Currency change in Bulgaria: the euro has replaced the official lev currency
Although it entered the European Union (EU) 19 years ago, Bulgaria has hitherto been outside the eurozone. Bulgaria has been the 21st country to enter the eurozone since 1 January 2026.
Bulgaria has entered the euro zone and today the euro is officially the official currency of that country instead of the leva currency, which entered the European Union (EU) 19 years ago but has so far been outside the euro zone.
The change in the currency, as expected, has led to positions for and against in what is the poorest country in the European Union, where citizens fear that the change in the currency will lead to price increases.
The transition from Leva to the euro will affect 6.3 million citizens.
The country is in the midst of a political crisis following the resignation of the government three weeks ago. The year begins without a budget and with the prospect of elections at the end of March.
During the month of January the Bulgarians will be able to make payments with leva or euro coins.
Furthermore, until 30 June, Bulgarian banks will exchange levas for euros without fees (one euro: 1,95583 leva).
You might like
Yellow vests called for demonstrations on Saturday, and Macron accuses Trump of manipulating revolts
Von der Leyen blames several states and other actors for the migration crisis in Ceuta
Milei calls Sanchez a "dictator" and accuses him of promoting an "invasion" in Ceuta
Partial curfews will be imposed in several French cities due to riots
Macron holds the far left responsible for the violence and conveys his support to the police and traders
Violent protests in Italy and Albania against rising prices
Riots erupt again in Paris the day after the protests
The Pope reappears in the Vatican to pray for the Angelus
Consequences of the protests in France: one person has died, 1,200 have been arrested and there is destruction everywhere
