BURGASS – In a landmark event for Bulgaria’s financial history, the Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadzhov officially announced the key role of Bulgarian Post in the process of transitioning from the lev to the single European currency. His statement came during the official opening of the National Information Campaign for the Introduction of the Euro, which was held at the International Congress Centre in Burgas. The event, which brought together representatives of the government and financial institutions, marks the beginning of one of the most significant changes for the Bulgarian economy and its citizens in recent decades.
Support for Small and Remote Areas
Minister Karadzhov emphasized that this move is strategic and aimed at facilitating the transition for people in more than 2,230 settlements where there are no bank branches or ATMs. In his speech, he stated that the post offices are
"the closest to the people, especially in small and remote settlements". According to him, since people there traditionally receive their pensions and rely on postal services for their basic needs, it was
"logical that they should assist the process of exchanging from lev to euro".
This decision aims to ensure that no one is left behind during the financial transition. Instead of forcing the elderly and people with limited mobility to travel to large cities, they will be able to carry out the exchange directly at their familiar post offices. This is particularly important, as a large portion of pensioners still operate primarily with cash.
Logistical and Technological Readiness
To ensure the smooth flow of the process, a number of measures have been taken. The Minister clarified that more than 1,500 post offices already have trained employees who will perform the physical currency exchange, effective January 1, 2026. The postal network is also equipped with all necessary technical means, including counting machines, barcode readers, counterfeit banknote detectors, and video surveillance systems.
In each station, continuous connection and coordination with the Bulgarian National Bank and the Ministry of Internal Affairs will be provided. For additional security, police presence will be at five key stations throughout the six-month period of free exchange, to ensure that the process will be
"safe and transparent for all citizens". This measure is aimed at preventing fraud and ensuring peace of mind among the population.
Innovations and Social Benefits for Pensioners
In addition to the purely logistical aspect, the project also includes significant social benefits, especially for the most vulnerable part of society – pensioners. Minister Karadzhov announced the implementation of new software that will not only facilitate the exchange but will also include a feature for an electronic pension card.
This innovation will allow pensioners to receive their pensions at any post office after January 1, 2026, regardless of where they are. This way, if a pensioner is visiting their children or on vacation, they will not be forced to return to their hometown to get their money. The Minister called this
"significant help for the elderly who traditionally use cash".
At the end of his statement, he emphasized that cooperation with the BNB was key to the successful preparation of this large-scale operation.
"I know that this aspect may seem less important against the backdrop of the historical change from lev to euro, but for most elderly people, this is real and direct help."he stated, concluding with the words that the efforts being made are correct and will support Bulgarian citizens in the first months of the transition. Minister Karadzhov also noted the historical significance of this moment, recalling that Bulgaria agreed to adopt the euro back in 2007 and expressed his happiness that it is the government of Mr. Zhelyazkov that will carry out this
"historical step".
/LRM/