‘New chapters’ as Croatia joins euro and free-movement area

Croatia joins Europe’s zone of free movement and adoption of the euro. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hails “two immense achievements”. Euro coin imprinted with pine marten is “a symbol of the successful union between your national identity and your European destiny”. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Croatia joining the EU. The country’s interior minister and Slovenian counterpart officially opened its border at midnight on New Year’s Day. EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen said people living near Slovenia and Hungary would see “tangible results” as they were able to travel across the frontier.