Despite strong support from politicians and business leaders, Swedes voted against the euro in 2003. The issue has been politically dormant since then, but recently Moderaterna, Kristdemokraterna, and Centerpartiet have proposed a new investigation. Economist Lars Calmfors now sees stronger arguments for joining.
In the 2003 referendum, Swedish voters rejected adopting the euro, despite endorsements from parties like the Social Democrats and Moderates, as well as leaders such as Göran Persson, Carl Bildt, and Anna Lindh. The business elite also backed the switch, but the outcome was a firm no. Since then, the topic has remained politically inactive, with only the Liberals consistently advocating for it without significant success.
Signs now point to a potential shift. Moderaterna, Kristdemokraterna, and Centerpartiet have recently called for a fresh investigation into the euro. Prominent economist Lars Calmfors, once skeptical, now believes the case for Sweden joining has grown stronger in recent years.
Public skepticism persists in Sweden. Reversing the prior decision would require another referendum. The euro question may resurface, though whether public opinion will change remains uncertain.