The Effects of Public Opinion on Euro Adoption in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland

Date

2017-04-09

Authors

Sandhu, Guleena

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Abstract

The European Union (EU) represents a singular body of political associations in that, as a supranational organization, it encompasses characteristics of both a federal system and an intergovernmental organization. My research specifically focuses on the economic institutions of the EU, namely its single currency – the euro – which is unique to the EU and represents the area of highest cooperation within the organization. In my research, I explore the effects of public opinion on the decisions of the national governments in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland regarding the adoption of the euro. I have chosen to focus on these three countries as they represent the last three of the ten states part of the Eastern European expansion of 2004 to have not yet adopted the euro, which they are required to do by law when meeting all the criteria. My research offers a review of existing literature on euro adoption, and statistical analysis of public opinion. I analysed Eurobarometer data in order to determine the nature of public opinion, and what factors affect public opinion (ultimately determining public opinion to be negative and to be partially explained by concerns over the loss of independent monetary policy and national identity). I then created an original survey administered to university students in each of the three countries of study in order to determine their views on the effects of negative public opinion on euro adoption. Ultimately, my research shows that the negative opinion towards the euro in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland is reflected in the decisions of the government to not join the euro.

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Keywords

euro adoption; European Union; public opinion

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