Press Release: Final countdown to the euro in Cyprus and Malta

In only 10 days Cyprus and Malta will adopt the euro, bringing to 15 the number of European Union countries that share the same currency. The final practical preparations are well under way and banks, retailers and consumers seem to be ready for the changeover. Banks and enterprises have been receiving supplies of euro banknotes and coins to be able to handle transactions in euro as from 1 January. Euro coin mini-kits have also been available for citizens since early December, to help them familiarise themselves with their new currency before €-day.

• Primary Source

European Commission: MEMO/07/596: Background information on the euro and euro area http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/07/596&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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