site.btaPM to EU Economy Commissioner: All Systems in Bulgaria Ready to Operate with Euro from January 1

All systems in Bulgaria are ready to operate with the euro from January 1, 2026. “We continue to work intensively to ensure a smooth, transparent and successful transition to the single European currency,” said Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov during a bilateral meeting with European Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, as quoted by the government press service. The meeting took place as part of the high-level conference “Bulgaria on the Doorstep of the Eurozone”, held in Sofia on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the banking sector is fully prepared. From November 1, the process of initial delivery of euro banknotes and coins to banks, post offices, and merchants has already begun, he added.

Zhelyazkov highlighted that the information campaign conducted by the government, together with all responsible institutions and in partnership with the non-governmental sector, has significantly increased public trust. Since July 8, when the Council of the European Union adopted the last three legal acts required for the euro’s introduction in Bulgaria, over 420 information events and conferences have been held with local authorities, citizens, businesses, and vulnerable groups nationwide.

In addition to these meetings, citizens have received accurate and comprehensive information through the media and social networks, both about the transitional period leading up to the adoption of the single currency and about what to expect after January 1. The impact of these public measures has been monitored through sociological surveys, which clearly show an increase in public confidence, the Prime Minister said.

European Commissioner Dombrovskis expressed his satisfaction that Bulgaria is making its next major step as it moves forward to eurozone membership. During the discussion, he emphasized that adopting the euro brings substantial benefits to Bulgaria, including improved financial stability and resilience, and is expected to accelerate economic growth in the coming years.

The two leaders also agreed on the advantages of the euro for individual Bulgarian citizens. Particular attention was given to tourism and future travel between Bulgaria and Europe, as currency conversion will no longer be necessary, eliminating exchange fees for both cash and bank transfers.

As a key challenge, the Prime Minister pointed out the fight against misinformation and propaganda targeting the euro. “Public trust had been undermined by anti-European parties through false information, speculation, and even fear-mongering. We have successfully countered this with honesty, transparent, accurate and easily accessible information,” Zhelyazkov said. He noted that sociological surveys confirm the wisdom and maturity of Bulgarian society, with trust in government measures exceeding scepticism by seven percentage points.