Sweden is holding a nationwide referendum on the adoption of the euro, the currency of the European Union, as the country's common currency. Polling stations opened at 8 AM local time and will be open for twelve hours. Over seven million people are eligible to vote. The voting takes place on a Sunday, just days after the assassination of Anna Lindh, Sweden's Foreign Minister, who was in favor of adopting the euro as her country's currency. The emotional impact and anger stemming from her death may increase the number of positive votes. Before Ms. Lindh's fatal stabbing in a department store in Stockholm on Wednesday, opposition to the euro currency in Scandinavian countries had reached a peak. In a poll conducted the day after Ms. Lindh's stabbing, euro supporters for the first time outnumbered its opponents. However, many voters remain undecided. If the people of Sweden approve joining the euro, the country will join twelve other European nations that have adopted the euro as their currency. Sweden joined the European Union in 1995 but decided not to adopt the euro four years later in 1999. As the referendum takes place, police continue to search for Ms. Lindh's killer. The police have not provided an explanation for this deadly attack but do not consider the murder related to today's vote.
Sweden Holds Nationwide Referendum on Euro Adoption - 2003-09-14
Sweden is conducting a referendum on adopting the euro following the assassination of Foreign Minister Anna Lindh, a supporter of the euro. Her death may influence voter sentiment, as opposition to the euro had been high prior to the incident. The outcome could align Sweden with other EU countries that use the euro.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Sweden held a nationwide referendum on whether to adopt the euro as its currency. The vote was influenced by the recent assassination of Foreign Minister Anna Lindh, a strong supporter of the euro.
- Over seven million people were eligible to vote in the referendum.
- Prior to Lindh's assassination, opposition to the euro was high, but her death may have shifted public sentiment.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Sweden joined the EU in 1995 but opted out of adopting the euro in 1999. The euro is the common currency for many EU nations, and its adoption is a significant economic decision.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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