Economy
Current economic news — markets, investments, business, inflation, and financial policies in the country and globally.
Vladimir Ivanov: The introduction of the euro is going well, with few violations
The head of the Euro Coordination Center, Vladimir Ivanov, stated that the process of introducing the euro in Bulgaria is going smoothly, with few violations. He emphasized the importance of financial literacy and awareness, as well as the need for correct signals. Ivanov pointed to the services sector as a problem area and praised the banking sector for its successful transition to the euro.
7 flights diverted and 3 canceled at Sofia Airport due to strong wind
At Sofia Airport, 7 flights have been diverted due to strong wind, and 3 flights have been canceled. Passengers are advised to check the latest information on the airport's website.
Problems with toll fees dropped after January 1st, announced the head of the toll administration
Since January 1st, no problems have been reported with the National Toll System. A one-day vignette is being introduced, and fees will increase from March 1st due to carbon emissions. Work continues on average speed control.
Ministry of Interior: 16 Drivers Drunk on Roads in 24 Hours, 10 Under the Influence of Drugs
Over the past 24 hours, 16 drivers who consumed alcohol and 10 under the influence of drugs have been caught. Over 13,000 vehicles were checked, and over 3,700 tickets and acts were issued. Three people died and nine were injured in accidents on December 31st.
Bulgarian Card Payments Soar in First 48 Hours of Eurozone: Over 933,000 Transactions!
Over 933,000 transactions through the national card infrastructure in the 48 hours following Bulgaria's entry into the Eurozone. Cashless payments dominate, with ATM operations leading in value. "Borica" reports successfully navigating the first test of the new currency.
NRA Hits Firm in Burgas: Unjustified Ticket Price Increase!
The National Revenue Agency found an economically unjustified increase in ticket prices in Burgas. The check focused on compliance with the Law on the Introduction of the Euro. The transport company receives a violation report.
Bulgarian Banks Successfully Completed the Euro Transition: Seamlessly and On Time
The Association of Banks in Bulgaria (ABB) announced a successful transition to the euro. ATMs and POS terminals started working immediately, with all accounts being automatically converted without fees. Banks invested over 200 million euros to ensure the reliability of the transition.
NRA Conducts 400 Inspections Daily to Monitor Prices and Euro Adoption
The National Revenue Agency (NRA) has intensified inspections of commercial establishments in connection with the introduction of the euro. Cash receipts and prices are being checked, and penalties have already been imposed for unjustified price increases. A summary of the inspection results is expected at the beginning of next week.
1 Billion Leva Withdrawn from Circulation in a Day and a Half: How are Banks Handling the Exchange?
Banks are processing billions of leva in preparation for the euro. Assoc. Prof. James Yolovski from the Association of Banks in Bulgaria talks about the process of withdrawing money, exchange and what we need to know about exchanging leva.
Zornitsa Rusinova: The Extended Budget Will Not Hinder Our Entry into the Eurozone
The Chair of the ISS, Zornitsa Rusinova, commented that the extended budget will not delay Bulgaria's adoption of the euro. She emphasized the stability of the Eurozone and the control mechanisms that ensure financial stability.
Euro Slightly Weakens in First Trading After Bulgaria's Eurozone Entry
The euro's exchange rate against the dollar slightly weakened in the first interbank trading of the year, after Bulgaria officially joined the Eurozone. The single currency is trading at 1.1728 per dollar, which is a decrease of 0.17 percent.
Calm Situation After Euro Introduction: Consumer Protection Commission Monitors Prices and Signals
In the first days following the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria, the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) reports a calm situation. Chairman Alexander Kolyachev announced ongoing inspections, dual currency circulation, and payment restrictions. The CPC is closely monitoring prices and signals of violations.
Minimum Wage in Bulgaria to Rise to 1213 Leva from January 1, 2026: Detailed Overview of Changes
The minimum wage (MW) in Bulgaria from January 1, 2026 will be 1213 leva, which is an increase of 12.6%. The poverty line is also increasing, as is the hourly rate. An overview of the key changes, affected groups and upcoming parliamentary decisions.
Important for vignettes in 2026: Over 682,000 expire in the first two months!
In 2026, many vignettes will be replaced. Find out when yours expire, what the prices are in euros and leva, as well as important details about payments. API records record collection.
Bulgaria in the Eurozone: BNB Becomes Part of the Eurosystem, Radev on the ECB Governing Council
With Bulgaria's accession to the Eurozone, the BNB joins the Eurosystem, and Governor Dimitar Radev gains a seat on the ECB Governing Council. The ECB welcomes Bulgaria and marks the integration with an installation in Frankfurt.