Bulgaria's Ministry of Finance, in remarks by Deputy Minister Galya Dimitrova at a national discussion event, outlined the state of preparations for the changeover to the euro and the expected sequence of operational steps, with accession envisaged from 1 January 2026 once the remaining EU-level legal steps are completed. The update also emphasised consumer protection and market monitoring as core priorities during the transition. Technical preparations were described as advanced, including approved strategic documents, concluded agreements with European institutions, and adoption of the Law on the Introduction of the Euro in the Republic of Bulgaria and a new Law on the Bulgarian National Bank. A dedicated Mechanism for Coordination of Monitoring and Control has been established, alongside memorandums with employers’ and trade union bodies and other business representatives, and a cooperation agreement between the National Revenue Agency, the Commission for Protection of Competition and the Commission for Consumer Protection to tackle unfair trade practices during the changeover. The Ministry expects the formal procedure to be completed in early July through adoption of three legally binding acts regulating Bulgaria’s accession to the euro area from 1 January 2026. One month after those acts, dual price display in BGN and EUR is to begin for goods and services offered to consumers; adaptation of public administration information systems is planned to be completed in early October; and banks, post offices and merchants are to begin being supplied with euro banknotes and coins in early November, with the Bulgarian National Bank supplying banks and banks subsequently supplying post offices and merchants under their contracts. From early December, the Bulgarian National Bank, banks and post offices are to sell euro coin starter kits to individuals and legal entities at the official exchange rate without charging VAT.

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