Lithuanians’ support for euro rose to 60 percent

While the greatest number of euro supporters was among people aged between 18 and 29 years, the percentage of respondents in favor of the European single currency was significantly higher than that of respondents who had doubts about it in all age groups, the central bank said in a press release.

When asked about the advantages of Lithuania having the euro as its currency, 35 percent of those polled said that Lithuanians would no longer need to exchange currency while traveling, 22 percent said that the single currency meant a common future with Europe, 14 percent said euro adoption would eliminate currency exchange fees when paying in the eurozone, and 12 percent said that the euro would help ensure the country’s economic stability and growth.

Among those skeptical about euro adoption, the percentage of respondents citing a rise in prices as the key reason declined to 35 percent, from 49 percent a month ago, but the percentage of those who cited the loss of the national currency as something that made Lithuania different from other countries increased to 31 percent, from 26 percent.

Berent Research Baltic polled 1,003 persons on 1-26 December.

Lithuania joined the eurozone on 1 January 2015.