Schengen and transition to the euro: European Commission President Von der Leyen arrives in Zagreb, meeting with Plenković

(Patria) - On the first day of the new year, Croatia entered the Schengen area and the eurozone. Exactly at midnight, barriers were lifted at 73 border crossings with Slovenia and Hungary. At the same time, Croatia became the 20th member of the euro area, a monetary union of European Union (EU) member states, making the euro its primary currency and sole legal tender. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Zagreb on the occasion of Croatia's entry into Schengen and the eurozone. She was welcomed at Bregana by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. They were joined by Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar and Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon.

After visiting Bregana, Plenković and Von der Leyen headed to Banski dvori for a meeting. The leaders of the European Commission and Croatia will discuss the euro and Schengen behind closed doors, but they are also expected to address other current issues, such as energy.

The President of the European Commission said that today is a day for celebration.

"I believe there is no better place in Europe to mark a new beginning and a new chapter than on the Croatian-Slovenian border. Today, Croatia is entering the Schengen area and the eurozone. It is the youngest member of the EU to achieve these two goals on the same day. This is a memorable day, a historic day, a day of joy and pride for the Croatian people, and it testifies to your incredible journey of determination. The celebration is not only for Croatian citizens but for all citizens of Europe," she emphasized, highlighting that this is an incredible achievement for Croatia.

The Croatian Prime Minister also stated that this is a historic day.

"Croatia has achieved its strategic, state, and political goals of integration into the Schengen area and the eurozone. We are the first country to do so on the same day," said Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

"From today, nothing is the same for Croatia. For Croatia as a tourist country, entry into Schengen will mean a great deal, and the fact that we will be in the euro area provides another signal and simplifies payment methods," he said, thanking everyone who contributed to achieving these goals.

French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated the citizens of Croatia on entering the eurozone, emphasizing that the eurozone will now be even stronger in protecting citizens and promoting our Europe in the world.

"Croatia has independently decided to participate even more in our common European adventure. Together, we will persevere in facilitating exchanges, travel, investments, the movement of capital and skills. With you, the eurozone will be even stronger in protecting our citizens and promoting our Europe in the world," Macron said.