This work presents the path of the Republic of Croatia towards the Economic and Monetary Union, the way in which it adopted the convergence criteria and accepted its legislative framework in order to introduce a single currency, the euro. The Economic and Monetary Union, its historical course, the originators of the idea of a single market and the functioning of the European Central Bank are defined in this paper. The analysis determined which convergence criteria the EU member states must fulfill in a period of two years, which is necessary to spend in the ERM II exchange rate mechanism in order to become part of the Eurozone. Fulfillment of the Maastricht criteria is described using the example of Croatia which officially introduced the euro common currency on January 1st, 2023. and became the twentieth member state of the Eurozone. In this paper The European Central Bank (further in the text: ECB) and the European System of Central Banks (further in the text: ESCB) role is clarified as one of the key actors for functioning of European Monetary union. The opinion of the European Central Bank (further in the text: ECB) on the introduction of the euro in the Republic of Croatia is critically analyzed, as well as the solutions in the Law on the introduction of the euro in the Republic of Croatia. The law regulates the two-week period of dual circulation, the supply of cash and the principles of the introduction of the euro, as well as consumer protection measures. In conclusion, opinions were expressed on whether the introduction of the euro was the right step for the Republic of Croatia and what impact it will have on the development of the economy in the future.