Finance
News on banks, loans, the state budget, financial institutions, tax policy, and capital markets.
Lev to Euro Exchange: High Interest in BNB Cash Desks on Saturday
The BNB cash desks in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, and Pleven are exchanging levs for euros. People are taking advantage of the Saturday to exchange money en masse, especially coins, due to the high commissions at commercial banks.
Pros and Cons of Euro Adoption: An Analysis by Nikolay Todorov
Economist Nikolay Todorov examines the strategic benefits of the euro (capital stabilization, lower interest rates), but criticizes insufficient public preparation. He discusses the money saved from currency conversion, trust, and trade. He reminds of the painful memory of the devaluation of savings.
BSE Launches Trading in Euros: Historic Moment for the Capital Market and the Economy
The first session of the Bulgarian Stock Exchange (BSE) with trading in euros marked the beginning of a new era for the Bulgarian capital market. The transition to the euro is seen as a key step towards integrating the Bulgarian economy into the European economy, attracting new investors, and stimulating growth.
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.
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.
BNB to Mint 218 Million Euro Coins in 2026 and Increase Management Salaries
The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) plans to mint 218 million euro coins in 2026 as part of the preparations for joining the Eurozone. In addition, the BNB anticipates an increase in management salaries and is increasing personnel expenses. Overall expenses for the central bank are decreasing, despite planned investments in information systems and construction.
The Council of Ministers adopted a strategy for offering government securities to individual investors
The Ministry of Finance announced a new strategy for the initial offering of government securities, aimed at non-professional investors in Bulgaria. The aim is the development of the capital market and the improvement of financial literacy.
Attention! Police Warns of Scams in Currency Exchange
The police are warning about a growing number of scams related to the exchange of Bulgarian levs for euros. They advise citizens to be vigilant and not to trust strangers offering favorable exchange rates.
Bulgarians are cleaning out their piggy banks: what to do with lev coins before and after the introduction of the euro
Two working days remain until the end of the year, in which depositing lev banknotes into an account is free of charge, and from January 1, 2026, banks and post offices will also exchange coins in euros at a fixed exchange rate and without commission for six months.
Parliament Discusses Extension Budget for 2026
The Parliamentary Budget and Finance Committee will consider a bill on the collection of revenues and expenditures in 2026 until the adoption of budget laws, proposed by the caretaker government. The extension budget aims to ensure stability and social spending until a solution for next year's budget is found.
Extension Budget 2026: Ensuring State Stability and Social Spending
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced the proposed measures for the extension budget for 2026, guaranteeing the stability of the state, social spending, and the functioning of the state until the adoption of the regular budget.
What Happens When Bulgaria Doesn't Have an Approved Budget: Pros and Cons According to the Fiscal Council
The Fiscal Council analyzes the consequences of a budget not being adopted on time in Bulgaria. The institution points out pros such as more accurate planning and better fiscal discipline, as well as cons such as political instability and delays in investments. The analysis also examines historical cases, including those of 2022, 2023, and 2025.
NHIF: Payments to pharmacies are regular, there are no delays
Currently, there are no overdue payments from the Health Insurance Fund to pharmacies, the NHIF assures. Vasil Hodzhev from the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union shares that no difficulties are expected around New Year.
Bulgarian Banks Introduce Blink Donations by Mobile Number: Fast and Free Donations for Causes
Leading Bulgarian banks are launching the blink donations service by mobile number, enabling fast, easy, and free donations directly through mobile applications. The service is based on blink P2P and supports initiatives such as "Bulgarian Christmas". No fees for transfers up to BGN 300.
The Ministry of Finance presented a new draft budget for 2026 with an updated forecast until 2028.
The Ministry of Finance published a new version of Budget 2026 and the medium-term framework until 2028, with planned fiscal consolidation, a limited deficit and a package of tax and social measures.