Economics, Politics or Identities? Explaining Individual Support for the Euro in New EU Member States in Central and Eastern Europe

The next challenge for EU member states in Central and Eastern Europe after accession is entry to the Euro-zone, making the dynamics of public opinion towards the Euro crucial for political leaders. We test three perspectives-economic, political and historical-ideational-with individual-level and contextual data from eight countries and conclude that the combined model based on individual wellbeing explains support for the Euro best. The most important positive determinants are not economic self-interest, but the success of economic transition, historical legacies of grave war experiences, a personal identity not exclusively focused on the nation and satisfaction with democracy.