Parliament, by 539 votes in favour, 45 votes against and 48 abstentions, adopted the report of Siegfried Mureșan (EPP, RO) stating Croatia fulfils all the criteria for adopting the euro on 1st January 2023.

The report notes that, despite the evaluation of Croatia’s readiness taking place against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, high inflation, and Russia’s war against Ukraine, Croatia continues to be ready to adopt the euro.

MEPs also state that Croatia already has a higher level of price convergence with the eurozone compared to other member states on their adoption of the euro. Nonetheless, Parliament expects sustained efforts from the Croatian government to ensure further price convergence and that the introduction of the euro does not lead to artificial price increases.

A press conference will be held at 16:30 CEST. All details here.

Quotes

The rapporteur Siegfried Mureșan (EPP, RO), said:

“The reforms undertaken by the Croatian Government in the last years have strengthened the economy and paved the way for Croatia joining the common currency. It is clear that becoming a member of the euro is the right decision for the country, its businesses and citizens, as well as various sectors of its economy, such as tourism.

Croatia becoming the 20th member of the euro area is good for the European Union as well: it shows the viability and trust in our common currency”.

The Chair of the EP’s euro working group, Margarida Marques (S&D, PT), said:

Croatia’s…