ZAGREB, Croatia: Croatian lawmakers have voted to allow the introduction of the euro currency in 2023.

Lawmakers voted 117-13 to replace the Croatian kuna with the euro on Jan. 1, 2023.

Croatia became part of the European Union in 2013, but continues to have among the weakest economies in the bloc.

Right-wing parties in the Croatian parliament opposed the introduction of the euro. Meanwhile, it was announced that both the kuna and Euro will be accepted as currency during the initial months of the change-over.

Advocates for changing over to the Euro noted that Croatia is dependent upon tourism and acceptance of the Euro will make visiting Croatia easier.