The process of withdrawing levs and putting euro banknotes and euro coins into circulation is going smoothly, even more so than initial expectations, said Vladimir Ivanov, Chairman of the State Commission on Commodity Exchanges and Markets and Chairman of the Coordination Center to the Euro Mechanism.
Ivanov noted that the process is proceeding faster than planned, with forecasts being for completion by the end of March. He stressed that circulation is well stocked with euro banknotes and there is no problem in this direction.
As of February 6, according to the BNB's information, 5.9 billion levs in banknotes and coins remain in cash circulation, which is 81% withdrawn compared to the beginning of 2025. Euro banknotes and coins worth over 6.7 billion euros have been put into circulation.
Ivanov recalled the period of dual price labeling and urged traders to label until August. He also reminded of the possibility of an indefinite and free exchange of levs at the BNB and without fees until June 30 at commercial banks and "Bulgarian Posts".
In addition, Ivanov appealed to older people to be cautious of offers for a quick exchange of levs and to be careful with large sums of money. He emphasized the good organization for security when receiving pensions and urged pensioners to adhere to the schedule for receiving them.