Sofia, July 23, 2025 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov has reaffirmed the Bulgarian government’s strong commitment to passing the final amendments to the Euro Adoption Law before the National Assembly enters its summer recess. Speaking at the opening of a high-level meeting of the Mechanism for Coordination of Monitoring and Control on the introduction of the euro, Zhelyazkov emphasized that ensuring a smooth and transparent transition remains a national priority.
The proposed amendments, presented by Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova, are designed to enhance oversight, safeguard consumers, and prevent unjustified price increases during Bulgaria’s shift from the lev to the euro.
Stronger Consumer Protections and Oversight
Minister Petkova outlined that the price monitoring system will be extended beyond the dual circulation period and will cover the full dual price display timeline, which runs from August 8, 2025, to December 31, 2026. This extension aims to provide long-term price transparency and protect Bulgarian consumers from speculative pricing during the transitional phase.
As part of the overhaul, the Consumer Protection Commission will be given enhanced powers to enforce compliance. The agency will oversee both the physical and digital display of prices and will be empowered to issue penalties based on a percentage of a trader’s annual turnover—a move aimed at discouraging manipulation and abuses.
Transparency Measures for Major Retailers
The proposed law includes new labeling regulations to curb misinformation and price manipulation. Retailers with an annual turnover exceeding BGN 10 million will be required to publish prices of key consumer goods on their websites. These prices will feed into a centralized digital platform operated by the Consumer Protection Commission, offering real-time tracking of market trends accessible to the public.
“This is a crucial transparency tool that will build public confidence during the euro adoption process,” said Minister Petkova.
Targeted Public Awareness and Sectoral Preparedness
A nationwide public awareness campaign is set to begin in early September, with the goal of educating citizens about the transition process. Petkova also confirmed that special focus is being placed on the pharmaceutical sector, following a dedicated consultation earlier in the day.
The Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union will distribute detailed instructions to pharmacies across the country, while sector-specific software supporting the currency changeover has already been developed and deployed.
Currency Logistics and Institutional Readiness
Deputy Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB), Radoslav Milenkov, reported that the minting of Bulgarian euro coins is underway, with production on schedule to meet demand. Euro banknotes are already secured and ready for distribution through the banking system. Logistics are in place for the timely rollout, and training of Bulgarian Posts employees—who will play a key role in the coin and note distribution—is being coordinated by BNB experts.
“Our institutional roadmap is being executed as planned, with all technical and operational preparations proceeding on time,” Milenkov affirmed.
Legislative Momentum Ahead of Recess
With Bulgaria’s official euro adoption scheduled for January 1, 2026, the government is racing to finalize the legislative framework to facilitate a seamless transition. The amendments are expected to be debated and passed in the coming weeks, before Parliament adjourns.
Prime Minister Zhelyazkov emphasized that passing these amendments is not merely procedural but essential to maintaining public trust and economic stability. “Bulgaria is not just adopting a currency—we are reinforcing our commitment to European integration and long-term economic resilience,” he concluded.
