Finance
News on banks, loans, the state budget, financial institutions, tax policy, and capital markets.
End of Dual Currency Payments: What Changes for Bulgarians?
February 1, 2026: Bulgaria transitions to the Euro! End of dual currency. What does this mean for consumers and the economy? Payments only in Euro from today.
The Introduction of the Euro in Bulgaria: Important Dates and Rules from February 1, 2026
From February 1, 2026, the euro becomes the official currency in Bulgaria. Citizens will have to pay in euros, prices will be displayed in both currencies until August 8, and the exchange of levs will be free of charge until June 30.
Inflation in Bulgaria: What to Expect in 2026 and 2027?
The Sofia Economic Forum 2026 discusses inflation in the context of the Eurozone. Deputy Minister Metodiev predicts stability, the transition to the euro, and price controls. Will there be relief for citizens?
The New BNB Balance Sheet: How Bulgaria Integrates into the Eurozone
The Bulgarian National Bank has published a new format for its balance sheet, in accordance with the rules of the Eurozone. The Governor of the BNB explains the changes and the significance of the new balance sheet for transparency, financial markets, and Bulgaria's role in the single currency union.
BNB Issues First Collector's Euro Coin for 125 Years of Tram in Bulgaria
The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) is putting into circulation a silver collector's coin on the theme of "125 Years of Electric Tram in Bulgaria" with a face value of 10 euros and a price of 144 euros. This is the first collector's euro coin issued by the BNB.
BNB: 13 billion BGN in circulation as of January 16, 2026, exchange is proceeding normally
As of January 16, 2026, there are 13 billion BGN in cash circulation, which is a 58% withdrawal compared to the beginning of 2025. The exchange of levs for euros is proceeding normally, with the BNB and some banks working on Saturdays. Free exchange in banks during the first 6 months of 2026.
No fees for exchanging levs to euros in banks, BNB announced
The BNB announced that no fees will be charged for exchanging levs to euros in banks. The exchange process is unified, and banks will accept levs until June 30, 2026.
Attention! Scratched Euro banknotes are not reimbursed – advice from the BNB
The BNB warns about scratched Euro banknotes, which are not reimbursed. Chief cashier Stefan Tsvetkov urges merchants not to accept such banknotes and citizens to keep the monetary circulation clean.
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.