Bulgaria and Sofia
DESTINATION: BULGARIA AND SOFIA
1. Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a country with more than 1,300 years of history, situated at the strategic crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe. In 2026, the country is experiencing an important milestone in its contemporary European integration, having joined the euro area on 1 January 2026 and completed its full accession to the Schengen Area on 1 January 2025.
Currency and Economy
Since 1 January 2026, the official currency of Bulgaria has been the euro (EUR), making the country the 21st member of the euro area. This facilitates travel and everyday transactions for international delegates, especially those arriving from euro-area countries, and makes prices easier to read and compare. The fixed conversion rate is EUR 1 = BGN 1.95583, while since 1 February 2026 the euro has remained the sole legal tender in the country.
Schengen Membership
Bulgaria is a full member of the Schengen Area. Following the lifting of internal air and sea border controls in March 2024, controls at internal land borders were also removed as of 1 January 2025. As a result, delegates travelling from Schengen member states benefit from smoother and more seamless cross-border movement when arriving in Bulgaria.
https://visitbulgaria.com/
Welcome to Sofia
Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, located in the western part of the country at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. With a history of more than 7,000 years, Sofia is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. The city combines ancient heritage, vibrant cultural life, and a dynamic academic environment.
Today Sofia is an important political, economic and scientific centre in Southeastern Europe. The city hosts numerous universities, research institutions and
international organizations, which makes it a natural venue for academic gatherings such as the ERSA Congress.
The ERSA Congress will take place in the historic campus of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, located in the very heart of the city and surrounded by major cultural landmarks, parks and museums.
https://www.visitsofia.bg/en/