Italy did not create a national Y2K committee until February, eight months to two years after most other developed nations. The potential failure of everything from phones to street lights is worrisome given the half-million pilgrims expected in Rome for the New Year. City officials insist there will be little more than small, brief Y2K-triggered failures. Although nobody promises a problem-free night, the government and most major companies insist they are as ready as should be expected. There has been a notable lack of independent monitoring of Y2K compliance.
Experts expect some failures but nothing catastrophic.
Aviation authorities say critical airport and air traffic systems are ready. Flagship airline Iberia says it's fully prepared. As a developing nation with little computer infrastructure, Romania hopes it will be safer Y2K-wise than industrialized countries. But officials admit funds were insufficient to fix all computers with problems. The water distribution network is believed to be in good shape, although some high-rises could face problems with electric water pumps if there are power failures.