Which countries in the EU have their own currency?

Are you curious about which EU countries still use their own unique currencies instead of the euro? Although the euro is widespread, a handful of EU nations have opted to keep their traditional currencies.

Join us as we explore each of these nations and their colourful currencies that contribute to the rich tapestry of Europe’s financial landscape.

What is the Eurozone?

The Eurozone is a group of EU countries that use the euro as their official currency. Having a common currency makes trade and travel easier within Europe.

How many countries in Europe have the same currency?

In Europe, 20 of the 27 EU member countries use the euro (€), issued by the European Central Bank, as their official currency. These countries form the Eurozone, or officially, the Euro Area. Here’s a list of all EU member states:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain

Which EU countries do not use the euro?

Six EU countries don’t use the euro: Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Sweden. Each country has chosen to keep its own national currency for various reasons.

Let’s explore what currencies are used by these six European countries:

Bulgaria

Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian lev as its currency. The currency symbol is “лв”, and the code is BGN. One lev is divided into 100 stotinki. 

Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 stotinki, as well as 1 and 2 leva. Banknotes are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 leva.

Bulgaria is planning to adopt the euro, but for now, they still use the lev.

Czechia

Czechia uses the Czech koruna as its currency. The symbol is “Kč,” and the code is CZK. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 koruna. 

Banknotes come in 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 koruna. Each note and coin features important historical figures and landmarks. 

Czechia hasn’t adopted the euro yet, and there’s no set date for when it might switch. Many people and politicians prefer to keep the Czech koruna for now. 

So, for the time being, Czechia will continue using its own currency.

Hungary

Hungary uses the Hungarian forint as its currency. The symbol is “Ft”, and the code is HUF. You’ll find coins in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 forint.

Banknotes come in 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 forint. Each note features notable historical figures and landmarks. 

Hungary has not adopted the euro and has no immediate plans to switch. 

Poland

Poland uses the Polish zloty as its currency. The symbol is “zł”, and the code is PLN. You’ll find coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 groszy, as well as 1, 2, and 5 zloty. 

Banknotes come in 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 zloty. Each note showcases significant historical figures and landmarks. 

Poland has chosen not to adopt the euro and currently has no plans to change this. 

Romania

Romania uses the Romanian leu as its currency. The symbol is “lei”, and the code is RON. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 50 bani. 

Banknotes are available in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 500 leu. Each banknote features important cultural and historical figures. 

Romania has not adopted the euro yet and continues to use the leu. The currency remains well-loved and widely used throughout the country.

Sweden

Sweden uses the Swedish krona as its currency. The symbol is “kr”, and the code is SEK. You’ll find coins in denominations of 1, 2, and 5 krona. 

Banknotes come in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 krona. Each note features famous Swedish personalities and landmarks.

Sweden has decided not to adopt the euro and continues to use the krona. The krona is trusted and preferred by both the public and officials.

Which countries recently joined the Eurozone?

Croatia joined the Eurozone on January 1, 2023, and switched from the Croatian kuna to the euro. This move is expected to boost Croatia’s economy and strengthen ties with other Eurozone countries.

Which countries are likely to adopt the euro in the near future?

Several countries are likely candidates to adopt the euro in the near future. These include:

• Bulgaria
• Romania

These countries are working towards meeting the necessary economic criteria and gaining public and political support for the transition. Keep an eye on them as they move closer to joining the Eurozone!

Who uses the euro outside the Euro Area?

Several countries and territories outside the Eurozone also use the euro. These include Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, and Andorra. Additionally, Montenegro and Kosovo use the euro without joining the eurozone. This makes the euro a truly international currency!

Why is Denmark not using the euro?

Denmark chose not to adopt the euro after a 2000 referendum in which the majority of Danes voted to keep the Danish krone.

They have a special opt-out agreement with the EU, allowing them to maintain their own currency. This reflects the country’s desire to have more control over its economic policies.

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