Certainly, we have started a lot of common economic projects. In principle, the European Union is open for all European countries who want to join and who meet the conditions for such a step. Twelve countries have already applied for membership. Three of these six are immediate neighbors of Austria. It cannot be foreseen when our neighbors will be members of the European Union, but it can be said that it will happen after a transition period during which the newcomers will adapt their economies.
Any currency needs the faith and confidence of the people.
The success of the euro is dependent on the approval of the European citizens. In Austria, the federal government has launched a nationwide campaign in order to give information about the new common currency to as many people as possible. What we have in mind is not biased manipulation. We inform about the advantages as well as about the drawbacks of the euro. We are convinced that joining the euro club after all brings many more benefits for Austria and the European Union than being isolated.