Bulgaria Is Ready for the Euro: BNB to Mint Collector Euro Coins
SOFIA - On the eve of Bulgaria's accession to the eurozone, scheduled for January 1, 2026, the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) is preparing for a significant change in its coin program. The country's central bank will transition to issuing collector euro coins, reflecting the official adoption of the single European currency. The current practice of minting commemorative lev coins will be transformed in accordance with European legislation.
This new phase in the BNB's work is a direct result of Bulgaria's commitment to the euro. According to information published on the financial institution's official website, from 2026 onward, the country will be guided by a European regulation adopted back in 2012, which governs the rules for issuing euro coins. The BNB clarifies that these special coins, although with a face value in euros, will have the status of legal tender only within the territory of Bulgaria. It is important to note that their face value will differ from that of euro coins intended for daily circulation.
The new phase is a strategic move aimed at ensuring a smooth transition to the euro while preserving the deep cultural and historical roots of the Bulgarian coin program. The BNB points out that the upcoming program for 2026 will introduce new technical parameters, including denomination in euros, but will ensure "continuity with established Bulgarian themes, symbols, and technical characteristics". This means that the new coins will not only reflect the adoption of the euro but will also continue to celebrate significant Bulgarian events and personalities.
As part of this transformation, the BNB has already launched a process for selecting artistic designs for four new coins. To ensure objectivity and transparency, the design competitions are anonymous. Among the themes that will be depicted on the new commemorative coins are:
- a silver coin dedicated to "125 Years of Electric Tram in Bulgaria";
- a silver coin from the "Bulgarian Revival" series, marking "150 Years since the April Uprising";
- a silver coin from the "Bulgarian Churches and Monasteries" series, dedicated to "Transfiguration Monastery";
- a gold coin from the "Bulgarian Iconography" series with the likeness of "St. Ivan of Rila".
The deadline for submitting projects is between October 7 and 10 of this year. All details and mandatory requirements for participation are published on the official website of the BNB. For those who prefer traditional methods, the information can also be obtained in hard copy at the bank's building in Sofia.
This move by the BNB is part of the country's broader preparation for the introduction of the euro, a process marked by careful planning and the adaptation of Bulgaria's financial infrastructure to the standards of the eurozone. With this step, the central bank demonstrates its readiness to fully integrate into the Eurosystem while at the same time preserving its national spirit and cultural heritage.