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To once and for all clear up a common misconception: we have already got the euro since January first 1999. That was the date the exchange rates between all the participating currencies was determined and "locked" and the responsibility for the monetary policy was bestowd upon the European Central Bank. The national currencies thus ceded to exist as independent entities: an one Mark coin is nothing more than a 51 Euro Cents coin. So that what will happen during the first three months of 2001, exchanging the old bills and coins for the new Euro ones is just a technicality. But psychologically that might be different as I think it is possible that the Euro becoming visibly part of daily life of the common people might make it more popular as everybody will get used to the fact that the Euro is the new currency.
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So long !
R³ - proud to be the official spokesman for the most noble Lady Bilqis, Desert Rose of Ironworks
Btw, the cow is queuing in the slaughterhouse right now !
[This message has been edited by Ramon de Ramon y Ramon (edited 07-10-2001).]
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