Unoffical Euroisation as a Push Factor Towards EMU Membership

Unofficial euroisation is explored in this paper as a push factor towards EMU membership. The paper investigates the presence of foreign currency alongside the domestic currency in the economy and its consequences regarding the conduct of monetary and exchange rate policy. Investigation of the euroisation phenomenon reveals that the level of euroisation in Croatia is the highest of all transition economies in Central and Eastern Europe. In addition, this study demonstrates a strong presence of sectoral currency mismatches in Croatia and warns about the associated exchange rate risks. In this environment the paper establishes a reduced effectiveness of monetary policy and the dangerous balance sheet effects that may arise from the depreciation of the domestic currency. Given the above conclusions the euro introduction in Croatia may be seen as a desirable option