Brussels, 23 January 2023
A Commission survey conducted in Croatia after the euro fully replaced the kuna shows that a substantial majority of Croatian citizens believe the changeover happened smoothly and efficiently.
88% of respondents felt well informed about the euro. 61% found the process to be smooth and efficient. 81% said that they experienced no problems when exchanging kuna cash into euros or when they withdrew cash from banks in the first week.
There were however concerns about the impact of the euro on prices, with 62% of respondents thinking that the euro will increase inflation. To protect consumers and address concerns about abusive price increases in the changeover period, the Croatian authorities are taking active measures in line with the rules on introducing the euro (‘Euro Law’). The dual display of prices in kuna and euro became compulsory on 5 September 2022 and will apply until 31 December 2023. A Business Code of Ethics has also been introduced to ensure stability of prices for goods and services by helping businesses to correctly recalculate and display prices, without unjustified increases. 78% of respondents found the dual display of prices useful. A national inspection body is tasked to monitor and control prices and can take appropriate measures in case of infringements.
Executive Vice-President for an Economy that Works for People, Valdis Dombrovskis, and Commissioner for Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, will participate in a conference to mark Croatia’s euro changeover taking place in Zagreb tomorrow, on 24 January. Coverage will be provided via EbS.
More information on Croatia’s euro changeover is available in this press release, and here on Croatia, the euro as well as the survey data. The final reports of the surveys undertaken before, during and after Croatia’s euro changeover, will be available in February.
Source – EU Commission