Euro-ised

Cedric Farrugia, writing in Cafebabel, looks at Maltese reactions to the introduction of the euro:

7.30am. Through the bustling City Gate in Valletta, people head to their offices, shops prepare to welcome their customers and hawkers set up their stalls. Business as usual in this tiny state, which has just changed its currency for the second time in less then 45 years..‘The introduction of the euro will further improve the industry,’ says Carl Falzon, a management student at the University of Malta who has a keen interest in the tourism sector. At a snack bar close by St. John’s cathedral, a pleasing space in the busy city, he continues: ‘With an ever-growing EU market, the introduction of the European currency reduces the hassles for tourists visiting us.’

What does this mean for everyday life? ‘The euro gives the people the opportunity to compare prices,' he explains. 'Although some shopkeepers may try and abuse of the changeover by rising prices, the National Euro Changeover Committee (NECC) carried out a high standard dual pricing and price monitoring campaign way in advance. Most people are well informed.’

There's more good news from the EU front. After a conference held in Malta by the European commission, the latter chose to adopt the Maltese strategy for preparation to adopt the euro as guidelines for countries that are preparing to join the euro zone. Their sixth report on the 'practical preparations for the future enlargement of the euro area’ show that 74% of the Maltese population are the most informed about the euro amongst the euro zone aspirants, with the lowest percentage (33%) of eurosceptics amongst member states...