Bulgaria became the 21st country in the Eurozone — two years after Croatia introduced the euro in 2023.
Bulgaria switched to the euro on January 1, 2026. AP Photo/Valentina Petrova
As of January 1, 2026, Bulgaria has switched to the euro.
Bulgaria has met all the necessary criteria, including low inflation, a low budget deficit, and exchange rate stability.
Following the introduction of the euro, Bulgaria will gain a seat on the Governing Council of the European Central Bank.
As of January 1, 2026, the euro will gradually replace the lev as Bulgaria's currency. The lev will be exchanged at a rate of 1.95583 leva for 1 euro.
Both currencies will be used in parallel for one month.
The transition to the euro has boosted investor confidence. The Bulgarian economy is experiencing stable growth. The average net salary in Bulgaria has exceeded 1000 euros. However, prices have also become European. In terms of purchasing power parity, Bulgarians now earn approximately as much as Belarusians.
Comments