Croatia preps to convert to euro

ZAGREB, Croatia — Croatian lawmakers on Friday approved a law that paves the way for the introduction of the euro currency next year.

Croatia is due to replace the Croatian kuna with the euro on Jan. 1, 2023. Lawmakers voted 117-13 in favor of legislation to bring in the euro. One lawmaker abstained in the 151-member parliament.

Croatia, which joined the European Union in 2013, remains among the weaker economies of the bloc following the 1992-95 war.

Right-wing parties in Croatian parliament were opposed to the introduction of the euro, saying it would increase poverty and put pressure on citizens. Both currencies are set to be in parallel use in the months after the formal start of the euro’s adoption.