A European Commission survey published on Friday, 6 January, revealed that Croatia’s changeover to the euro has progressed well in its initial phase since its introduction on Sunday, 1 January (see EUROPE 13091/7).
In shops, 51% of cash payments were already being made in euros on Thursday, 5 January, and in 93% of transactions, consumers received their change in euros only. Of Croatian citizens surveyed, 35% stated that they already only carry euro banknotes, and 36% stated that they only carry euro coins.
Kuna—the former national currency—banknotes and coins began to be withdrawn from circulation in December. By 31 December, 55% of kuna banknotes and one-third of kuna coins had already been withdrawn.
The European Commission noted that the Croatian retail sector has adapted well to the changeover process and the parallel handling of two currencies. The conversion of ATMs has also gone smoothly, with 70% of all ATMs already dispensing euro banknotes. The number and volume of withdrawals remained at levels comparable to those before the euro changeover.
The European Commission will continue to monitor Croatia’s changeover to the euro and to assess Croatian citizens’ experience.
To read the survey: https://aeur.eu/f/4tb (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)