The Bulgarian Stock Exchange (BSE) began its first trading session in euros with an official ceremony, marking a shift for Bulgaria’s capital market. In 2025, the market recorded an annual turnover exceeding BGN 1 billion. Market participants and partners anticipate that joining the euro area will boost investment and attract more international interest.
Speakers at the event said that trading in euros would improve transparency and make it easier for international investors to access the Bulgarian market. They also highlighted that reduced currency risk could help further integrate Bulgaria’s financial markets with those of Europe.
“Bulgaria’s accession to the euro area is not merely a change of currency – it is a transformation of the entire economy. It is the final step in the overall process of integrating our country into Europe, where we belong,” said Vasil Golemanski, Chairman of the Financial Supervision Commission (FSC). He added: “The government has already adopted a strategy and concept for offering government securities (GS) to individual investors, which will provide opportunities to invest in secure and long-term instruments.”
Asen Yagodin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of BSE, stated: “Bulgaria’s accession to the euro area, of course, brings expectations of a positive impact on our economy, the prosperity of society as a whole, and the development of the capital market. In recent years, the Exchange has taken on a new look – it has modernised, infrastructure connectivity has improved, and, of course, new trading instruments have emerged. Therefore, with the adoption of the euro, we also expect investors to return to the Bulgarian Stock Exchange – including those who withdrew after the 2009 crisis. The euro area can be an important catalyst for restoring confidence and encouraging more active participation in the market.”
The bell-ringing ceremony was attended by representatives from BSE management, Central Depository officials, Financial Supervision Commission members, chief executive officers from investment intermediaries and asset management companies.
Manyu Moravenov, CEO of BSE, commented: “We expect the year to be successful – we are working on the realisation of another major public offering, to take place simultaneously on the Bulgarian and German markets through our EuroBridge segment.” He continued: “Among the important opportunities is also the offering of government securities to retail investors – an instrument that can provide people with a secure and predictable alternative for their savings and an opportunity for additional long-term income. The successful launch of this type of product would also lead to a significant increase in the number of individual investors on the Exchange.” Moravenov added: “The SOFIX index recorded a 2% increase within the first hours of trading in euros. The Bulgarian Stock Exchange is a European platform where good ideas find capital.”
Founded in 1914 and beginning operations in 1918 before becoming Bulgaria’s only stock exchange after merging regional exchanges in 1995 [source], BSE provides organized markets for equities, bonds and other financial instruments [source]. The exchange promotes fair access to information and trading conditions while advancing sustainable development through corporate social responsibility efforts [source]. Officially licensed since October 9th, 1997 [source], BSE remains Bulgaria’s sole stock exchange operating within its financial sector [source].
