Bulgaria‘s transition to the euro has proceeded without major disruption or sharp price shocks, according to the National Revenue Agency (NRA) and the Consumer Protection Commission (CPCoo), which presented the results of their joint work under the Euro Introduction Act and interim figures from the current summer inspection campaign.
The two institutions said their overall assessment, also supported by the European Central Bank and the European Commission, is that the switch to the single European currency has been smooth. Inflation attributed to the euro changeover was estimated at between 0.3% and 0.4%, which authorities described as within the normal range seen in countries adopting the currency.
“The transition to the introduction of the euro has been smooth, without shocks and without shock prices. The general assessment is that inflation during the introduction of the euro is 0.3-0.4%, which is within the normal range for all countries that have introduced the euro,” said Hristo Markov, deputy executive director of the NRA.
The authorities said consumer protection measures have included an unprecedented number of inspections covering major sectors, including food and fuel retailers, pharmacies, restaurants and online commerce.
The NRA has carried out more than 23,400 inspections, resulting in more than 1,600 administrative violation reports and nearly 900 penalty decrees totaling almost €1.95 million. The fines and penalties represent roughly 7% of all inspections conducted under the euro-related controls.
The CPCo has carried out more than 14,500 inspections. Its work has resulted in 1,120 violation reports and around 700 penalty decrees, with sanctions totaling approximately €1.31 million.
According to the institutions, the end of mandatory dual price displays does not mean that price monitoring is ending. As of last Sunday, retailers are no longer required to display prices in both currencies. The official selling price is now shown in euros, while the equivalent price in Bulgarian levs may continue to be provided as additional, clearly visible information.
Price surveillance will continue, authorities said. Businesses with annual turnover exceeding €25 million are required to submit daily price information, which is published through the specialized “How Much Does It Cost?” portal.
The system allows consumers to compare prices while giving the CPCo an additional tool to identify unjustified or speculative increases in essential goods, particularly products that have a significant impact on vulnerable groups.
CPCo Chairman Alexander Kolyachev said the end of mandatory dual labeling would not mark the end of consumer protection measures.
“The violations identified show the need for constant control, which has not only a sanctioning but mainly a preventive effect. Price control does not end with the abolition of double labeling,” Kolyachev said.
The NRA is simultaneously reporting the results of its intensified summer inspection campaign along Bulgaria‘s Black Sea coast.
More than 5,275 inspections have been conducted nationwide as part of the campaign, with almost 1,850 violation reports issued. Along the coast, authorities carried out 2,410 inspections and found irregularities in 719 cases, meaning violations were identified in about 30% of inspections.
The highest proportion of violations was recorded in Burgas district, where almost 40% of inspections reportedly uncovered irregularities.
Authorities said 55 commercial establishments along the Black Sea coast are currently under special surveillance as part of the campaign.
The NRA is urging consumers to remain active by requesting receipts for purchases and reporting suspected violations through the agency’s mobile application.
The institutions said their joint work will continue after the formal end of the euro-related dual-labeling period, with the focus remaining on preventing unjustified price increases, ensuring compliance with consumer rules and protecting customers during the busy summer season.