New Money: Bulgaria Prepares For Switch To Euro
On January 1, Bulgaria will adopt the euro as its official currency. Here's how the country is gearing up for the change.
1
A billboard in central Sofia that reads "Happy 2026" spelled with the euro currency symbol.
On January 1, Bulgaria will become the 21st EU country to adopt the euro.
On January 1, Bulgaria will become the 21st EU country to adopt the euro.
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Signs promoting the currency switch in the Sofia subway on December 29.
Recent polls show the Bulgarian public are split down the middle over the transition to the euro, with many decrying a loss of national identity and economic control, while others tout streamlined foreign trade and potential investment.
Recent polls show the Bulgarian public are split down the middle over the transition to the euro, with many decrying a loss of national identity and economic control, while others tout streamlined foreign trade and potential investment.
3
An escalator in Sofia on December 29 showing the exchange rate between the Bulgarian lev and the euro.
The lev has been Bulgaria's currency since 1881 and is named after an archaic Bulgarian word meaning "lion."
The lev has been Bulgaria's currency since 1881 and is named after an archaic Bulgarian word meaning "lion."
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Bulgarian euro coins photographed at the country's central bank mint on December 6.
Most of Bulgaria's euro coin denominations will feature the medieval rock carving known as the Madara Rider on their obverse side.
Most of Bulgaria's euro coin denominations will feature the medieval rock carving known as the Madara Rider on their obverse side.
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A woman holds a model of Bulgaria's 1 euro coin during an EU ceremony to unveil the new currency in July.
The 1 euro coin features St. John of Rila, a 9th century Christian figure for whom the country's Rila Monastery is named. Bulgaria's 2 euros coin will be inscribed with the phrase, "God Protect Bulgaria."
The 1 euro coin features St. John of Rila, a 9th century Christian figure for whom the country's Rila Monastery is named. Bulgaria's 2 euros coin will be inscribed with the phrase, "God Protect Bulgaria."
6
Bulgaria's national flag is projected onto the European Central Bank headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany on December 30 to mark Bulgaria's imminent adoption of the euro.
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Shoppers look at prices displayed in both euros and leva inside a supermarket in Sofia on December 18.
Bulgarians will be able to use both leva and euros until January 31, 2026.
Bulgarians will be able to use both leva and euros until January 31, 2026.
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People queue to buy euro coin sets from the Bulgarian National Bank in central Sofia on December 29.
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A man passes a poster promoting the currency switch in a subway station in Sofia on December 29.
Bulgaria's adoption of the euro will come exactly three years after Croatia switched to the currency in January 2023.
Bulgaria's adoption of the euro will come exactly three years after Croatia switched to the currency in January 2023.