Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
World
RFI

From optimism to unease: Bulgarians count the cost as euro replaces lev

Tag displaying prices in leva and euros at a local market in Sofia, Bulgaria, 31 December 2025. © Agnieszka Kumor/RFI

Concerns over rising prices and the loss of a national symbol – the lev – have spread across Bulgaria following the country’s entry into the eurozone on Wednesday.

On 1 January, Bulgaria became the 21st European Union country to adopt the single currency. The outgoing government of the Balkan nation of 6.4 million people presents the move as a milestone that should strengthen the economy and help curb corruption.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.