site.btaOmbudsman Alerts Central Bank About Problems With Access to Euro Coin Starter Kits

Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva has alerted the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) about problems with access to euro coin starter kits, the Ombudsman's office reported here on Friday.

Delcheva sent a letter to BNB Deputy Governor Radoslav Milenkov regarding citizens’ complaints about how commercial banks are selling the euro coin starter kits, the press release said.

According to reports submitted to the Ombudsman, branches of DSK Bank and United Bulgarian Bank lack publicly accessible information about the sales conditions, offer kits only to their own clients, conduct only cashless transactions, and do not allow purchases through an authorized representative - an obstacle particularly for the elderly and disabled people, the press center noted.

In her letter, the Ombudsman emphasized that such practices contradict BNB Ordinance No. 46 of 31 July 2025 and its accompanying guidelines, which require the free sale of starter kits to individuals after verifying their identity, the statement added.

Furthermore, the relevant regulation provides for payment both in cash and by non-cash methods, as well as sales starting from 1 December 2025 without limiting them only to clients of the respective bank, Delcheva noted in her letter to the BNB Deputy Governor.

The Ombudsman has approached the BNB with a proposal that the institution provide an opinion on the readiness of the banks and Bulgarian Posts to ensure equal access for citizens to the starter kits, and, if necessary, take action to ensure proper implementation of the procedure.

In her position, Delcheva also recalls the European Commission Recommendation of 10 January 2008, according to which citizens should have the opportunity to purchase at least one euro coin starter kit during the weeks before the currency change, in order to ensure a smooth and fair transition to the euro, the Ombudsman’s press center added.