Almost a decade after joining the EU, Croatia will officially adopt the euro and gain access to Europe's passport-free Schengen zone. At midnight on Jan. 1, 2023, the Balkan nation of around 4 million people will bid farewell to its currency, the kuna, and become the 20th member of the euro zone. Adoption of the euro would help protect Croatia's economy at a time when the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to higher fuel and food prices and soaring global inflation, experts say. Croats, however, have mixed feelings about the changes. While many welcomed the end of border controls, some expressed concern over the currency switch, which opposition groups in the country said would only benefit big countries such as Germany and France.