Pavel is once again promoting the euro in the Czech Republic

Czech President Petr Pavel has once again spoken out in favor of adopting the euro. On June 1, he stated that the Czech Republic should abandon its national currency, the koruna, and join the eurozone if keeping the koruna hinders the country’s economic development.

When the Czech Republic joined the EU in 2004, it committed in principle to adopting the euro. Nevertheless, several governments have so far failed to actively pursue entry into the eurozone. The current government under Prime Minister Andrej Babiš remains opposed to adopting the euro.

“The mere fact that our economy is closely intertwined with the eurozone should lead us to the realization that it is better to sit at the table where decisions are made than to stand outside the door and merely deal with their consequences,” Pavel said, according to Czech Radio ČRo, at the “Revize Česka” conference in Prague.

The euro as part of stronger European integration

Pavel also criticized the fact that many politicians in the Czech Republic contribute to the negative perception of the European single currency.

“I believe that the Czech Republic can only truly succeed in an integrated and strong Europe. We fundamentally meet all the requirements for adopting the euro,” said the president. At the same time, he acknowledged that political and social fragmentation hinders progress.

His remarks came shortly after the government decided to halt work on the annual report on the country’s readiness to join the eurozone.

In addition to Prime Minister Babiš’s ANO party, the Freedom and Direct Democracy Party (SPD) and the Motorists for Themselves party are also part of the governing coalition. Both parties take a critical stance toward the European Union. The SPD is even calling for a referendum on the Czech Republic’s possible withdrawal from the EU.

Debate on Economic Benefits

Pavel had already advocated for the introduction of the euro on several occasions during the term of the previous government under Petr Fiala. In his New Year’s address, he argued that joining the eurozone could help narrow the income gap with Germany more quickly.

However, the introduction of the single currency remains controversial. Among the most prominent opponents is Aleš Michl, governor of the Czech National Bank (CNB). He stated last year that the euro is “no panacea” for the Czech Republic’s comparatively slow economic convergence with Western Europe.

The CNB has traditionally been cautious about adopting the euro, as joining the eurozone would end the country’s independent monetary policy.

Majority of the population continues to reject the euro

The introduction of the euro has also met with little support among the general public so far. According to a survey by the Center for Public Opinion Research (CVVM) from August 2025, 66% of Czechs reject the introduction of the euro. Only 30% are in favor of it.

At the same time, many citizens view EU membership positively in principle. According to the same survey, 66% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the Czech Republic’s membership in the European Union, while 31% expressed dissatisfaction.

The debate over the euro is therefore likely to remain a central economic and European policy issue in the Czech Republic in the coming years.