Pomorie: Information Meeting on the Introduction of the Euro

An information meeting was held in Pomorie regarding the introduction of the euro

Pomorie – An information meeting with citizens and business representatives was held in the City Art Gallery in Pomorie. The event, organized by representatives of the National Revenue Agency (NRA) and the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC), aimed to clarify the details surrounding the upcoming introduction of the euro from January 1, 2026. The meeting was part of a national information campaign, the task of which is to inform the public about the important stages and changes associated with the transition to the single European currency.

Those present at the event had the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the competent persons. Hristo Uzunov, chief expert in the "Communications" Department, attended from the NRA, and Kristina Kasabova, chief inspector from the regional directorate in Burgas, attended from the CPC.

One of the key topics raised during the discussion was the common misconceptions among citizens. According to Kasabova, a common mistake is related to the way prices are written in leva and euros from the beginning of 2026. She clarified that prices in the two currencies will be used simultaneously only in January of the following year. After February 1, payments will be entirely in euros, but the double pricing will continue until August 8, 2026.

Kristina Kasabova also drew attention to the fact that there is no legal requirement as to which of the two monetary units should be written first on the labels. "It is important that the leva and euro prices are the same color, font and size," she said. The CPC continues to carry out joint inspections with the NRA for speculative price increases. "We monitor the chain from the manufacturer to the trader. The increase in prices must be justified by objective reasons," she added.

The air in the hall seemed to be heavy with curiosity. The participants showed a marked interest in the practical aspects of payments after the introduction of the euro. It was explained that in January 2026, mixed payments with the two currencies will be possible, but the change will be returned only in euros, and in the absence of sufficient cash - in leva. Gas stations, vending machines and all similar automatics will accept only euros, as pointed out by the CPC.

Hristo Uzunov from the NRA emphasized that the agency is fully prepared for the upcoming change. "Our systems are designed to guarantee fast and accurate service," he assured. He added that the NRA has nearly 200 electronic services and urged citizens to continue using them actively.

Uzunov also reminded that the NRA does not work with cash payments - all payments are made by bank transfer or through terminals. The Agency also explained how annual tax returns will be filed. They will be completed in leva for income from 2025, but will be paid in euros. "In January, mixed payment will be possible, but not mixed change," he clarified. The CPC also reminded that citizens' bank accounts will be revalued automatically and without fees, and that within six months it will be possible to exchange leva currency for euros without additional costs for consumers.

The meeting in Pomorie, which was only part of a series of regional events, aimed to raise awareness among citizens regarding the transition to the euro. The representatives of the institutions urged citizens and businesses to rely only on official sources of information in order to avoid false or misleading claims that could create unnecessary tension.