When acceding to the European Union (EU), Lithuania assumed the obligation to adopt the euro single currency of the EU in the future. The use of the euro will strengthen Lithuania’s attractiveness for investment and encourage its trade relations, and in the long run will create more favourable conditions for the development of the national economy.

Setting the date for the adoption of the euro by any Member State of the European Union (EU) is within the competence of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin Council).

On 30 May 2005 the Government of the Republic of Lithuania formed the Commission for the Coordination of the Adoption of the Euro in the Republic of Lithuania, and set its main goal – to ensure the preparation and proper implementation of the National Changeover Plan.

The Government of the Republic of Lithuania approved this plan by its Resolution No. 1050 of 29 September 2005. The second version of the National Changeover Plan was approved in April 2006.

The information on the changeover conditions, impact of the switch to the single EU currency to the national economy and its citizens is available on the Bank of Lithuania website. It highlights the most important work of the Bank of Lithuania associated with the preparation to introduce the euro. The National Changeover Plan, draft Law of the Euro Introduction in the Republic of Lithuania, articles, opinions and documents pertaining to the euro (Euro Library) are also posted on this site. It provides a short review of the history of the euro and its current situation, information on euro banknotes and coins, Economic and Monetary Union.