Lithuania embraces the Euro

Opponents of euro membership fear that Lithuania has surrendered the power to fully manage its own economy.

But Simon Tilford of the Centre for European Reform says that one of the main reasons for Lithuania joining the eurozone is political rather than economic. It’s motivated by fear of the old occupying power on its doorstep.

“All of the Baltic governments believe that eurozone membership will help protect them against Russian aggression,” he says.

Listen to the radio segment here (1:40).