Bulgaria becomes 21st EU country to adopt euro

Bulgaria will adopt the euro as its currency on 1 January 2026, following intensive preparation and effort by its authorities to meet all the requirements.

The switch from lev to euro is expected to benefit citizens and businesses, facilitate trade, make travelling and living abroad easier, and boost market competitiveness and transparency.

More than 95 percent of automatic teller machines (ATMs) in Bulgaria will be distributing euro banknotes; the remainder will follow over the next two weeks.

The two currencies will be used alongside each other for one month, and when payments are made in lev, change will be given in euro during the period.

Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro means that 21 European Union member states and more than 357 million EU citizens now share the EU’s common currency.

Formed in 1993, the supranational political and economic union is currently composed of 27 nations and an estimated population of more than 450 million.

European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, described Bulgaria’s entry into the euro area as one of the EU’s “greatest achievements,” as it reflects years of hard work and commitment.

Leyen assured that the euro will create new and additional opportunities for Bulgarian businesses, allowing them to enjoy the advantages of the shared single market.

“It will further strengthen Bulgaria’s voice in Europe,” the diplomat said. “This step is good for Bulgaria, and it strengthens Europe as a whole.”

The EU says the euro’s widespread use makes the subregion’s economy more resilient and competitive globally, adding that public support for the currency remains robust.

The countries now using the euro are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain.