A total of 229,290 people in areas without bank branches used the free service to exchange levs for euros by the end of June, with a total of 289,142,550.36 levs processed through the service. Data from "Bulgarian Posts" shows that fees will be introduced for the same service starting July 1, 2026. The free exchange of banknotes and coins in settlements without credit institutions has been provided since the beginning of 2026 as part of the Eurozone Adoption Act and the corresponding National Euro Adoption Plan for the Republic of Bulgaria.
The decision will not affect the state budget, as no new transfers or additional expenses are required, the government press office warned. The change in the schedule is driven by the need for the report on the costs of the lev-to-euro exchange service via post offices to be based on final, audited accounting data for 2026. Since the auditing of the company's financial information will take place next year, it is impossible to prepare an accurate document before this process is completed.
The decision concerns the euro transition process and future currency exchange costs, which is significant for all households in Burgas and the region.
The Council of Ministers has adopted a decision to change the deadline for submitting the relevant report by "Bulgarian Posts" EAD, which is now set for May 31, 2027. The goal is to ensure that the determination of compensation for the activities performed is based on fully verified and reliable information, in accordance with European state aid rules, the government press office stated.