PRESS RELEASE
1 July 2026
The six-month period during which banks are required to exchange Bulgarian levs for euro free of charge for citizens and businesses expired on 30 June 2026.
According to the Bulgarian National Bank’s end-of-day data, BGN 29.4 billion has been exchanged for euro, which accounts for 94.48% of the lev banknotes and coins in circulation at the beginning of 2025. At that point in time, BGN 1.7 billion in banknotes and coins remains outside the BNB’s vaults.
The conversion of the national currency into euro has proceeded smoothly, in an orderly manner, and in compliance with the established regulatory framework, without any disruptions to services for citizens, businesses, and the financial system.
As of 30 June 2026, euro banknotes and coins in circulation (net issuance) total EUR 8.8 billion, ensuring smooth cash circulation and efficient services to the economy and the public.
Following the end of the six-month period during which banks were required to exchange levs for euro free of charge, banks are entitled to set and charge fees for converting levs into euro. Under the current legal framework, they are only required to notify the Bulgarian National Bank of the fees they decide to apply, and the BNB has no authority to intervene in these decisions.
The Bulgarian National Bank reminds all natural and legal persons that they can continue exchanging levs for euro at its counters indefinitely. These transactions remain completely free of charge.
