The process of replacing the lev with the euro in Bulgaria is progressing faster than expected. This is shown by the latest data of the Bulgarian National Bank as of March 27, 2026.
The withdrawal of leva banknotes and coins is carried out in accordance with the approved plans and the current regulatory framework.
By the end of March, 2.9 billion leva remained in cash outside the BNB's cash desks, which means that 91% of the leva that was in circulation at the beginning of 2025 has already been withdrawn. The central bank emphasizes that the 90% threshold was reached significantly earlier than the previously planned deadline - the end of June 2026, thanks to good coordination between institutions.
At the same time, euro banknotes and euro coins in circulation amount to over 7.8 billion euros. According to the BNB, this amount is fully sufficient for the normal functioning of the payment system and servicing the economy and citizens.
As of February 1, 2026, the euro is officially the only legal tender in Bulgaria, with which the country completed the transition to the common European currency.