site.bta84.5% of Lev Banknotes and Coins Withdrawn from Circulation

The total volume of lev banknotes and coins in circulation is BGN 4.8 billion as of February 16, 2026, the Bulgarian National Bank said on its website on Monday. The bank adds that this represents 84.5% of the cash in circulation in leva at the beginning of 2025.

The process of withdrawing lev banknotes and coins and putting euro banknotes and coins into circulation is being carried out in accordance with the current legal framework and the approved operational plans, the bank noted.

As of the same date, euro banknotes and coins with a total value of more than EUR 7.2 billion have been put into circulation, ensuring the normal functioning of the payment system and servicing the economy and the public.

Since February 1, 2026, the euro has been the sole legal tender in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian National Bank recalled.

As of February 6, 2026, the total value of euro banknotes and coins put into circulation in the country exceeded EUR 6.7 billion, while 81% of the leva in circulation at the beginning of 2025 had already been withdrawn.

Lev banknotes and coins may be exchanged at commercial banks and at branches of Bulgarian Posts until the end of 2026, with the service provided free of charge until mid-year. The exchange of leva at the Bulgarian National Bank will be carried out free of charge for an unlimited period.