ctricity and water bills show the amount of money that is about to be paid in both drachmas and EUROS. In the first 11 countries that already participate in the euro-zone, prices are already in both local currencies and EUROS in all supermarkets and department stores. Stock exchanges and other financial markets have begun doing business in EUROS. But are all these actions enough? Well, according to the European Union’s leaders no. They give special attention to the banks and financial institutions to inform people with seminars, spots in the media and brochures. So it seems that everybody is working with great team spirit towards the goal of European Monetary Union.4 more countries will be added to the euro-zone in January 1, 2001: Greece, Britain, Denmark and Sweden. Until then the use of Euro is optional in the 11 countries that have joined in 1999. Based on the previous research, 72% of the asked think that Greece will manage to catch the train of European Monetary Union in 2001. By the time that all 15 countries will be legal members, EUROS will start circulating and used along with local currency. Each country will begin withdrawing national bank notes and coins. July 1, 2002 will be the deadline for local currency. From this date and on, EUROS will be the only legal tender around the European Union. European Monetary Union has all the capabilities to succeed. The words of Mr. Spraos, economist and consultant of the Greek Ministry of Finance are characteristic: “It’s early to open champagnes for the European Monetary Union, but we should start polishing the glasses.” ...
