site.btaEuro Coin Supply for Retailers Discussed at Information Meeting in Sopot

The supply of euro coins for retailers was among the main topics raised at an information meeting on the introduction of the euro held in Sopot on Friday. Local people asked if retailers would have the practical ability to give change only in euro, as required by law.

The event was organized by the Commission for Consumer Protection (CCP) as part of a National Information Campaign ahead of the introduction of the euro on January 1, 2026.

Officials from CPC and the National Revenue Agency explained that from December traders will be able to obtain starter packs of euro banknotes and coins from banks. While retailers are legally required to return change in euro, if this is not possible, they will be allowed to give the full amount in lev.

People also asked about possible price gouging during the currency switch. Dimitar Iliev from the CPC office in Plovdiv noted that the Act on the Introduction of the Euro prohibits unjustified price increases but does not freeze prices, which may rise on the basis of objective economic factors.

The CPC is developing a website to publish daily price data for a basket of widely used goods, enabling consumers to monitor changes, Iliev said.

The Information Campaign is a joint effort of the responsible institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, the Bulgarian National Bank, the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the Consumer Protection Commission, the National Revenue Agency, the Financial Supervision Commission, and the National Social Security Institute.