Of the 27 nations that make up the European Union (EU), 20 use the euro as their official currency, in a region known as the Eurozone. While most countries that join the EU are required to adopt the euro as part of their membership, there are seven member states that have yet to adopt the currency. Here’s a list of the non-eurozone EU member countries:
EU Countries That Don’t Use the Euro
Bulgaria
Bulgaria, known for its glacial lakes, spectacular mountain ranges, and Black Sea coastline, is developing into an attractive holiday destination in Europe.
Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN) (1 BGN = 0.44 GBP)
Czech Republic
Located in Central Europe, the Czech Republic boasts the highest concentration of castles in the continent, with some dating back to the 1300s. Moreover, the capital, Prague, is home to the world’s largest castle complex. The country’s rich tradition of brewing beer began as early as 993 AD.
Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK) (1 CZK = 0.035 GBP)
Denmark
Denmark may be the smallest of Northern Europe’s Scandinavian countries, but it excels in gourmet food, culture, design, and wellness.
Currency: Danish Krone (DKK) (1 DKK = 0.12 GBP)
Hungary
Despite its modest size, Hungary features several UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, the world’s second-largest thermal lake (Lake Hévíz), and the largest lake in Central Europe (Lake Balaton). The capital, Budapest, is renowned for its beauty, attracting tourists from around the world.
Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF) (1 HUF = 0.0022 GBP)
Poland
Situated in the heart of Europe, Poland lures history enthusiasts with its many medieval castles and museums, particularly those chronicling Second World War history, such as the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and the Warsaw Uprising Museum.
Currency: Polish Zloty (PLN) (1 PLN = 0.19 GBP)
Romania
The largest of the Balkan countries, Romania features charming villages, dramatic castles, and stunning natural landscapes. Notably, the Danube Delta is one of the best-preserved natural areas in Europe, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Currency: Romanian Leu (RON) (1 RON = 0.17 GBP)
Sweden
This Scandinavian country boasts one of the strongest economies in Europe. Additionally, Sweden is known for outstanding opportunities to witness nature’s greatest spectacles, such as the Northern Lights, or experience the midnight sun during summer.
Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK) (1 SEK = 0.075 GBP)