The euro alone will not shape the Hungarian economy; hard work is needed for catching up.

The introduction of the euro alone will not revitalize Hungary's economy; sustained productivity growth is essential for convergence. Meeting Maastricht criteria is just the first step, as countries must also adapt to asymmetric shocks post-entry. Productivity growth is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and avoiding wage pressures. Without it, real convergence stagnates, and Hungary's recent wage increases have outpaced productivity, risking future competitiveness. The eurozone membership does not guarantee success, as seen in Greece, Slovakia, and Estonia, where experiences varied despite using the same currency. Hungary must restart its productivity engine to ensure successful euro adoption.