Bulgaria and the euro a stable ERM-II member for a minimum of two years. While Bulgaria has not formally joined the exchange rate mechanism, the ±15% floating band permitted within ERM II is less restrictive than Bulgaria's current strict peg of 1.95583 BGN to 1 EUR. The lev has been pegged to the euro since its launch, and prior to that was pegged on par to the German Mark. While the currency board which pegs Bulgaria to the euro has been seen as beneficial to the country fulfilling criteria so quickly, the ECB has pressured Bulgaria to drop it as it did not know
Bulgaria in the Eurovision Song Contest the first semi-final and qualified for the final by placed 7th with 177 points Bulgaria reached the final for the fourth time,finishing 14th with 166 points. On 10 September 2018, it was announced that Bulgaria had submitted a preliminary application to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019, but on 15 October 2018, BNT announced that they will not take part in the contest in Tel Aviv, Israel due to financial difficulties. As of , Bulgaria's voting history is as follows: Bulgaria in the Eurovision Song Contest Bulgaria has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 12 times since making its