1. Introduction
On January 1, 2026, Bulgaria is expected to officially accept the euro as a national currency, replacing the Bulgarian lion. This is not just a formal change, but a key stage of the country's economic and legal integration in the euro area. The transition to a single European currency covers a number of legal, economic and administrative aspects that require careful coordination on both public authorities and business. In order for this process to take place in the most smooth and effective way, timely planning, correct application of the regulatory framework and consultation with specialists is required.
2. Legislative Framework and Institutional Coordination
The legal basis of the euro adoption process is the National Plan for the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria, which contains specific stages, institutional responsibilities and the target date - January 1, 2026. An important regulatory act is the Law on the introduction of the euro, adopted after a comprehensive public discussion and a positive opinion by the European Central Bank. The law does not contain a fixed date and course of the transition, and instead makes a direct reference to the Council of the European Union Regulation, which determines the official exchange rate: 1 euro = BGN 1.95583.
The process is coordinated by a specially established Coordination Board, managed jointly by the Ministry of Finance and the Bulgarian National Bank. Within the Council, there are seven expert groups involved in the preparation of the administration, business, civil society and the scientific community. This mechanism aims to provide a smooth transition through agreed actions to all stakeholders.
3. Law requirements for business
The adoption of the euro in the Republic of Bulgaria implies a huge set of changes in the work of businesses in order for the process to be carried out in accordance with all the principles of the Law on the introduction of the euro (Underb). Here are some of the main obligations:
- Obligation for double designation in the period 08.08.2025 to 08.08.2025. The same should be realized clearly, legible, unambiguous and easily understandable when goods and services are offered to consumers.
- Obligation to update the capital in founding contracts or statutes of commercial companies within one year of January 1, 2026.
- Disposition to account for accounting balances in euro after January 1st.
- Special requirements for the business in consumer cash payments made - obligation to return a restoration to euro.
4. State control
Along with all the requirements that each business faces, the state will exercise increased control through a number of its bodies - the Bulgarian National Bank, the National Revenue Agency, the Consumer Protection Commission, and the Financial Supervision Commission. The atrist of the mentioned institutions grants extraordinary powers to exercise control over the transition from BGN to the euro, with the main objective of providing it being guaranteeing the smooth flow of the process of admission of the euro and the intersection of the speculative rise in prices. The state authorities through their powers have the right to access information, and in the event of a violation, they have the right to impose compulsory administrative measures and sanctions explicitly regulated by law.
It is important to note that price increases could only be available if there is a significant change in economic conditions. If the competent state authorities find the presence of speculation regarding pricing or there are reasonable doubts that such are available, the company providing goods and services must prove that there are positions that result in the need for change in prices. Otherwise, if the company is not able to motivate the promotion, the Underbound provides for large sanctions through which the state has a certain impact.
Адвокатско дружество „Галева и Миткова“ внимателно проследява всички нововъзникващи промени по повод приемането на еврото. Ние сме готови да предоставим правна помощ, чрез която да приведете в съответствие с цялата нормативна рамка Вашата документация и да подготвим бизнеса Ви към този значим преход.
