PRESS RELEASE
16 February 2026
As of 16 February 2026, the withdrawal of lev banknotes and coins and the entry into circulation of euro banknotes and coins has been proceeding in accordance with the applicable legal framework and the approved operational plans.
As of the reporting date, lev banknotes and coins worth BGN 4.8 billion remain outside BNB vaults. This represents 84.5% of lev cash in circulation withdrawn compared with the beginning of 2025.
On the same date, euro banknotes and coins with a total value exceeding EUR 7.2 billion have been put into circulation, ensuring the smooth functioning of the payment system and servicing the economy and the public.
Since 1 February 2026, the euro has been the sole legal tender in the Republic of Bulgaria.
