The Bulgarian Fintech Association (BFA) has prepared a concise overview of the upcoming digital euro pilot project, expected to launch in the second half of 2027. Over a period of 12 months, 36 selected payment service providers and merchants will test a pilot version of the digital currency.
The initiative will cover four main types of payments: person-to-person transfers (both online, using a phone number, and offline, via NFC without an internet connection), as well as purchases in physical stores and online shops. During the tests, users’ bank accounts will play a key role, automatically topping up insufficient balances or transferring excess funds when holding limits are exceeded. For the fintech sector, this presents an opportunity to develop new applications and integration solutions.
Although Bulgaria is not among the direct pilot locations and the selection of payment service providers has already been completed, Bulgarian online merchants may still have an opportunity to participate until 27 October 2026, provided they serve at least two of the pilot areas. Testing will be free of charge for both consumers and merchants and will rely on modern technological standards, including ISO 20022 and APIs.
BFA emphasises that the project aims to assess the system’s technical readiness and does not yet constitute a final decision to issue a digital euro.
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