“Speaking specifically about Lithuania’s readiness to join the euro zone, the Commission today is rather optimistic as regards Lithuania. Judging from what we have now, Lithuania has strong chances to become a euro zone member in 2015,” he told reporters in Brussels on Thursday.
However, it does not mean that the country could relax, he warns: “However, it does not give any reason to calm down and relax. It’s not possible to act irresponsibly since everything may change very quickly.”
Lithuania seeks to adopt the euro in 2015 and join the euro zone, which currently includes 17 out of 27 EU Member States.
To join the currency union, a Member State must comply with the Maastricht criteria of budget deficit, inflation, and public debt.
Lithuania failed to join the euro zone in 2007 due to excessive inflation. Experts say the inflation rate is, once again, the main threat to Lithuania’s plans to adopt the euro in 2015.
