Poland Not Ready for Euro Adoption, Says European Commission

European Commission's Convergence Report on Poland

According to Radiotrek — Світ: According to the European Commission's 2026 Convergence Report, Poland is currently unprepared to join the eurozone. The report's findings reveal that none of the five EU member states not using the euro meet all the required conditions for adopting the common currency. Poland stands out particularly due to its government budget deficit, which reached 7.3% of GDP in 2025-far exceeding the EU's maximum allowable limit of 3%.

Poland has not joined the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II), a prerequisite for transitioning to the euro. To do so, the country must first complete a two-year participation period in this mechanism and align its legislation governing the National Bank of Poland with EU standards. As the European Commission states, 'the country must fulfill all EU economic criteria, stabilize public finances, reduce inflation, complete a two-year ERM II membership, and harmonize its laws with European norms.'

Implications for Ukrainians

For the more than one million Ukrainians living, working, or frequently traveling to Poland, no immediate changes are expected. The Polish złoty will remain the country's official currency, meaning all transactions, banking operations, social benefits, and salaries will continue to be conducted in it. As noted in the report, 'the złoty will continue to serve as the country's official currency.'

The prospect of Poland adopting the euro could shift in the future, but for now, the nation faces significant challenges, including:

• inflation levels
• the state of public finances
• long-term interest rates
• exchange rate stability
• compliance of legislation with EU requirements

Poland is currently not ready to join the eurozone. European Commission officials

As a result, Poland remains outside the eurozone for now, and its path toward adopting the single currency appears quite challenging.

This situation carries important implications for Poland's economic stability and its integration into the European financial system. The lack of euro adoption could affect the country's investment appeal and its capacity for economic growth. For Ukrainians residing in Poland, the continued use of the złoty means stability in financial operations, though they may still feel the effects of broader shifts in the Polish economy.