Press Release: Introduction of the euro: Commission takes detailed stock of state of preparations and identifies twenty good practices

On 3.4.01, the European Commission presented a Communication on the preparations for the introduction of euro notes and coins, which considered the preparations made by the various economic actors and looked at progress in implementing the Commission Recommendation of 11 October 2000. It also identified some examples of good practice that could facilitate a smooth transition to the new currency. Mr Pedro Solbes, the European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs, said that there was an urgent need to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises and to step up information campaigns for consumers.