This Balkan country will switch to euro from next year

Starting January 1, 2026, Bulgaria will officially replace its national currency, the lev, with the euro, becoming the 21st member of the Eurozone. The European Council has approved the final legal acts required for the transition, fixing the conversion rate at 1 euro = 1.95583 lev — the same as the rate under the EU’s exchange-rate mechanism.

This move comes nearly 19 years after Bulgaria joined the European Union, marking a key milestone in its economic integration with the bloc.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov celebrated the announcement on X, saying, “We did it! As of 1.1.2026, Bulgaria will officially adopt the euro. We thank all institutions, partners and everyone whose efforts made this landmark moment possible. The government remains committed to a smooth and effective transition to the euro in the interest of all citizens.”

How will this impact Indian travellers

Not all members of the European Union have adopted the euro. Denmark has an official opt-out, while Sweden, Poland, Czechia, Hungary, and Romania continue to use their own national currencies. Bulgaria will become the first country to join the Eurozone since Croatia’s entry in 2023, marking a gradual but steady expansion of the single-currency area.

For Indian travellers, Bulgaria’s euro adoption brings more predictability in travel budgets. As of now, 1 euro equals roughly ₹102.43, making it easier to plan costs for upcoming trips. Whether it’s exploring Sofia’s art-deco landmarks, Plovdiv’s Roman ruins, or Bansko’s alpine trails, tourists will be paying in euros from next year, simplifying hotel bookings, shopping, and dining.

Bulgaria’s shift also means smoother transactions across the Eurozone, with one less currency to convert and more convenience for travellers using euro-based cards and wallets.