Subscribe here: https://bit.ly/eudebates As of today, the single European currency, the euro, also started to apply in Croatia. Finance Minister Marko Primorac celebrated this step with Central Bank Governor Boris Vujčič, and both withdrew 50 euros from the ATM.

The eurozone expanded for the first time since 2015, when Lithuania introduced the common currency. Croatia became its twentieth member. The exchange rate for the introduction of the euro is fixed: one euro equals 7.5345 kuna. There is a transition period until January 14, 2023, during which it will still be possible to pay in Kunami. Until the end of 2023, kuna can be exchanged for free in Croatian banks.

As of today, Croatia has become part of the Schengen area, and border controls have therefore been abolished at the borders with Slovenia and Hungary. Airport checks of documents when traveling between Schengen countries and Croatia will end until March 26.

Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met in Obrežje to celebrate Croatia's entry into the Schengen zone and its introduction of the Euro. They agreed that today was a historic day, one which should be celebrated all across the EU.

Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman and Hungarian MP Péter Cseresnyés lifted the barriers at the Goričan/Letenye border crossing today after midnight. The head of Croatian diplomacy described the entry into the zone of free movement of persons as a “historic event”. Croatia becomes the 27th member of the Schengen area.

According to Index.hr, shortly before noon, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, should arrive at the Slovenian-Croatian border crossing Obrežje/Bregana. After she symbolically passes through the customs accompanied by Slovenian President Nataša Pircová Musarová, she will be welcomed by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

Stay connected with us!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eudebates.tv/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eudebates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eudebates.tv/

#eudebates the unique initiative aiming to promote debate, dialogue, knowledge, participation and communication among citizens. #VonderLeyen #Croatia #Slovenia #Schengen #eurozone #EURO #KUNA #Eurozone