Bulgaria is nearing the end of one of the most important economic processes in recent years — the transition from the lev to the euro. As reported by the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB), by March 27, 2026, around 91% of the cash that had been in circulation at the beginning of 2025 had already been withdrawn. This means that only about 2.9 billion leva in banknotes and coins remain outside the central bank’s vaults.

According to the BNB, the entire process is proceeding in line with the applicable legal framework and previously adopted operational plans. What is more, the pace of the currency exchange has proved faster than originally expected. The 90% withdrawal threshold was reached much earlier than earlier forecasts had anticipated, which had pointed to the end of June 2026. The central bank stressed that this was the result of efficient coordination among the institutions responsible for the currency switch.

At the same time, euro cash circulation has been steadily expanding. On the same date — March 27, 2026 — the net issuance of euro banknotes and coins in Bulgaria had already exceeded 7.8 billion euros. This is intended to ensure the smooth functioning of payments and meet the needs of both households and businesses.

The formal completion of the process took place on February 1, 2026, when the euro became the country’s sole legal tender. From that moment, the lev ceased to serve as the official currency, and Bulgaria entered a new stage of economic integration with the euro area.

The data published by the BNB show that the currency changeover is proceeding not only smoothly, but also faster than expected. This is an important signal for the market and for citizens alike, indicating a high level of preparedness on the part of the administration, the banking sector, and the retail trade for one of the biggest financial changes in the country’s recent history.