Croatia no longer has border crossings with Slovenia and Hungary, euro adoption begins

(Patria) - Two historic events for Croatia began at midnight - entry into the Schengen area and the eurozone. At exactly midnight, barriers were removed at 73 border crossings with Slovenia and Hungary, with the central event held at Bregana, one of the largest border crossings. Interior Minister Davor Božinović said that the doors to a Europe without borders have been opened.  

Interior Minister Davor Božinović said that tonight we celebrate a new day, a New Year, a new Europe with Croatia in Schengen. Together with his Slovenian counterpart Sanja Ajanović Hovnik, he raised the barrier at the border.

- There are no more borders that stood too long between us and our neighbours, the natural environment to which we belong as a people and as a state. That is why tonight's act is more than the abolition of border controls. It is the final affirmation of our European identity for which generations of Croats fought and ultimately won. I thank the Minister and the Slovenian delegation for being here tonight to share with us moments of our joy and pride. Happy 2023 New Year to all of you in Schengen, said Minister Božinović.

Minister Božinović and Slovenian Minister Ajanović Hovnik then marked Croatia's entry into the Schengen area on the Slovenian side of the border. 

The Croatian currency, the kuna, becomes history, and from midnight the euro takes over. Near the Croatian National Bank in Zagreb, Croatia's entry into the eurozone is being marked.

Croatian Finance Minister Marko Primorac said that during the first 14 days of 2023, payment in both kunas and euros will be possible. Regarding the exchange of kunas for euros, it will be possible for another year in branches of banks, Fina, and Croatian Post. After that, banknotes can be permanently exchanged at the Croatian National Bank, and coins for another two years, i.e., until the end of 2025, Croatian media report.

Croatia's entry into Schengen also changes things for Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will mean that border and customs controls will be tightened.