On 1 January 2023, Croatia became the 20th country of the EU to join the Eurozone. As a result, the debate about a potential similar move re-emerged in the other member states, which still have their own currency. 

https://twitter.com/Visegrad_PostEN/status/1615754564422049792?s=20&t=GFhmiLM8AIW9ZS15Zu6Acg

Radio ZET recently ordered a survey to the IBRiS Institute in order to find out whether Poles are also willing to adopt the European single currency. 

It turned out that over 64% of the surveyed gave a negative answer. Less than 15% considered replacing the zloty with the euro beneficial, while almost 10% said they “mostly agree”. 

https://twitter.com/euronews/status/1612827068554776576?s=20&t=ije4ZN2Uqj7B_V3esZ30Zg

In other words, less than one in four Poles is currently favouring the changeover to the euro. On the other hand, nearly every second Pole (49%) declares to be “clearly against” the introduction of the single currency in their country, with a little over 15% who’s “rather prefer not” to do so. 

https://twitter.com/thenews_PL/status/1612796242211311616?s=20&t=lfWyJRm_TSrGEQMAN2bJwA

The rejection of a potential currency switch has significantly increased in less than a year. In May 2022, a similar survey was conducted, revealing that “only” 52% of the Polish population was opposed to replacing the zloty. 

The refusal of the euro can particularly be observed among supporters of the ruling United Right coalition, with even 97%. Warsaw argues that the Polish economy isn’t ready for such a move and that the cost of living would skyrocket. Economic autonomy and financial independence are often put forward as well. 

https://twitter.com/SlawomirDebski/status/1612747514603778049?s=20&t=LBtGHy1erQdjgsAbC3LIWQ

Image: Pixabay

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen