Brussels, 06 January 2015
On 1 January 2015, Lithuania adopted the euro as its official currency andthe changeover is running smoothly and according to plan. The previous national currency—the litas—will be phased out during a transitional two-week dual circulation period when both currencies have legal tender status in Lithuania. By Saturday, 3 January, 89% of customers were getting their change in euro. No major problems were observed in banks or in the retail sector.

Dublin MEP and Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee member, Brian Hayes, has today asked the European Central Bank (ECB) to clarify if any new voting procedure will apply at the Bank when Lithuania joins the Euro from January next year.