web counter
LEXO PA REKLAMA!

SHKARKO APP

App Store
Google Play

Bulgaria adopts the euro, becomes the 21st member of the Eurozone

2026-01-01 13:42:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Bulgaria adopts the euro, becomes the 21st member of the Eurozone
Bulgaria officially adopted the euro as its currency on January 1, 2026, becoming the 21st member of the eurozone and marking a historic step in its integration into the economic framework of the European Union.

From the first minute of the new year, euro banknotes and coins began circulating across the country, while the Bulgarian National Bank joined the Eurosystem, aligning local monetary operations with those of the wider euro area. The move comes after years of economic reforms and compliance with EU convergence criteria, demonstrating Bulgaria’s commitment to fiscal discipline and stability.

Throughout January 2026, both the lev and the euro remain legal tender, allowing consumers and businesses to use either currency in cash transactions. Starting on February 1, the euro will become the sole legal tender, although Bulgarian lev banknotes and coins can still be exchanged for an indefinite period at the Bulgarian National Bank free of charge.

Commercial banks and some post offices will offer free conversion until June 30, after which a small fee may apply. The official conversion rate is fixed at 1 euro equal to 1.95583 leva, reflecting Bulgaria's long-standing currency board system.

Bulgaria adopts the euro, becomes the 21st member of the Eurozone
Bulgarian Euro

Bulgaria's new euro coins celebrate national heritage, complying with the common euro currency standards. The 2-euro coin depicts Saint Pais of Hilendar, a key figure in the Bulgarian national revival, while the 1-euro coin depicts Saint Ivan of Rila, the first Bulgarian hermit and founder of the Rila Monastery. The 50-cent coins show the Knight of Madara, an early medieval rock carving and symbol of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. All coins include the country name "????????" (Bulgaria) in Cyrillic, highlighting Bulgaria's identity within the single European currency./ CNA 





Lajmet e fundit nga