Despite difficulties in socio-economic development, Lithuania's financial system looks more stable than ever: inflation is near zero, the budget deficit barely exceeds 2% (with a permissible 3%), and the share of public debt relative to GDP is a mere 39% by current standards (for comparison, 175% in Greece, 129% in Portugal).
Having shown such results, Vilnius now has no choice but to abandon the national currency and switch to the euro. Note that upon meeting all macroeconomic requirements, joining the eurozone is mandatory for all European Union members except the United Kingdom and Denmark. Sweden, in turn, is effectively sabotaging this condition by refusing to establish a closer exchange rate regime between the krona and the euro.
However, just a year ago, most Lithuanians (almost 60%) were extremely negative about the possible introduction of the euro, and a significant part of the political elite held the same opinion. However, according to sociologists, these sentiments have now been significantly influenced by events in Ukraine. Today, just over 40% of Lithuanians see a threat in the euro, and almost all influential parties, with some reservations, support joining the eurozone.
Contrary to expectations, there were no big discussions in the country on the design of euro coins. The Central Bank of Lithuania did not burden itself with extra work and decided to mint on all coins the state coat of arms "Vytis" (a horseman on a horse, dating back to the coat of arms of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania), the same as depicted on current Lithuanian cents. "Vytis" (also "Pahonia" in Russian heraldry) was minted on "Lithuanian and Ruthenian" dinars since the 14th century. In 1991-1995 it was also the coat of arms of Belarus.
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