d bank certificates of deposits, among many other uses. But some of you will start wondering why do we need the Euro? Well, the answer is obvious. Europe’s economy is now built on a single market and the single market will work much better with a single currency. Just imagine a situation in USA, for example, with every state having its own currency! Total chaos. Of course we cannot expect from Euro by itself to solve all our problems, but one thing is sure. It will make the newly established European economy strong and with great potentials for the future. In a business forum, which took place in Thessaloniki last February, a research was conducted. 110 top executives and Chief Executive Officers were asked if Greece should join European Monetary Union and 98% answered positively. But what about the benefits that we, citizens of the European Union, would have? Firstly, the Euro will hit the problem of unemployment, which has reached 11.7% in Europe, in 1999. A stable currency will lead to lower average interest rates and this will be good for investment and as a result good for jobs. Also, the rate of growth will be greater, the standard of living will rise and there would be more job opportunities. Secondly, there would be some obvious advantages in everyday life. It would be simple to compare prices for the same goods in different member states and choose the least expensive one. For example, in May 1, 1998 a Ford Mondeo in Germany was priced 15,005 EUROS while in Spain only 10,491 EUROS! The difference was 4,014 EUROS approximately 1,300,000 Drs! So it would be easier to find a good deal through the Internet or mail order without having to calculate exchange rates.Thirdly, put yourself in the position of a person who likes to travel a lot, and wants to see European Union’s sightseeing. Or even imagine you being a businessman having to make business trips all the time around Europe. Think how much money you now lose...
