The European Commission has concluded that Bulgaria's adoption of the euro on January 1 was carried out in an orderly manner, describing the process as 'smooth and effective? in its latest assessment report.

According to the Commission's findings, both the preparatory phase and the actual transition to the single currency unfolded in line with expectations, without major disruptions. The logistical replacement of the lev with the euro was handled in a coordinated way, supported by an information campaign co-financed by the EU. That campaign is credited with delivering ?timely, targeted and clear information? to the public ahead of the changeover.

Public perception data reflects this effort. Eurobarometer figures cited in the report show that 78% of Bulgarians felt sufficiently informed about the transition, while 62% described the process itself as smooth and efficient. The initial adjustment period, during which both the lev and the euro circulated in parallel for one month, passed without significant complications or instability.

The Commission also addressed concerns that accompanied the currency switch, particularly fears of price hikes. Similar anxieties have been observed in previous eurozone expansions. In Bulgaria's case, authorities introduced monitoring mechanisms and sanctions aimed at preventing unjustified increases in prices during the transition period.

As a result, the report concludes that the impact of such increases on inflation was limited. It characterizes the effect as ?relatively small? and broadly in line with patterns seen in other countries that have adopted the euro. Early data suggests that overall price movements were influenced more by seasonal trends than by the currency change itself, pointing to a contained and manageable inflationary effect.