challenging authorities’ efforts to manage the transition.