The currency has changed, but not habits. The euro divides the Croats
Croatia introduced the euro in 2023. The authorities talk about success, but many citizens complain about the increase in prices and continue to convert to martens.
In January 2023, Croatia joined the euro area, becoming a full member of the Monetary Union, ten years after entering the European Union. The government justified this decision with economic reasons – the euro was to facilitate trade within the community, reduce currency exchange costs, and increase price transparency and stability for investors.
Price problems
Although the authorities determine joining the euro area as a “full success”, some citizens still reluctantly remember the abandonment of marten. In social media, many Croats admit that they are still “counting in marten” and has difficulty assessing the values of prices given in euros.
The Eurobarometer survey from 2022 showed that only 55 percent supported only half a year before the change of euro. Croats, and as much as 81 percent It was afraid of price increases. According to prof. Petara Soricia from the University of Zagreb, Croatia adopted the euro during high inflation. He pointed out that the country had then recorded the largest price increase since the 1990s, and the sector of clothing, food and hotel industry particularly felt the effects of sellers rounding prices.
Despite these difficulties, economic data look good. In 2024, GDP growth was 3.8 percent, which was one of the highest results in the EU. Tourism, which remained at a high level, played a key role in maintaining this pace. Politico reports that since the introduction of the euro, salaries have increased by over 30 percent.
Increase in prices
Social anxiety, however, raises prices, especially food. In 2025, there was a boycott of supermarkets, which prompted the government to extend the list of products covered by maximum prices.
Despite mixed social reactions, the Croatian National Bank estimates that the country saves around 160 million euros annually on costs related to currency exchange. Its representatives maintain that Croatia has gained all the benefits of receiving the euro – even in difficult times.
