Does Poland Plan to Adopt the Euro Currency

Author

Reads 839

Two passionate Polish football fans proudly display their support at a Euro 2020 venue.
Credit: pexels.com, Two passionate Polish football fans proudly display their support at a Euro 2020 venue.

Poland has been a member of the European Union since 2004, but it has not adopted the Euro currency yet.

In 2015, Poland's government announced plans to adopt the Euro by 2026, but this timeline has been pushed back several times.

The Polish government has not yet met the necessary economic criteria to join the Eurozone, which includes low inflation and a stable currency.

Poland's economy is still heavily influenced by the Polish złoty, and many Poles are skeptical about adopting a foreign currency.

Here's an interesting read: Why Is Shein Not Accepting My Card?

Poland's Euro Adoption Process

Poland's journey to adopting the euro began in 2003, when the then-premier Leszek Miller announced plans to join the eurozone between 2007 and 2009.

The creation of a National Coordination Committee for Euro Changeover, a Coordinating Council, Interinstitutional Working Committees, and Task Groups in 2009 marked significant progress towards euro adoption.

However, the process was not without its setbacks, as the position of the Government Plenipotentiary for Euro Adoption in Poland was abolished in 2015.

As of May 2018, Poland met only 2 out of the 5 convergence criteria required by the Maastricht Treaty for joining the eurozone.

Take a look at this: Poland Buying Gold

Political Preparations

Credit: youtube.com, Poland's Walenczak Says Adopting Euro Will Help Business

Poland's journey to adopting the euro began with the establishment of a Government Plenipotentiary for Euro Adoption in 2009.

Donald Tusk, who was the prime minister of Poland at the time, played a crucial role in taking the first steps towards creating an interinstitutional organizational structure for euro adoption.

Ludwik Kotecki was chosen to head the Government Plenipotentiary, which was established on January 13, 2009.

The position of the Government Plenipotentiary for Euro Adoption in Poland was later abolished on December 28, 2015, by Prime Minister Beata Szydło.

Poland's plan to join the eurozone began in 2003, before the country's accession to the EU, with then-premier Leszek Miller stating that Poland would join the eurozone between 2007 and 2009.

However, the plan was not finalized and Poland suspended it, with some politicians, like Jan Rokita, advocating for a different approach to convergence to the euro.

Intriguing read: Poland Currency to Naira

Convergence Criteria

Poland's journey to adopting the euro is a complex one, and it all starts with meeting the convergence criteria.

The Maastricht Treaty originally required that all members of the European Union join the euro once certain economic criteria are met.

These criteria are quite specific, and as of May 2018, Poland met 2 out of the 5 criteria.

Public Opinion and Readiness

Credit: youtube.com, 68% of Poles Opposes Euro: Poles fear economic decline government ditches Polish zloty

Poland's finance minister has stated that the country is still not ready to adopt the euro currency.

The majority of Poles have been skeptical about adopting the euro, with only 47% supporting the idea in a May 2024 poll.

Over the years, the percentage of Poles in favor of adopting the euro has been steadily declining, from 52% in April 2023 to 47% in May 2024.

Here's a breakdown of the polls on adopting the euro:

The trend suggests that Poles are becoming increasingly hesitant about adopting the euro, which may be a concern for the government as it considers the country's readiness to join the eurozone.

Eurobarometer

The Eurobarometer polls have been tracking public opinion on adopting the euro in Poland since 2004. In May 2024, a significant 47% of respondents supported adopting the euro, while 52% opposed it.

Public opinion has been shifting over the years, with a notable increase in support for adopting the euro. In April 2022, 60% of respondents favored adopting the euro.

Credit: youtube.com, EU Eurobarometer - a definition

The Eurobarometer polls also show a significant difference in public opinion between 2011 and 2012. In November 2011, 45% of respondents supported adopting the euro, while 52% opposed it. Just a few months later, in April 2012, 44% of respondents supported adopting the euro, while 54% opposed it.

Here's a breakdown of the Eurobarometer polls on adopting the euro in Poland:

The polls also show that public opinion has been influenced by economic factors. In May 2009, 52% of respondents supported adopting the euro, which was a significant increase from previous years.

Poland Not Ready

Poland is still not ready to adopt the euro currency, its Finance Minister says. This is a significant statement, especially considering the country joined the European Union 20 years ago.

Having its own currency, the zloty, helped Poland avoid recession during the global financial crisis and to weather other shocks. This is a crucial point, as it highlights the benefits of maintaining its own currency.

The Finance Minister, Andrzej Domanski, believes that joining the eurozone is not justified at this time. His statement suggests that Poland is taking a cautious approach to adopting the euro.

The Polish Złoty

Credit: youtube.com, Does Poland use the euro?

The Polish złoty is the official currency of Poland.

It's pronounced ZWAH-tee, so don't worry if you struggle to say it at first.

The złoty has been Poland's currency since 1995, when it was introduced under the post-communist regime to boost the country's economy.

The Polish currency became convertible on international markets and was pegged to the euro before eventually free floating in 2000.

While some places near the border may accept euros, the best exchange rates can be found at ATMs, banks, or local Kantor (Polish exchange service).

This is because these places will likely have poor exchange rates, so it's worth taking the time to exchange your money properly.

Check this out: Conversor Euros Zlotys

Euro Acceptance in Poland

Euro acceptance in Poland is limited.

Some places near the border may accept the Euro, but be aware that exchange rates will likely be poor.

You'll get the best exchange rates by using an ATM, bank, or local Kantor (Polish exchange service) to exchange your money for Zloty.

The official currency in Poland is the Polish Zloty, or złoty (pronounced ZWAH-tee).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use euros in Poland?

In Poland, the euro is not widely accepted, but you may find it accepted in some tourist areas with an unfavorable exchange rate. Officially, the Polish zloty is the currency to use.

What currency do I need for Poland?

For a trip to Poland, you'll need Polish zloty (pronounced zwo-ti) as the official currency. Learn more about exchange rates, currency exchange options, and tips for using zloty during your visit.

Should I take euro or zloty?

For your trip to Poland, it's recommended to exchange your money to zloty, as it's the official currency and widely accepted. However, taking some euros for tourist areas may be helpful, but be aware of potential convenience fees.

Teresa Halvorson

Senior Writer

Teresa Halvorson is a skilled writer with a passion for financial journalism. Her expertise lies in breaking down complex topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content. With a keen eye for detail, Teresa has successfully covered a range of article categories, including currency exchange rates and foreign exchange rates.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.