site.btaCentral Bank Retains Defaced Euro Banknotes, Does Not Reimburse Them

Central Bank Retains Defaced Euro Banknotes, Does Not Reimburse Them
Central Bank Retains Defaced Euro Banknotes, Does Not Reimburse Them
From left: BNB Issue Department Director General Georgi Chanev, Stefan Tzvetkov, Sofia, January 13, 2026 (BTA Photo/Blagoy Kirilov)

Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) Chief Cashier Stefan Tzvetkov said during a regular briefing of the Coordination Centre on Euro Adoption here on Tuesday that defaced euro banknotes are not reimbursed but are retained. He advised retailers not to accept such banknotes.

The BNB took note of media reports, which warned about a significant number of defaced banknotes. Tzvetkov said: "We would like to draw attention to the fact that, in accordance with the regulations and requirements of the European Central Bank, such banknotes, when we consider them to be deliberately damaged, are not reimbursed. They are retained. In other words, we are asking retailers and banks not to accept these banknotes in any way. If they come to the BNB, they will not be reimbursed."

The Chief Cashier urged the public to refrain from writing or drawing on banknotes, to show respect and keep the currency clean. He added that when citizens or businesses come across a banknote that they suspect to be counterfeit, they should not return it to circulation but should hand it over to the authorities. Once such a banknote has been seized, it is sent to the BNB's Analysis Centre, where it is determined whether it is genuine or not.

/RY/

Additional

news.modal.image.header

news.modal.image.text

news.modal.download.header

news.modal.download.text

news.modal.header

news.modal.text

By 01:30 on 16.01.2026 Today`s news

This website uses cookies. By accepting cookies you can enjoy a better experience while browsing pages.

Accept More information