Bulgaria’s journey to the euro has been marked by economic discipline, political will, and a long-standing currencyThe money used in a particular country at a particular time, like dollar, yen, euro, etc., consisting of banknotes and coins, that does not require endorsement as a medium of exchange. More board arrangement that pegged the Bulgarian lev to the euro since 1999. This stability provided a solid foundation for the adoption of the euro. Over the past decade, Bulgaria’s GDP per capita has risen from one-third to almost two-thirds of the euro area average, reflecting deep integration into European supply chains and a business cycle closely aligned with that of the eurozone.
The formal process accelerated in 2020, with Bulgaria joining the Exchange RateThe rate at which one currency will be exchanged for another. More Mechanism (ERM II) and committing to meet the Maastricht convergence criteria—low inflation, sound public finances, stable exchangeThe Eurosystem comprises the European Central Bank and the national central banks of those countries that have adopted the euro. More rates, and converging long-term interest rates. Despite political turbulence and the global pandemic, Bulgaria’s persistence paid off: in June 2025, the Eurogroup and the EU Council unanimously approved Bulgaria’s accession, setting 1 January 2026 as the adoption dateThe year in which a medal or coin was minted. On a banknote, the date is usually the year in which the issuance of that banknote - not its printing or entering into circulation - was formally authorised. More. The fixed conversion rate is 1.95583 lev per euro.
For Bulgaria, the euro promises greater economic stability, lower borrowing costs, and a stronger voice in euro area decision-making. It also symbolizes the country’s full integration into the European mainstream, following its EU and Schengen membership..
The eurozone was launched in 1999 with 11 founding members. Since then, it has expanded to include Greece (2001), Slovenia (2007), Cyprus and Malta (2008), Slovakia (2009), Estonia (2011), Latvia (2014), Lithuania (2015), Croatia (2023), and now Bulgaria (2026), bringing the total to 21 member states. Each enlargement has reinforced the euro’s status as the world’s second most important reserve currency, after the US dollarMonetary unit of the United States of America, and a number of other countries e.g. Australia, Canada and New Zealand. More. In 2024, the euro’s share of global reserves reached 20%.
The euro’s expansion is not just economic but geopolitical. A larger euro area amplifies Europe’s financial clout, provides more safeSecure container for storing money and valuables, with high resistance to breaking and entering. More assets, and strengthens the EU’s strategic autonomy. However, it also requires careful management to maintain stability and prevent fragmentation, especially as new members with diverse economic structures join.
Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro is unique in several ways. First, its alphabet—Cyrillic—is officially recognized on euro banknotes. Since 2007, the word “евро” (euro) has appeared in Cyrillic on all euro notes, a testament to Bulgaria’s cultural and linguistic contribution to the EU.
The changeover process includes a dual circulation period (January 2026), during which both lev and euro will be legal tenderMoney that is legally valid for the payment of debts and must be accepted for that purpose when offered. Each jurisdiction determines what is legal tender, but essentially it is anything which when offered (“tendered”) in payment of a debt extinguishes the debt. There is no obligation on the creditor to accept the tendered payment, but the act of tendering the payment in legal tender discharges the debt. More, and a dual price display requirement to ensure transparency. The Bulgarian National Bank will exchange lev banknotes and coins for euros indefinitely and free of charge, providing reassurance to citizens and businesses.
Public opinion remains divided: while urban, younger, and entrepreneurial Bulgarians welcome the euro as a step toward modernity and easier trade, others express concerns about price increases and loss of national sovereignty. Surveys show a narrow majority in favor, with optimism about economic benefits outweighing fears. To ensure a smooth transition and address public concerns, the Bulgarian government and central bank have launched an informative website, evroto.bg/en, providing clear information and debunking myths about the euro changeover.
Bulgarian euro coins are designed to reflect the country’s rich history and identity. The national side of the coins features:
All coins bear the country’s name in Cyrillic (“БЪЛГАРИЯ”), the year “2026,” and the 12 stars of the EU flag. The 1 and 2 euro coins also include the word “ЕВРО” (euro) in Cyrillic, while the cent coins use “СТОТИНКА” or “СТОТИНКИ,” maintaining continuity with the lev’s fractional unit.
Conclusion
Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro is a milestone for both the country and the eurozone. It underscores the euro’s appeal as a stabilizer and integrator, even as it presents new challenges in managing a more diverse currency union. For Bulgaria, the euro is more than a currency—it is a commitment to European values, a tool for economic resilience, and a bridge between its ancient heritage and a shared European future.