[pic] | IL-KUMMISSJONI TAL-KOMUNITAJIET EWROPEJ |

Brussell, 10.11.2006

KUMM(2006)671 finali

KOMUNIKAZZJONI MILL-KUMMISSJONI LILL-KUNSILL,LILL-PARLAMENT EWROPEW, LILL-KUMITAT EKONOMIKU U SOĊJALI EWROPEW, LILL-KUMITAT TAR-REĠJUNI ULILL-BANK ĊENTRALI EWROPEW

Ir-raba' rapport dwar it-tħejjijiet prattiċi għat-tkabbir li jmiss taż-żona euro

1. Introduzzjoni |

L-Islovenja se tadotta l-euro fl-1 ta' Jannar 2007; Ċipru u Malta adottaw dan l-aħħar il-pjani nazzjonali tagħhom għall-bidla minn munita għall-oħra. | Dan ir-rapport jivvaluta l-qagħda tat-tħejjijiet prattiċi fuq livell nazzjonali u Komunitarju għat-tkabbir li jmiss taż-żona euro. Dan huwa r-raba' rapport dwar is-suġġett. Ir-rapporti preċedenti ġew adottati f'Novembru 2004, Novembru 2005 u Ġunju 2006[1]. Ir-Raba' Rapport jiffoka fuq l-iżviluppi riċenti li għandhom x'jaqsmu mat-tħejjijiet prattiċi fl-Islovenja hekk kif dan il-pajjiż jidħol fiż-żona euro fl-1 ta' Jannar 2007, wara d-deċiżjoni tal-Kunsill li l-Islovenja tilħaq il-kundizzjonijiet meħtieġa għall-adozzjoni ta' l-euro. Barra minn hekk, ir-rapport jagħti attenzjoni speċjali lit-tħejjijiet f'Ċipru u f'Malta, żewġ pajjiżi li għandhom l-għan li jadottaw l-euro fl-1 ta' Jannar 2008. Iż-żewġ pajjiżi adottaw dan l-aħħar il-pjani nazzjonali tagħhom għall-bidla minn munita għall-oħra. Fl-aħħarnett, ir-rapport jeżamina l-qagħda tat-tħejjijiet fl-Istati Membri l-oħra u fuq il-livell Komunitarju. [2] Dan u rapporti preċedenti dwar it-tħejjijiet prattiċi huma bla ħsara għar-Rapporti ta' Konverġenza tal-Kummissjoni, meħtieġa mit-Trattat, dwar jekk l-Istati Membri b'deroga jilħqux il-kriterji ta' konverġenza "ta' Maastricht"[3]. |

2. Fejn waslu t-tħejjijiet fuq il-livell nazzjonali |

2.1. Dati nazzjonali ta' mira għall-adozzjoni tal-euro |

Dan l-aħħar, bosta pajjiżi pposponew id-data ta' mira tagħhom għall-adozzjoni ta' l-euro | Bosta pajjiżi biddlu, jew qegħdin fil-proċess li jirrevedu, id-dati ta' mira tagħhom għall-adozzjoni ta' l-euro minħabba d-diffikultajiet tagħhom fit-twettiq tal-kriterji ta' konverġenza kif ippjanati oriġinarjament. Oriġinarjment, l-Estonja kellha l-għan li tadotta l-euro fl-1 ta' Jannar 2007. F'April 2006, il-gvern ċaqlaq id-data ta' mira għall-1 ta' Jannar 2008. Il-gvern Estonjan se jivvaulta l-validità ta' din id-data ta' mira fil-Ħarifa ta' l-2006. Il-Litwanja għall-bidu kienet ukoll ippjanat li tadotta l-euro fl-1 ta' Jannar 2006. Ir-Rapport ta' Konvereġenza tal-Kummissjon tas-16 ta' Mejju 2006 ikkonkluda madankollu li l-pajjiż ma kienx jilħaq il-kundizzjonijiet meħtieġa għall-adozzjoni ta' l-euro. F'Ottubru 2006, il-Gvern Litwan iddeċieda li l-Litwanja kienet se timmira biex tingħaqad maż-żona euro mill-aktar fis, bil-perjodu l-aktar favorevoli biex il-Litwanja tidħol fiż-żona euro jibda mill-2010. L-awtoritajiet Latvjani ħabbru l-posponiment tad-data ta' mira oriġinali tagħhom (l-1 ta' Jannar 2008) fir-Rebbiegħa ta' l-2006. Għad trid tiġi deċiża d-data ta' mira l-ġdida. Il-gvern Ċek iddeċieda f'Ottubru 2006 li jirtira d-data ta' mira preliminari (l-1 ta' Jannar 2010) mingħajr ma ta data ġdida. L-Ungerija għall-bidu kienet ukoll iffissat l-1 ta' Jannar 2010 bħala d-data ta' mira biex il-pajjiż jadotta l-euro; Fl-2006, din id-data ġiet irtirata. L-Islovakkja żammet id-data oriġinali tagħha u għandha l-għan li tadotta l-euro fl-1 ta' Jannar 2009. Il-Polonja u l-Iżvezja ma ressqu l-ebda data ta' mira Fl-Iżvezja, it-tħejjijiet fil-prattika ma jistgħux jimxu 'l quddiem minħabba r-riżultat negattiv tar-referendum ta' l-14 ta' Settembru 2003. It-tabella tagħti daqqa t'għajn lejn il-qagħda kurrenti. Data għall-adozzjoni ta' l-euro L-Istat Membru fl-1 ta' Jannar 2007. Is-Slovenja Data ta' mira għall-adozzjoni ta' l-euro L-Istati Membri fl-1 ta' Jannar 2008. L-Estonja (għad trid tiġi kkonfermata), Ċipru, Malta fl-1 ta' Jannar 2009. Is-Slovakkja Għad trid tiġi ffissata jew iffissata mill-ġdid Ir-Repubblika Ċeka, il-Latvja, il-Litwanja, l-Ungerija, il-Polonja, l-Iżvezja |

2.2. IT-TħEJJIJIET FIS-SLOVENJA |

It-tħejjijiet fis-Slovenja huma avvanzati sew, għalkemm huma meħtieġa aktar miżuri sabiex tissaħħaħ il-kunfidenza tal-konsumatur fl-ipprezzar stabbli u ġust waqt il-bidla minn munita għall-oħra. | 2.2.1. Qafas ġenerali L-Islovenja se tadotta l-euro fl-1 ta' Jannar 2007 f'xenarju "big bang"[4] b' perjodu ta' ċirkolazzjoni doppja ta' 14-il jum[5]. Jidher li s-Slovenja hija fil-biċċa l-kbira mħejjija sew għall-introduzzjoni ta' l-euro. Tul l-aħħar ftit xhur, il-pajjiż għamel aktar progress fir-rigward tat-tħejjijiet prattiċi għal-introduzzjoni ta' l-euro, b'mod partikolari fir-rigward tal-bidla tal-flus kontanti. Jeħtieġ aktar miżuri biex tissaħħaħ il-kunfidenza tal-konsumatur, bħal fil-każ ta' strateġija komprensiva għall-ipprezzar ġust li tkun maqbula bejn il-konsumaturi u l-bejjiegħa bl-imnut. |

Il-bejjiegħa bl-imnut huma meħtieġa jagħtu l-bqija esklussivament f'euro sa mill-1 ta' Jannar 2007. | 2.2.2. Is-settur finanzjarju u l-impriżi Aktar dettalji dwar l-operazzjoni tal-forniment u t-tqassim tal-flus minn qabel lill-operaturi ekonomiċi ewlenin u lill-bejjiegħa (frontloading u sub-frontloading) ġew speċifikati sa mir-rapport preċedenti ta' Ġunju 2006[6]. Il-Bank tas-Slovenja kkonkluda kuntratti mal-banek kummerċjali li jistipulaw il-kundizzjonijiet għall-forniment. Ġie stabbilit pjan dettaljat għat-tqassim tal-karti u l-muniti ta' l-euro. L-għadd ta' minikitts għall-pubbiku ġenerali żdied minn 150 000 għal 450 000, u dawn se jkunu dipsonibbli mill-banek kummerċjali mill-15 ta' Diċembru 2006. Barra minn hekk, hemm previsti 150 000 kitt biex wieħed jibda, dipsonibbli mill-1 ta' Diċembru 2006, kif ukoll 100 000 sett ta' l-euro bl-uċuħ nazzjonali Sloveni, maħsuba prinċipalment għal min iġemmagħhom. Madwar 30% ta' l-1510 magni għall-ġbid tal-flus (ATMs) pubblikament aċċessibbli huma mistennija jiġu kkonvertiti fin-00:30 u madwar 80% sa-6:00 ta' l-1 ta' Jannar 2007, filwaqt li l-20% li jkun baqa' huma mistennija jiġu adattati qabel nofsillejl ta' l-istess ġurnata. Sabiex jiġi ffaċilitat il-bdil tal-kontanti nazjonali f'kontnati euro, il-banek kummerċjali tas-Slovenja qablu li jiftħu 42 fergħa madwar il-pajjiż fl-1 u t-2 ta' Jannar 2007. Lista ta' fergħat ikkonċernati u l-ħinijiet tal-ftuħ tagħhom se jitħabbru pubblikament minn sew qabel. Skond l-abbozz ta' l-Att dwar l-introduzzjoni ta' l-euro, se jkun obbligatorju għall-impriżi, partikolarment il-bejjiegħa bl-imnut, u l-awtoritajiet pubbliċi li jagħtu l-bqija esklussivament f'euro sa mill-1 ta' Jannar 2007. |

Għaddejja bħalissa il-produzzjoni tal-muniti Sloveni. | 2.2.3. L-amministrazzjoni pubblika L-abbozz ta' l-Att dwar l-introduzzjoni ta' l-euro ġie ppreżentat lill-parlament f'Lulju ta' l-2006 u mistenni jiġi adottat fil-Ħarifa ta' l-2006. Sejjer b'mod partikolari jipprovdi regoli dwar il-bidla għall-euro, il-perjodu ta' ċirkolazzjoni doppja, l-iskambju tal-karti u l-muniti tat-tolar f'kontnati euro u r-ridenominazzjoni tat-titoli. Wara sejħa pubblika għall-offerti, is-Slovenja għażlet liż-Zekka Finlandiża biex tipproduċi l-muniti tagħha ta' l-euro. [7] Il-produzzjoni bdiet wara d-Deċiżjoni tal-Kunsill tal-11 ta' Lulju 2006 li neħħiet id-deroga tas-Slovenja. Fir-rigward tal-protezzjoni ta' l-euro kontra l-iffalsifikar fis-Slovenja, l-uffiċju ċentrali nazzjonali kif ukoll iċ-ċentri nazzjonali ta' l-analiżi għall-karti u l-muniti euro foloz ġew stabbiliti fi ħdan l-infurzar tal-liġi. L-esperti Sloveni jieħdu sehem fil-gruppi rilevanti fuq livell Ewropew, jiġifieri l-BĊE, l-Europol, u l-Kummissjoni/OLAF, u rċevew taħriġ marbut ma' dan il-qasam. |

Il-konsumaturi Sloveni jibżgħu miż-żieda fil-prezzijiet | 2.2.4. Il-konsumaturi u l-pubbliku ġenerali Fit-Tielet Rapport tagħha, il-Kummissjoni konkludiet li huma meħtieġa aktar miżuri fis-Slovenja sabiex tissaħħaħ il-kunfidenza tal-konsumatur fl-ipprezzar stabbli u ġust waqt il-bidla minn munita għall-oħra. Ir-riżultati ta' l-aħħar Eurobarometer, li sar f'Settembru 2006, jikkonfermaw li maġġoranza kbira ta' min wieġeb fis-Slovenja (66% mqabbla ma' 70% f'April 2006) jibżgħu minn żieda fil-prezzijiet meta jiġi l-waqt għall-bidla għall-euro[8]. B'mod partikolari, għandhom jiġi konklużi ftehimiet bejn il-bejjiegħa bl-imnut u l-konsumaturi dwar l-ipprezzar ġust waqt il-bidla minn munita għall-oħra. Il-bejjiegħa jridu jintrabtu li jġibu l-bidla fis-seħħ b'mod ġust u ma japprofittaw mit-transizzjoni biex jgħollu l-prezzijiet minn taħt jew b'mod mhux trasparenti. L-impenn għall-iprezzar ġust jieħu l-forma ta' ftehim jew kodiċi ta' mġiba, li għandu jiġi ffirmat mill-organizzazjonijiet li jirrapreżentaw il-bejjiegħ u l-konsumaturi, fuq il-livell nazzjonali jew settorjali. Il-bejjiegħa individwali jkollhom il-possibbiltà jiffirmaw il-ftehim. Sabiex jiżguraw il-kredibilità tagħhom u jevitaw l-abbużi fil-prezzijiet, il-ftehimiet dwar l-ipprezzar ġust għandhom ikunu akkumpanjati minn monitoraġġ indipendenti tal-prezzijiet fix-xhur ta' qabel u ta' wara l-bidla minn munita għall-oħra. Każi ċara ta' non-konformiatà għandhom jinkixfu pubblikament. Ta' min wieħed jgħid illi l-ipprezzar ġust ma jimplikax l-iffriżar tal-prezzijiet, u lanqas m'hemm il-ħsieb li jkun hemm sistema riġida ta' impenni legali magħquda ma' miżuri ta' infurzar amministrattiv. |

Il-kampanja ta' komunikazzjoni bħalissa tiffoka fuq riklamar fuq il-mezzi tax-xandir. | 2.2.5. Attivitajiet ta' komunikazzjoni Fil-qafas tal-ftehim ta' Partenarjat konkluż mal-Kummissjoni Ewropea fit-8 ta' Novembru 2005, il-kampanja ta' komunikazzjoni Slovena (Settembru 2006 – Jannar 2007) bħalissa qed tiffoka fuq ir-riklami fuq il-mezzi tax-xandir nazzjonali u reġjonali. Qed jiġu prodotti riklami televiżivi u tar-radju, riklami stampati, strixxuni fuq l-internet, riklami fiċ-ċinema u logħob online. Se jitqassmu żewġ pubblikazzjonijiet dwar il-bidla għall-euro fid-djar kollha f'Novembru u Diċembru 2006. Pubblikazzjonijiet oħra bħal posters u fuljetti se jkunu disponibbli għal min jitlobhom. Se jiġu organizzati preżentazzjonijiet fil-fieri jew fl-iskejjel kif ukoll okkażjonijiet għall-istampa, u l-Kummissjoni se tappoġġja stħarriġiet ta' l-opinjoni li jolqtu lill-pubbliku ġenerali. Is-Slovenja qed tieħu sehem fi programm ta' ġemellaġġ ma' l-Olanda sabiex tibbenefika mill-esperjenza Olandiża f'termini ta' komunikazzjoni dwar il-euro. |

It-turisti diġà jużaw il-kontanti euro f'Malta, u sa ċertu punt anki f'Ċipru. | 2.3. It-tħejjijiet f'Ċipru u Malta Ċipru u Malta jixtiequ jadottaw l-euro fl-1 ta' Jannar 2008. Iż-żewġ gżejjer Mediterranji jiddependu ħafna fuq it-turiżmu, u l-kontanti euro jintużaw regolarment f'operazzjonijiet ta' ħlas għal-bejgħiet bl-imnut, partikolarment fiż-żoni tat-turisti. L-ipprezzar doppju volontarju bil-munita nazzjonali u bl-euro huwa mifrux f'Malta, l-aktar fil-ħwienet tat-turisti, u jintuża wkoll f'Ċipru għall-ħlas f' kumplessi kummerċjali ewlenin u fil-kumplessi turistiċi. Ċipru huwa ċentru finanzjarju b'saħħtu li jfisser li l-bidla għall-euro se tirrappreżenta sfida loġistika sinifikanti għas-settur finanzjarju[9]. Is-settur finanzjarju f'Malta huwa kkonċentrat sew; l-akbar żewġ istituzzjonijiet ta' kreditu jimmanġjaw 90% tal-kontijiet bankarji f'termini ta' valur. L-ekonomija Maltija hija kkaratterizzata minn ammont partikoarment għoli ta' kontanti nazzjonali (madwar €2 789 ir-ras), li jikkorispondi għal aktar minn darbtejn il-medja taż-żona euro. Il-flus f'munita nazzjonali li jerġgħu lura l-Bank Ċentrali u l-iskambju tal-kontanti tal-lira Maltija għall-kontnati euro jeħtieġu attenzjoni speċjali f'termini ta' organizzazzjoni u loġistika. |

2.3.1. It-tħejjijiet f'Ċipru |

2.3.1.1. Qafas ġenerali |

Il-pjan ta' Ċipru għall-bidla minn munita għall-oħra għadu mhux iddettaljat biżżejjed f'bosta aspetti | Fit-13 ta' Lulju 2006, il-gvern approva l-pjan nazzjonali għall-bidla minn munita għall-oħra. Dan tħejja mill-Kumitat Konsultattiv nazzjonali li huwa inkarigat mill-kkordinazzjoni tat-tħejjijiet nazzjonali għall-introduzzjoni ta' l-euro. Il-Bank Ċentrali ta' Ċipru ppubblika il-pjan dwar il-bdil tal-kontanti f'Ġunju 2006. Ċipru jipprevedi xenarju "big bang" b'perjodu ta' ċirkolazzjoni doppja ta' xahar. Il-pjan nazzjonali ta' Ċipru għall-bidla minn munita għall-oħra ġeneralment ikopri bosta mill-kwistjonijiet prattiċi għall-introduzzjoni ta' l-euro. Madankollu, jeħtieġ aktar miżuri biex tissaħħaħ il-kunfidenza tal-konsumatur dwar il-bidla, bħal fil-każ ta' strateġija komprensiva għall-ipprezzar ġust li tkun maqbula bejn il-konsumaturi u l-bejjiegħa bl-imnut. Barra minn hekk, il-pjan nazzjonali għall-bidla minn munita għall-oħra għadu mhux iddettaljat biżżejjed f'bosta aspetti u ħafna elementi importanti jeħtieġu definizzjoni ulterjuri (eż. l-operazzjoniiet tal-forniment u t-tqassim minn qabel, l-organizzazzjoni tat-treġġigħ lura tal-kontnati nazzjonali, il-wiri dupliċi tal-prezzijiet, eċċ). |

2.3.1.2. Is-settur finanzjarju u l-impriżi |

Għad iridu jiġu definiti d-dettalji dwar l-operazzjoni tal-forniment minn qabel | Il-forniment minn qabel tal-karti u l-muniti euro mill-Bank Ċentrali ta' Ċipru lill-banek kummerċjali huwa ppjanat li jseħħ bejn Ottubru u Diċembru 2007. Barra minn hekk, il-banek sejrin jipprovdu lill-impriżi, partikolarmanet il-bejjiegħa bl-imnut, bil-kontanti euro qabel il-jum-€ sabiex ikun jistgħu jagħtu l-bqija esklussivament f'euro mill-1 ta' Jannar 2008. Kitts ta' muniti biex wieħed jibda li jkunu ppakkjati minn qabel u li jkollhom struttura xierqa ta' denominazzjonijiet għat-transazzjonijiet tal-bidu se jkunu disponibbli sew għan-negozji sew għall-pubbliku ġenerali. Id-dettalji, inkluż il-kalendarju għall-operazzjonijiet ta' forniment minn qabel, għad iridu jiġu deċiżi. Mill-1 ta' Jannar 2008, il-banek kummerċjali se jagħtu biss kontanti euro fit-transazzjonijiet tagħhom mal-klijenti. Fir-rigward tal-konverżjoni tal-magni tal-ġbid tal-flus (ATMs), il-pjan preżenti jipprovdi li l-ATMs sejrin għall-ewwel joħorġu karti euro ta' l-10-, l-20-, u l-50-. Għandu jkun previst li l-karti tal-50-euro jiġu sostitwiti mill-karti ta' 5-euro, l-aktar fil-fażi bikrija tal-bidla fil-kontanti. Dan inaqqas l-ammont ta' bqija li l-bejjiegħa jkollhom jagħtu. Hija ppjanata kampanja li tħeġġeġ liċ-ċittadini jiddepożitaw il-valuta storika li jkollhom mal-banek, jew inkella biex jonfquha sew qabel il-jum-€. Il-Bank Ċentrali ta' Ċipru se jkompli jbiddel il-muniti nazzjonali bla ħlas sa tmiem l-2009 u l-karti nazzjonali sa tmien l-2017. Il-banek kummerċjali se jkunu obbligati jbiddlu l-karti tal-pound Ċiprijotta sa l-ammont ta' CYP 1 000 kull klijent kull transazzjoni, u muniti tal-pound Ċiprijotta sa CYP 50 kull transazzjoni sat-30 ta' Ġunju 2008. Il-banek individwali għandhom l-għażla li jżidu dawn il-limiti għat-transazzjonijiet tagħhom. Il-perjodu mtawwal ta' l-iskambju ħieles mill-banek kummerċjali jibgħat sinjal ambigwu lill-pubbliku u jissogra li jtawwal il-bidla minn munita għall-oħra. Ikun preferibbli jekk l-iskambju ħieles jiġi llimitat għall-perjodu ta' ċirkolazzjoni doppja sabiex iċ-ċittadini jkunu mħeġġa jpartu l-valuta storika tagħhom kemm jista' jkun malajr. |

Il-gvern approva t-tliet disinni għall-muniti euro ta' Ċipru. | 2.3.1.3. L-amministrazzjoni pubblika Il-Ministeru tal-Finanzi jikkordina t-tħejjija tas-settur pubbliku. L-addattament tas-sistemi informatiċi kollha użati mill-amministrazzjoni pubblika misteni jiġi implimentat sa Settembru 2007. Fit-22 ta' Ġunju 2006, il-gvern approva t-tliet disinni għall-uċuħ nazzjonali tal-muniti euro (ara l-Anness 3). Billi Ċipru m'għandux zekka nazzjonali, il-muniti euro se jiġu prodotti barra. It-tliet awtoritajiet nazzjonali responsabbli għall-protezzjoni tal-karti u l-muniti ta' l-euro kontra l-iffalsifikar (l-uffiċju ċentrali nazzjonali u ċ-ċentri nazzjonali ta' l-analiżi għall-karti u l-muniti euro foloz) huma stabbiliti fi ħdan l-infurzar tal-liġi Għal dak li għandu x'jaqsam mat-tħejjijiet prattiċi għall-protezzjoni ta' l-euro, Ċipru ħa sehem f'azzjonijiet ta' taħriġ u kkoopera fil-qasam tal-gruppi rilevanti tal-Kummissjoni, il-BĊE u l-Europol. |

2.3.1.4. Il-konsumaturi u l-pubbliku ġenerali |

Il-wiri dupliċi obbligatorju tal-prezzijiet jibda xahar wara li tiġi ffissata r-rata tal-konverżjoni. | L-obbligu tal-wiri tal-prezzijiet kemm f'pounds Ċiprijotti kif ukoll euro maħsub li jidħol fis-seħħ xahar wara li l-Kunsill jadotta d-deċiżjoni li tneħħi d-deroga ta' Ċipru u tiffissa r-rata ta' konverżjoni. Dan se japplika sa sitt xhur wara l-introduzzjoni ta' l-euro. Sabiex jiġu indirizzati l-beżgħat tal-konsumaturi dwar iż-żidiet abbużivi fil-prezzijiet lejn il-jum-€, il-pjan nazzjonali għall-bidla minn munita għall-oħra jipprovdi għat-twaqqif ta' osservatorji dwar l-euro li jaraw jekk il-wiri dupliċi tal-prezzijiet huwiex isir skond id-dispożizzjoniiet tal-liġi dwar l-adozzjoni ta' l-euro f'Ċipru, li huwa maħsub li jiġi adottat fi tmiem l-2006. |

2.3.1.5. Attivitajiet ta' komunikazzjoni |

Fil-qafas tall-ftehim ta' Partenarjat li l-Kummissjoni ffirmat ma' Ċipru fil-5 ta' Mejju 2006, il-Kummissjoni se timplimenta diversi attivitajiet ta' komunikazzjoni b'kooperazzjoni ma' l-awtoritajiet Ċiprijotti. Konferenza ta' livell għoli, wirja u seminar għall-ġurnalisti lokali se jiġu organizzati, flimkien mal-produzzjoni ta' pubblikazzjonijiet, materjal promozzjonali u stands mobbli, u t-tmexxija ta' stħarriġiet ta' l-opinjoni. |

2.3.2. It-tħejjijiet f'Malta |

2.3.2.1. Qafas ġenerali |

Il-pjan nazjonali ta' Malta għall-bidla minn munita għall-oħra jidher dettaljat u komprensiv. | Il-Kumitat Nazzjonali għall-Bidla fl-Ewro (NECC) twaqqaf fit-13 ta' Ġunju 2005 u ġie fdat bil-koordinazzjoni ta' l-implimentazzjoni tal-bidla għall-euro. Wara l-pubblikazzjoni ta' Prelininary Masterplan f'Jannar 2005, il-gvern adotta is-"Second updated Masterplan for the Euro Changeover in Malta" fit-12 ta' Ġunju 2006. Ta' l-aħħar jikkostitwixxi l-ewwel pjan komprensiv ta' Malta għall-bidla minn munita għall-oħra li jindirizza l-aspetti rilevanti b'mod dettaljat.. Xi aspetti jeħtieġu aktar speċifikazzjoni (eż. il-kalendarju għall-forniment u t-tqassim minn qabel; Il-konverżjoni aċċelerata ta' l-ATMs; il-kontenut tal-kitts biex wieħed jibda; il-kampanja kontra l-ħżin tal-valuta storika), filwaqt li ma jidhrix li hemm strateġija għall-"phasing-out". |

2.3.2.2 Ix-xenarju għall-bdil minn munita għall-oħra |

Il-pjan jipprevedi xenarju "big bang" b'perjodu ta' ċirkolazzjoni doppja ta' xahar. Qed tiġi kkunsidrata l-possibbiltà ta' perjodu ta' "phasing-out"[10]. Ma jidher li hemm l-ebda indikazzjoni li ċerti setturi ta' l-ekonomija Maltija mhumiex se jkunu jistgħu jafrontaw l-isfidi tax-xenarju "big bang", f'liema każ il-"phasing-out" ma jservi għall-ebda għan ċar u għalhekk ma jkollux siwi. Ta' min ukoll jinnota illi r-referenzi għall-munita nazzjonali jibqgħu possibbli wara l-adozzjoni ta' l-euro meta jkunu involuti ammont storiċi (eż. f'rapporti finanzjarji, dikjarazzjonijiet tat-taxxa u dokumenti oħra li jkopru perjodi qabel l-introduzzjoni ta' l-euro). |

2.3.2.3. Is-settur finanzjarju u l-impriżi |

Sitt xhur qabel il-jum-€, l-istituzzjonijiet tal-kreditu jkunu diġà bdew jaċċettaw karti ta' l-euro bir-rata tal-kambju u mingħajr flus oħra miżmuma. | Mill-mument meta tiġi ffissata r-rata ta' konverżjoni irreveokabbli (li tikkostitwixxi l-bidu tal-perjodu għall-wiri dupliċi obbligatorju), l-istituzzjonijiet tal-kreditu se jaċċettaw il-karti ta' l-euro ddepożitati mill-klijenti tagħhom f'liri Maltin jew kontijiet f'euro bir-rata tal-konverżjoni i.e. mingħajr ebda flus imposti għall-kambju jew għall-ammnistrazzjoni. Fin-nuqqas ta' ħlasijiet għad-depożitu tal-kontnati euro f'kontijiet f'liri Maltin jew f'euro, il-bejjiegħa bl-imnut għandhom ikunu lesti bl-istess mod jaċċettaw ħlasijiet kontanti f'euro mill-klijenti tagħhom bir-rata tal-kambju u mingħajr flus oħra miżmuma. Pass li jkun imiss ikun dak tal-forniment minn qabel ta' karti euro lill-istituzzjonijiet tal-kreditu li jibda tard f'Ottubru jew kmieni f'Novembru 2007 (tard f'Novembru jew kmieni f'Ottubru 2007 għall-muniti euro). It-tqassim minn qabel lin-negozji jibda fis-17 ta' Diċembru 2007, flimkien mad-distribuzzjoni ta' kitts tal-muniti biex wieħed jibda b'valur ta' madwar MTL 55 (madwar €128) għan-negozji ż-żgħar, partikolarment il-bejjiegħa bl-imnut. Il-pubbliku ġenerali ikun jista' jixtri minikitts ta' madwar MTL 5 (madwar €11.65). Barra minn hekk, fl-1 ta' Diċembru 2007, l-istituzzjonijiet tal-kreidtu se jibdew ibiddlu l-lira Maltija f'euro bir-rata ta' konverżjoni ffissata irrevokabilment i.e mingħajr ebda flus miżmuma għall-kambju. L-awtoritajiet għandhom madankollu jfakkru liċ-ċittadini li l-karti u l-muniti ta' l-euro jsiru valuta legali biss f'jum l-€ u li m'għandhomx jintużaw qabel dik id-data f'transazzjonijiet kontanti. Fir-rigward tal-konverżjoni tal-150 ATM fil-pajjiż (bejn wieħed u ieħor), bħalissa huwa previst li mill-inqas ATM waħda f'kull lokalità ewlenija toħroġ il-karti euro mill-1 ta' Jannar 2008 u karti ta' l-euro b'denominazzjoni baxxa (karti ta' 10- u 20-euro) jibdew jingħataw mill-1 ta' Jannar 2008[11]. Huma meħtieġa passi oħra sabiex tkun żgurata konverżjoni kompluta u f'waqtha ta' kull ATM sa jum l-€. Fid-dawl tal-volum għoli ta' kontnati f'liri Maltin li jżommu għandhom bħala medja ċ-ċittadini Maltin, il-Bank Ċentrali u l-NECC qed jippjanaw kampanja għar-ritorn minn kmieni tal-karti u l-muniti tal-lira Maltija sa min-nofs l-2007, dejjem sakemm id-deċiżjoni biex titneħħa d-deroga għall-pajjiż tkun ittieħdet sa dak iż-żmien. Il-Bank Ċentrali sejjer jifdi bla ħlas il-karti u l-muniti nazzjonali bir-rata tal-konverżjoni għal għaxar snin u sentejn rispettivament wara li l-lira Maltija ma tibqax valuta legali. L-istituzzjonijiet tal-kreditu sejrin ibiddlu bla ħlas il-karti u l-muniti tal-lira Maltija f'karti u muniti ta' l-euro għall-klijenti tagħhom, u sa MTL 250 għal dawk li mhumiex klijenti, sa tmiem ta' Marzu 2008. Bħal fil-każ ta' Ċipru, qed titqies limitazzjoni tal-kambju ħiles waqt il-perjodu ta' ċirkolazzjoni doppja sabiex jiġi evitat li tittawwal il-bidla minn munita kontanti għall-oħra. Sabiex tgħin lill-impriżi fit-tħejjijiet għall-bidla minn munita għall-oħra, l-NECC ippubblikat "Euro changeover checklist for business organisations", flimien b'sett ta' għodda għall-bejjiegħa bl-imnut li fih tagħrif dwar l-ippjanar u l-implimentazzjoni tat-tħejjijiet tal-bejjiegħa għall-bidla fil-munita, konveritur ta' l-euro u tabella ta' konverżjoni, biex b'hekk ikun hemm eżempji ta' prassi tajba. |

2.3.2.4. L-amministrazzjoni pubblika |

Hemm ippjanata kampanja għar-ritorn minn kmieni tal-lira Maltija kontanti. | Wara konsultazzjoni pubblika ntgħażlu tliet disinni għall-uċuħ nazzjonali tal-muniti ta' l-euro Maltin; id-disinni finali ġew ippubblikati mill-Bank Ċentrali fit-13 ta' Ottubru 2006 (ara l-Anness 3). Billi Malta m'għandhiex zekka nazzjonali, il-muniti ta' l-euro Maltin se jiġu prodtti mill-Monnaie de Paris, iż-zekka magħżula wara sejħa pubblika għall-offerti. Iċ-ċentri ta' analiżi għall-karti u l-muniti foloz ġew stabbiliti u jinsabu fil-Bank Ċentrali ta' Malta; l-uffiċju ċentrali nazzjonali qiegħed fi ħdan l-infurzar tal-liġi. Malta ilha tikkoopera ma' pajjiżi oħra fil-qafas tal-gruppi rilevanti fl-Europol, il-BĊE u l-Kummissjoni/OLAF u l-esperti Maltin tħarrġu inter alia permezz tal-programm 'Pericles'. |

2.3.2.5. Il-konsumaturi u l-pubbliku ġenerali |

Il-ħwienet għandhom juru separatement kull imposta ulterjuri li tinżamm biex jiġu aċċettati ħlasijiet bl-euro. L-inizjattiva FAIR se trawwem l-iprezzar ġust u trasparenti għall-oġġetti u s-servizzi waqt il-bidla minn munita għall-oħra. | Il-wiri dupliċi tal-prezzijiet f'euro u liri Maltin se jkun obbligatorju mill-1 ta' Lulju 2007 (jew mid-data li fiha r-rata ta' konverżjoni tiġi ffissata rrevokabilment, jekk wara) sat-30 ta' Ġunju 2008. Se jkun applikabbli għall-entitajiet governattivi kollha, in-negozji, l-organizzazzjonijiet mingħajr għan ta' qliegħ jew entitajiet oħra għall-wiri ta' ammonti monetarji, prezzijiet jew valuri ta' servizzi u oġġetti offruti lill-konsumatur. Il-wiri dupliċi volontarju se jiġi promoss mill-NECC mill-1 ta' Jannar 2007 u ġew ippublikati linji ta' gwida sew għall-wiri dupliċi volontarju sew għal dak obbligatorju. Jipprovdu partikolarment li l-wiri dupliċi jrid ikun ibbażat fuq ir-rata ta' konverżjoni hekk kif din tiġi ffissata jew (għall-wiri volontarju) fuq ir-rata ċentrali tal-mekkaniżmu tal-kambju (ERM). Kull flus ulterjuri li jinżammu mill-bejjiegħa biex jaċċettaw ħlasijiet f'euro qabel ma l-istituzzjonijiet tal-kreditu jneħħu l-ħlas impost għad-depożitu tal-karti euro għandhom jintwerew separatament mill-prezz f'euro. Jistgħu jiġu imposti multi jew penali oħrajn jekk ma jiġux osservati dawn il-linji ta' gwida. Filwaqt li ġeneralment m'hemm l-ebda ħtieġa partikolari li jiġi applikat il-wiri dupliċi qabel ma tkun ġiet iffissata r-rata ta' konverżjoni, dan jista' jkun differenti f'pajjiżi li jiddependu ħafna mit-turiżmu, bħal Ċipru u Malta. Dan il-wiri dupliċi (volontarju) jista' jew jintuża għal għanijiet informattivi biss jew inkella biex jindika li l-bejjiegħa lest jaċċettaw ħlas sew f'euro sew fil-munita nazzjonali. F'dan ir-rigward, il-linji ta' gwida Maltin mhux biss jikkontribwixxu għal implimentazzjoni uniformi ta' wiri dupliċi fil-ħwienet kollha li jagħżlu l-mod volontarju, iżda wkoll għat-trasparenza tal-ħlasijiet ulterjuri, u b'hekk jikkostitwixxi eżempju ta' prassi tajba f'ekonomija fejn il-wiri dupliċi diġà huwa xi ħaġa komuni anki qabel l-iffissar tar-rata ta' konverżjoni. L-inzjattiva FAIR ta' l-NECC (Fair-pricing Agreements In Retailing) se ssir effettiva mill-1 ta' Jannar 2007. L-inizjattiva FAIR trawwem l-iprezzar ġust u trasparenti għall-oġġetti u s-servizzi waqt il-bidla minn munita għall-oħra u fl-istess ħin tgħin lill-konsumaturi jiffamiljarizzaw irwieħhom mas-skala l-ġdida tal-valur.Il-bejjiegħa bl-imnut u impriżi oħra li jkunu qed iwettqu transazzjonijiet mal-konsumaturi se jkunu mistiedna jissottoskrivu għall-FAIR ma' l-Osservatorju dwar l-Euro[12], li se tikkordina l-FAIR u tissorvelja l-implimentazzjoni tagħha. Il-kumpaniji li jidħlu għall-FAIR jintrabtu li jsegwu l-linji ta' gwida ta' l-NECC (eż. dwar il-wiri dupliċi tal-prezzijiet) u li japplikaw strateġija ta' pprezzar ġust, partikolarment biex ma jiżdidux il-prezzijiet għar-raġuni sempliċi li dieħla l-euro. Ikunu intitolati juru l-marka tal-kampanja FAIR u jingħataw taħriġ bla ħlas għall-istaff tagħhom li jkun qed jitratta mal-konsumaturi. L-istrateġija għall-iprezzar ġust promossa mill-awtoritajiet Maltin, imsejsa fuq impenji ċari u monitoraġġ kredibbli, tipprovdi għodda ta' siwi kbir għat-trawwim tal-kunfidenza tal-konsumatur waqt il-bidla minn munita għall-oħra. Il-gvern ħa impenn biex, meta jaddatta ammonti monetarji għal ammonti konvenjenti ta' euro, iqarribhom favur il-konsumatur, u b'hekk jagħti eżempju lis-settur privat. L-NECC stieden lill-organizzazzjonijiet rilevanti jressqu proposti innovattivi li jistgħu jsaħħu l-kunfidenza tal-konsumatur fil-bidla u partikolarment iserraħ ras iċ-ċittadini dwar żidiet possibbli fil-prezzijiet. Il-proposti waslu sas-6 ta' Ottubru u bħalissa qed jiġu vvalutati. |

2.3.2.6. Attivitajiet ta' komunikazzjoni |

Tnediet il-kampanja Maltija ta' informazzjoni dwar l-euro. | L-NECC beda wkoll kampanja nazzjonali ta' informazzjoni, inkluż it-tnedija ta' numru tat-telefown għas-servizz tal-pubbliku u kampanji speċifiċi għal gruppi fil-mira differenti (konsumaturi, negozjanti, tfal, anzjani u gruppi vulnerabbli). L-islowgan ta' Malta għall-kampanja ta' komunikazzjoni dwar l-euro huwa: “l-ewro – fl-interess tagħna lkoll”. Ġà bdiet fl-2006 kampanja fuq il-mezzi tax-xandir, għalkemm kampanja intensiva ta' reklamar se tkun ikkonċentrata għall-aħħar xhur ta' l-2007. Skond il-ftehim ta' Partenarjat konkluż mal-Kummissjoni Ewropea fil-5 ta' Mejju 2006, il-Kummissjoni sejra parzjalment tiffinanzja l-produzzjoni ta' xi pubblikazzjonijiet, il-kampanja fuq il-mezzi tax-xandir u l-pagi ta' l-uffiċjali ta' l-informazzjoni. |

2.4. Tħejjijiet fl-Istati Membri l-oħra |

Għal ċerti pajjiżi, ma kien hemm l-ebda żvilupp ewlieni f'dak li għandu x'jaqsam mat-tħejjijiet prattiċi minn mindu ħareġ ir-rapport preċedenti f'Ġunju 2006. | Fit-30 ta' Ġunju 2006, il-Grupp Ċek ta' Koordinazzjoni Nazzjonali ta' l-Introduzzjoni ta' l-Euro adotta rakkomandazzjoni lil-gvern dwar ix-xenarju tal-bidla minn munita għall-oħra, u ssuġġerixxa li jagħżel ix-xenarju "big bang". Din ir-rakkomandazzjoni ġiet approvata mill-gvern fil-25 ta' Ottubru 2006. Sew l-Estonja u sew il-Litwanja implimentaw il-kampanji ta' komunikazzjoni tagħhom wara l-konklużjoni tal-ftehimiet ta' Partenarjat iffirmati mal-Kummissjoni Ewropea fit-8 ta' Novembru 2005, imma l-posponiment ta' l-introduzzjoni ta' l-euro żamm l-attivitajiet ta' informazzjoni. Bħalissa ż-żewġ pajjiżi qegħdin jaġġornaw u jirrevedu l-istrateġiji ta' komunikazzjoni tagħhom. Il-Latvja u s-Slovakkja pproduċew l-ewwel abbozzi ta' l-istrateġiji ta' komunikazzjoni tagħhom. F'Ġunju 2006, bdew diskussjonijiet preliminari bil-għan li jiġu konklużi l-ftehimiet ta' Partenarjat mal-Kummissjoni li jappoġġjaw l-attivitajiet ta' komunikazzjoni tal-pajjiżi. Fl-Ungerija, il-Polonja u l-Iżvezja, ma kien hemm l-ebda żviluppi denji ta' nota mir-rapport preċedenti 'l hawn. L-Annessi 2 u 3 jagħtu daqqa t'għajn lejn il-qagħda tat-tħejjijiet prattiċi fl-Istati Membri l-oħra. |

3. Il-qagħda ta' l-opinjoni pubblika fl-Istati Membri li ssieħbu dan l-aħħar |

L-aħħar riżultati jikkonfermaw l-evoluzzjoni pożittiva ta' l-attitudni ġenerali tan-nies lejn l-euro. | L-aktar sondaġġ riċenti tal-Eurobarometer fl-Istati membri li daħlu dan l-aħħar sar f'Settembru 2006[13]. Fil-biċċa l-kbira, ir-riżultati jikkonfermaw bosta mix-xejriet ta' l-istħarriġ ta' April 2006. F'dak li għandu x'jaqsam mal-familjarità ma' l-euro u l-għarfien dwarha, ir-riżultati tas-sondaġġ ta' Settembru huma simili ħafna għal dawk ta' qabel. Ir-riżultati marbuta mal-livell perċepit ta' l-informazzjoni juru titjib żgħir. Kollox ma' kollox, il-klima madwar l-introduzzjoni ta' l-euro għadha fil-biċċa l-kbira pożittiva, u ġeneralment tjiebet meta mqabbla ma' l-2004 jew l-2005, anki jekk l-appoġġ naqas xi ftit meta mqabbel ma' April 2006. Is-sitwazzjoni madankollu tvarja sew minn pajjiż għall-ieħor (ara l-grafika). Kumplessivament, 50% ta' min wieġeb fl-Istati Membri li daħlu dan l-aħħar jemmnu l-adozzjoni ta' l-euro se jkollha, fuq medja, konsegwenzi pożittivi għall-pajiż, ċifra li qiegħda daqsxejn aktar baxxa (2 punti perċentwali) minn dik ta' April 2006. Ir-riżultati ta' Settembru jikkonfermaw ukoll fil-biċċa l-kbira r-riżultati ta' l-istħarriġ preċedenti fir-rigward ta' l-istennija tan-nies dwar l-euro. Filwaqt li jagħrfu l-benefiċċji possibbli għall-ħajja ta' kuljum, l-istennijiet tagħhom dwar l-effetti politiċi u makroekonomiċi huma mħalltin. |

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ANNEX 1 – Preparations at Community level

1. Euro coins

On 7 June 2005, at the initiative of the Commission, the Ecofin Council decided that the common sides of the 1- and 2-euro and the 10-, 20- and 50-cent coins, which currently depict the EU before it was enlarged from 15 to 25 Member States, should be amended. The necessary design and technical work has been finalised and the new common sides now depict the European continent.[14] Slovenia will be the first euro-area Member State to issue euro coins with the new common side in 2007. The other euro-area Member States may also start to apply the new common sides as from 2007 for new production, and will in any event switch to the new common side in 2008 at the latest.

In July 2006, the Memorandum of Understanding on the start of euro coin production and on preparatory tasks prior to the start of production was signed between the Republic of Cyprus, the euro-area Member States and the European Commission.

2. Communication activities

Preparing citizens in Slovenia for the introduction of the euro has been a priority for the Commission's communication policy in the second half of 2006. Following the decision by the Council on 11 July 2006 to allow Slovenia to adopt the euro on 1 January 2007, the Commission has, in close cooperation with the Slovenian authorities, organised a number of communication activities and supported actions undertaken by the Slovenian government (publications, seminars, website, call centres, advertising and media campaign, etc.).

Both before and after the changeover to the euro, the Commission will carry out surveys targeting Slovenian enterprises, including retailers, and commercial banks. The purpose is to collect information, notably about the level of preparedness for the new currency, the cash changeover and the conversion of administrative and financial systems.

The Commission also started to implement the Partnership Agreements with Cyprus and Malta signed on 5 May 2006. The Partnership Agreements cover technical and financial support to the countries concerned for their national communication campaigns, including publications, media campaigns, conferences and opinion polls.

ANNEX 2 – List of relevant changeover characteristics

The table below provides an overview of certain relevant changeover characteristics in each Member State concerned. It is solely based on officially approved and publicly available information and does therefore not reflect preparations which are still under way. It should be noted that the state and degree of progress of preparations should be assessed in the context of the target date, as preparations tend to speed up as the changeover approaches.

X: Officially approved/established and published (in particular in the national changeover plan) |

Changeover plan |

National target date for euro adoption | The preliminary target date (1 January 2010) has been withdrawn by the government on 25 October 2006. No new date has been set for the time being. | 1 January 2008 (to be confirmed) The government will assess the validity of the current target date in autumn 2006. |

National coordinating institution | On 23 November 2005 the Deputy Minister of Finance was appointed as the National Coordinator of the Euro Introduction. The National Co-ordination Group on Euro Introduction was established and held its first meeting on 20 February 2006. Six Working Groups were established for particular areas of preparatory activity for the euro. | The National Changeover Committee, chaired by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance, was set up on 27 January 2005. |

(Approved) National Changeover Plan | The Czech Republic’s Euro Accession Strategy was approved by the Government in October 2003: http://www.cnb.cz/euro_index.php. According to the Resolution of the Government No. 1231 of 25 October 2006 the Minister of Finance in cooperation with the Governor of the Czech National Bank will examine the current strategy and submit the results to the government by 31 August 2007. The Institutional Arrangements for the Introduction of the Euro in the Czech Republic were adopted by the Government on 23 November 2005. The National Changeover Plan will be submitted to the government by the end of March 2007. | The first draft of the euro adoption plan was approved by the government on 1 September 2005: http://www.fin.ee/index.php?id=13324. The fourth version of Estonia's National Changeover Plan was approved by the National Changeover Committee on 18 May 2006: http://euro.eesti.ee/EU/Prod/Euroveeb/Main_Page/left_menu_content4748/Changeover_to_the_euro_in_Estonia/europlaan_en.jsp |

Changeover details |

Type of scenario | 'Big bang'. On 30 June 2006, the Czech National Coordination Group adopted a recommendation to the government concerning the changeover scenario, suggesting that it opt for the “big bang” scenario. The recommendation was approved by the government on 25 October 2006. | "Big bang". |

Dual circulation period | Two weeks. |

Exchange of national banknotes and coins | Banknotes and coins: commercial banks at least 6 months after €-day free of charge, some branches 12 months. Central Bank indefinitely, free of charge. |

Campaign for rapid withdrawal of national banknotes and coins | Campaign for collection of coins before €-day planned; credit institutions are recommended to launch early cash deposit campaigns. |

Frontloading and sub-frontloading | Frontloading 2 months before €-day; sub-frontloading by credit institutions to major clients 1 month before €-day (precondition: no distribution to general public before €-day). Banks will offer to change kroons into euro banknotes at the conversion rate and without a service fee at least one month prior to €-day. |

ATMs issuing euro only | All ATMs will dispense euro only within 48h as of €-day. |

Change in euro only | In general, change will be given in euro, but the option of giving change in kroons remains for the dual circulation period. |

Dual display of prices | Compulsory: 6 months before and after €-day. |

Consumer confidence building measures (e.g. agreements with retailers) | Monitoring of the prices of certain frequently consumed goods and services under the supervision of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications. Leaflets containing information on the euro were made available to the public in summer 2006. |

Adaptation of national law | The legislative needs with respect to national law adaptation for the introduction of the euro are being analysed in the framework of the Working Group for Legislation of the National Coordination Group on the Euro Introduction. | Draft Act on the Introduction of the Euro ("umbrella law") and draft amendments to the Business Code are in the final stage of inter-ministerial consultation. |

Euro banknotes and coins |

Design of the national side | Competition under consideration. | Design selected and published in December 2004. |

Nr of different coin designs | One design. |

Coin supplier | Not decided yet. The current coin supplier, the Czech Mint, is an independent division of Jablonex Group a.s.; the Czech Mint is connected with the National Bank by business contracts based on tender procedures. | Coins to be minted abroad; following an international tender euro coins will be minted by the Mint of Finland. |

Estimation on the need for banknotes and coins | 230 million banknotes and 950 million coins. | 150-200 million coins. |

Communication activities |

Communication strategy | Under preparation within the framework of the Working Group for Communication. | Endorsed by the National Changeover Committee on 21 June 2005 and updated on 18 May 2006. |

Addresses of websites on euro changeover, activation date: Government/Ministry of Finance; Central Bank | Central euro address: www.zavedenieura.cz Governmental EU information department: http://www.euroskop.cz/euro Czech National Bank: http://www.cnb.cz/cz/mezinarodni_vztahy/euro/ Ministry of Industry and Trade: http://www.mpo.cz/cz/eu-a-vnitrni-trh/euro-pristoupeni-cr-k-eurozone/default.html | www.euro.eesti.ee, launched in January 2006. |

Partnership agreement | Signed 8 November 2005. |

Other issues |

ERM II entry | 28 June 2004 |

Twinning agreement | Under preparation (discussion on details with the Commission and with Austrian and Slovenian experts.) |

STATE OF PRACTICAL PREPARATIONS (October 2006)

Cyprus | Latvia |

Changeover plan |

National target date for euro adoption | 1 January 2008 | 1 January 2008 (under revision) |

National coordinating institution | Joint coordination by the Minister of Finance and the Central Bank of Cyprus, established on 29 December 2004. | The Steering Committee for the preparation and coordination of the euro changeover was established on 18 July 2005. |

(Approved) National Changeover Plan | The National Changeover Plan was approved by the National Advisory Committee on 29 March 2006 and by the Council of Ministers on 13 July 2006. The plan was published on the national euro web site. | The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia approved the Action Plan for Implementation of the Single European Currency on 1 November 2005, and the first draft of Latvia's National Euro Changeover Plan on 28 February 2006 (Government Order No 148, 6 March 2006). |

Changeover details |

Type of scenario | "Big bang" envisaged. | "Big bang". |

Dual circulation period | 1–31 January 2008. | One month. |

Exchange of national banknotes and coins | The exchange of national banknotes and coins is governed by the (draft) “umbrella law” for the adoption of the euro in Cyprus. The draft law provides for the exchange of banknotes and coins by the Central Bank for 10 years and 2 years respectively. Commercial banks will exchange national banknotes and coins for euro, free of charge, at least for the amount of CYP 1 000 for banknotes and CYP 50 for coins per transaction, for a period of 6 months after €-day. | Commercial banks, currency exchange offices and post offices for 6 months after €-day free of charge; the Bank of Latvia will exchange without time limit free of charge. |

Campaign for rapid withdrawal of national banknotes and coins | A campaign is planned to encourage citizens to use hoarded cash or to deposit it with banks before the introduction of the euro. | Not envisaged due to the high nominal value of coins in Latvia and their intensive use in day-to-day payments. |

Frontloading and sub-frontloading | Planned between October and December 2007. A working group was set up between the Central Bank and commercial banks to define processes and timing. Frontloading of coins will be carried out from a Coin Centre, currently under construction. Starter kits will be issued both to businesses and the general public. | Frontloading to banks starts on 1 December 2007, sub-frontloading on 15 December 2007 (precondition: euro banknotes and coins may not be publicly circulated before €-day). |

ATMs issuing euro only | Commercial banks will make the necessary arrangements to issue only small denomination euro banknotes (10-, 20-, and 50-euro banknotes) in ATMs as from €-day. | As of 1 January 2008 ATMs will dispense euro banknotes only. |

Change in euro only | It is planned that the retail sector will be frontloaded with euro coins so as to give change in euro only as from €-day, as far as possible. | After the end of the dual circulation period. |

Dual display of prices | According to the draft "umbrella law", the dual display of prices will be mandatory in the period starting one month after the abrogation of the derogation and the fixing of the conversion rate between the euro and the Cyprus pound until six months after €-day. Ministries and the Central Bank will issue circulars to supplement the law. | Compulsory three months from before until one year after €-day. |

Consumer confidence building measures (e.g. agreements with retailers) | Euro observatories will be established in all districts. | Monitoring of price developments in the retail trade, verification of the accuracy of price displays and "fair trader" campaign envisaged. |

Adaptation of national law | A draft "umbrella law" for the adoption of the euro in Cyprus is planned to be adopted at the end of 2006. The impact of the euro on existing laws has been assessed and the necessary changes are under preparation. | "Umbrella law" on basic provisions for the euro changeover in Latvia is currently being prepared. All ministries are involved in reviewing national legislation to identify the necessary amendments and new legislation required. |

Euro banknotes and coins |

Design of the national side | The Council of Ministers approved the designs for the national sides of the euro coins on 22 June 2006. The designs were unveiled on 11 October 2006. | In process. |

Nr of different coin designs | Three designs. | Four designs. |

Coin supplier | Coins to be minted abroad at approved national and/or private mints, through tender procedures. | Coins will be minted abroad. The call for tenders for the production of coins will be held once the design has been finalised. |

Estimation on the need for banknotes and coins | 79 million banknotes (value €1730m), 545 million coins (value €147.4m). | 87 million banknotes and 300 million coins. |

Communication activities |

Communication strategy | A Comprehensive Strategic Communication Plan for the Adoption of the Euro in the Republic of Cyprus was approved by the Council of Ministers on 5 April 2006. The relevant action plans were approved, and implementation has started. | "Communication strategy for the euro changeover in Latvia" approved by the Steering Committee of Latvia's euro implementation project on 12 April 2006. |

Addresses of websites on euro changeover, activation date: Ministry of Finance/Government; Central Bank | www.euro.cy, activated on 31 May 2006 as part of the communication campaign's official kick-off event. Other government websites and the Central Bank's website provide links to the changeover website. | Planned euro changeover website:www.eiro.lv. A working group has been set up to develop the concept of this site. Updated information on the euro changeover process is available on the website of the Ministry of Finance: http://www.fm.gov.lv/page.php?id=105. |

Partnership agreement | Signed on 5 May 2006. |

Other issues |

ERM II entry | 2 May 2005 | 2 May 2005 |

Twinning agreement | Between IE – MT – CY: communication and information strategy (finalised); between GR – CY: technical issues related to the changeover. |

STATE OF PRACTICAL PREPARATIONS (October 2006)

Lithuania | Hungary |

Changeover plan |

National target date for euro adoption | The specific target date has not been set. According to the government, Lithuania will aim to join the euro area as soon as possible and the more favourable period for Lithuania to join the euro area starts from 2010. | The update of the Convergence Programme of 1 September 2006 aims at meeting the Maastricht criteria in 2009. A new target date for the adoption of the euro has not been specified. |

National co-ordinating institution | Commission for the Coordination of the Adoption of the Euro in Lithuania, established on 30 May 2005. | Preparatory work is ongoing in the Ministry of Finance and Magyar Nemzeti Bank (central bank of Hungary). |

(Approved) National Changeover Plan | The first version of the National Changeover Plan was approved by the government on 29 September 2005. The draft second version of the National Changeover Plan, dated April 2006, has been published: http://www.finmin.lt/notes_images/web/stotis_inf.nsf/0/80C39F584F795D97C22570AD0054C826/$File/LT%20Changeover%20plan_en.pdf | In 2006, the Central Bank prepared a proposal for a national changeover plan focusing on its tasks and forwarded it, inter alia, to the Ministry of Finance. A summary of this proposal was published in October 2006. |

Changeover details |

Type of scenario | "Big bang". | "Big bang" with possible phasing out features. |

Dual circulation period | 15 days. | One month. |

Exchange of national banknotes and coins | Commercial banks: free of charge for 60 days after €-day. Central bank: free of charge for an unlimited period. | Credit institutions and post offices: at least during the dual circulation period. Magyar Nemzeti Bank: in the case of banknotes for 20 years and in the case of coins for 5 years after the end of the dual circulation period. |

Campaign for rapid withdrawal of national banknotes and coins | Consumers will be encouraged to deposit cash with banks as early as possible. |

Frontloading and sub-frontloading | Frontloading of euro banknotes to commercial banks one month before €-day at the latest and of euro coins three months before €-day at the latest. Sub-frontloading of euro banknotes and coins to retailers during the last month before €-day. |

ATMs issuing euro only | As from €-day ATMs will dispense euro banknotes. |

Change in euro only | Recommendation to give change in euro only. |

Dual display of prices | Compulsory: 120 calendar days before €-day until 120 days after €-day; voluntary: recommendation to use dual display as early as possible after the adoption of the conversion rate. |

Consumer confidence building measures (e.g. agreements with retailers) | Business organisations will be encouraged to adopt a Code of Good Business Practice (on correct conversion, no price increases etc.); enterprises committing themselves will be authorised to use the special logo of the Code. |

Adaptation of national law | A Law on the Adoption of the Euro has been drafted (rules on conversion and exchange of the litas to the euro, withdrawal of litas from circulation, publication of the images of notes and coins, redenomination of securities, dual display of prices etc.). The law will be adopted once the decision to lift the derogation has been taken. All existing legal acts that need to be adapted with a view to the euro were identified by December 2005. |

Euro banknotes and coins |

Design of the national side | Approved. |

Nr of different coin designs | Three designs. |

Coin supplier | Lithuanian Mint. | National Mint. |

Estimation on the need for banknotes and coins | Estimation of 118 million banknotes and 290 million coins has been made on the condition that the euro will be introduced on 1 January 2007. | 0,5 billion banknotes and 1 billion coins. |

Communication activities |

Communication strategy | The "Public information and communication strategy on the adoption of the euro of Lithuania" was approved by the government on 29 September 2005. The strategy is currently under revision. The Bank of Lithuania has completed the procedure for the selection of a provider of euro information services. |

Addresses of websites on euro changeover, activation date: Ministry of Finance/Government; Central Bank | Websites of the Bank of Lithuania (www.lb.lt) and of the Ministry of Finance (www.finmin.lt). A national website is under development. | www.euro.mnb.hu (activation envisaged in the course of November 2006) |

Partnership agreement | Signed on 8 November 2005. |

Other issues |

ERM II entry | 28 June 2004 |

Twinning agreement | Between NL – SI – LT: communication and information strategy; between BE – LT on tax-related questions; between BE – LT on departmental management related to the changeover. | Between AU – HU: communication and information strategy (finalised). |

STATE OF PRACTICAL PREPARATIONS (October 2006)

Malta | Poland |

Changeover plan |

National target date for euro adoption | 1 January 2008 |

National co-ordinating institution | Two Committees appointed on 13 June 2005: a Steering Committee and a National Euro Changeover Committee (NECC) reporting to it. | Inter-institutional working group Ministry of Finance / national central bank. |

(Approved) National Changeover Plan | The Second Updated Master Planfor the Euro Changeover in Malta was adopted by the government on 12 June 2006http://mfin.gov.mt/image.aspx?site=NECC&ref=Master%20Plan%202 . |

Changeover details |

Type of scenario | "Big bang" with a "phasing-out" period. |

Dual circulation period | January 2008. |

Exchange of national banknotes and coins | It is planned that, as from 2 January 2008, credit institutions will start accepting the exchange of Maltese lira notes and coins into euro notes and coins, free of charge for their clients and up to a 'household amount' of MTL 250 for non-bank clients. In both cases free exchange is planned to be provided until the end of March 2008. The Central Bank of Malta will continue to exchange all Maltese lira coins and notes, subject to anti-money laundering regulations, for two years and ten years respectively after the Maltese lira ceases to be legal tender. |

Campaign for rapid withdrawal of national banknotes and coins | A de-hoarding campaign is being designed by the NECC and the Central Bank of Malta. The campaign will target the general public and specific target groups and is expected to unfold as of mid-2007 (after the decision lifting Malta's derogation). |

Frontloading and sub-frontloading | Frontloading to credit institutions is planned to start from late October/early November 2007 and sub-frontloading by credit institutions to businesses and other cash handlers is planned to start from 17 December 2007. As from 1 December 2007, credit institutions will exchange Maltese lira into euro at the irrevocably fixed conversion rate without any exchange charges. |

ATMs issuing euro only | It is planned that at least one ATM in all major localities will dispense euro banknotes as from 1 January 2008. |

Change in euro only | Planned as from 1 January 2008. |

Dual display of prices | Mandatory dual display of prices from 1 July 2007 (or from the irrevocable fixing of the conversion rate, if later) until 30 June 2008. Voluntary dual display will be promoted by the NECC as from 1 January 2007. |

Consumer confidence building measures (e.g. agreements with retailers) | Following consultation both within the NECC and of the public, the Fair-pricing Agreements in Retailing (FAIR) initiative is expected to be launched by the last quarter of 2006. The FAIR initiative provides for the conclusion of formal agreements in which retailers notably commit themselves not to increase prices for the simple reason that the euro is introduced. A Euro Observatory on the basis of EC Recommendation 98/288/EC is being set up. The NECC has requested relevant organisations to submit innovative and creative proposals which enhance consumers’ confidence in the euro changeover process. The NECC will be co-financing such initiatives. |

Adaptation of national law | The Euro Adoption Act 2006 entered into force on 29 September 2006. A workshop is identifying the need for amendments to existing legislation and is drafting respective proposals. |

Euro banknotes and coins |

Design of the national side | The three designs for the national sides of the Maltese euro coins were selected following a public consultation; the final designs were published by the Central Bank on 13 October 2006. | Public survey. |

Nr of different coin designs | Three designs. |

Coin supplier | As Malta does not have a national mint, the Maltese euro coins will be produced by the Monnaie de Paris, the mint chosen following a public call for tenders. | National Mint. |

Estimation on the need for banknotes and coins | Estimated 92.5 million euro notes. Estimated 206 million euro coins. | Between 4 and 5 billion coins. |

Communication activities |

Communication strategy | "Multi-annual communication strategy in preparation for the adoption of the euro (2006-2008)" adopted by the Steering Committee for the adoption of the euro on 19 April 2006. The NECC has prepared a detailed action plan for 2006 and 2007 including a significant information campaign reaching specific target groups including consumers, the business community, children, the elderly and vulnerable groups. It has recruited a team of information officers to assist the general public and has also launched a national helpline to assist the different target groups. The NECC launched its information campaign in June 2006. The NECC unveiled the slogan “the euro – in our common interest” and launched a three-digit helpline which has proven popular among the general public. The campaign includes public relations initiatives, articles on national newspapers and magazines and an advertising campaign. The team of information officers is also constantly participating in television and radio programmes as well as giving public talks to NGOs, local councils and other important multipliers. A specific campaign targeting businesses in planned in autumn. |

Addresses of websites on euro changeover, activation date: Government/Ministry of Finance; Central Bank | NECC: http://www.euro.gov.mt Central Bank of Malta: http://www.centralbankmalta.com/site/euroadoption.html Ministry of Finance: http://mfin.gov.mt |

Partnership agreement | Signed on 5 May 2006. |

Other issues |

ERM II entry | 2 May 2005 |

Twinning agreement | Between IE – MT – CY: communication and information strategy (finalised). Between AT-MT: establishment of Euro Observatory. | Between DE – PL: communication and information strategy and practical issues. |

STATE OF PRACTICAL PREPARATIONS (October 2006)

Slovenia | Slovakia | Sweden |

Changeover plan |

National target date for euro adoption | 1 January 2007 (euro adoption date) | 1 January 2009 | Not yet decided. |

National co-ordinating institution | The Coordinating Committee for Technical Preparations to Introduce the Euro was created in July 2004. | Ministry of Finance |

(Approved) National Changeover Plan | A Masterplan for the Euro Changeover was approved in January 2005. First update was adopted by the government on 2 February 2006. Both documents are available on: http://www.bsi.si/en/publications.asp?MapaId=717 and http://www.evro.si/en/slo-and-euro/documents/. | The National Changeover Plan was approved on 6 July 2005: http://www.nbs.sk/ZAKLNBS/PUBLIK/BROZURY/NARPLAN.PDF (Slovak) http://www.nbs.sk/ZAKLNBS/PUBLIK/BROZURY/NARPLANA.PDF (English). |

Changeover details |

Type of scenario | "Big bang". | "Big bang". |

Dual circulation period | 1 January to 14 January 2007. | 16 days. |

Exchange of national banknotes and coins | Commercial banks will exchange tolar banknotes and coins free of charge until 1 March 2007; Banka Slovenije will exchange tolar banknotes without time limit and tolar coins until 31 December 2016 free of charge. | Commercial banks exchange banknotes until end 2009 and coins until June 2009 (free of charge). The Central Bank exchanges banknotes without time limit and coins for 5 years. |

Campaign for rapid withdrawal of national banknotes and coins | A campaign of the banking sector is planned for the rapid withdrawal of national banknotes and coins. |

Frontloading and sub-frontloading | Frontloading of coins to banks as of 16 September 2006, of banknotes as of 11 December 2006; sub-frontloading of coins as of 1 December 2006, of banknotes as of 11 December 2006; coin mini-kits for the general public as of 15 December 2006, while starter kits for retailers as of 1 December 2006 | One to four months prior to €-day. |

ATMs issuing euro only | ATMs will only dispense €10 and €20 banknotes as of €-day. | As of €-day ATMs will issue euro only. |

Change in euro only | Change will be given in euro only as of €-day. | Change will be given in euro only. |

Dual display of prices | Compulsory from 1 March 2006 to 30 June 2007. | Compulsory: from one month after the fixing of the conversion rate to one year after euro adoption. Voluntary: for further 6 months. |

Consumer confidence building measures (e.g. agreements with retailers) | Price Watch Project: The Consumer Association of Slovenia is monitoring price developments in the retail sector for specific goods and services in cooperation with the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia and will publish the names of retailers who increase prices excessively. | Evolution of prices in 2008 and 2009 will be closely monitored; consumers will be informed of the results; consumers can raise complaints with supervisory bodies or apply to the courts; voluntary ethical code has been drafted with retailers and entrepreneurs. |

Adaptation of national law | The draft Introduction of the Euro Act was sent to the ECB for consultation on 3 May 2006 and submitted to Parliament in July 2006. Amendments to the Salary Tax Act were adopted in December 2005; amendments to the Bank of Slovenia Act, to the Payment Transactions Act, to the Minor Offences Act and to the Companies Act were adopted in April 2006. The amendments to the Collateralisation Act were adopted in June 2006. | "Umbrella law" planned to be adopted by 1 January 2008. The necessary amendments to existing legislation have been identified by January 2006 and are envisaged to be adopted in 2008 at the latest. |

Euro banknotes and coins |

Design of the national side | Approved. | Final design of the national side for the euro coins was chosen by public tender followed by an opinion poll and announced in December 2005. |

Nr of different coin designs | Eight designs. | Three designs. |

Coin supplier | Coins to be minted by national mints abroad; the Mint of Finland has been chosen as producer of euro coins. | National Mint. |

Estimation on the need for banknotes and coins | 94 million banknotes and 296 million coins. | 400 million coins. |

Communication activities |

Communication strategy | Endorsed by Bank of Slovenia on 19 May 2005 and by the government on 2 June 2005. | Communication strategy on the euro introduction in the Slovak Republic is part of the National Changeover Plan. |

Addresses of websites on euro changeover, activation date: Government/Ministry of Finance; Central Bank | National website on euro changeover: http://www.evro.si, activated on 15 February 2006. Special section on the euro on the webpage of Bank of Slovenija: http://www.bsi.si. Toll-free phone line: 080 2002. Free euro post cards. | http://euro.vlada.gov.sk; http://www.euromena.sk. |

Partnership agreement | Signed on 8 November 2005 |

Other issues |

ERM II entry | 28 June 2004 | 28 November 2005 |

Twinning agreement | Between NL – SI – LT: communication and information strategy. | Between AU – SK: communication and information strategy; Between BE – SK: technical issues related to the changeover (finalised). |

ANNEX 4

Euro coins designs of the future national sides of Cyprus

[pic][pic]

1- and 2-euro coin 10-, 20- and 50-cent coin

[pic]

1-, 2- and 5-cent coin

Euro coins designs of the future national sides of Malta

[pic] | [pic] |

1- and 2-euro coin | 10-, 20- and 50-cent coin |

[pic] |

1-, 2- and 5-cent coin |

ANNEX 5 - State of public opinion in the recently acceded Member States

The European Commission recently commissioned another Eurobarometer survey on public opinion in the recently acceded Member States concerning their attitudes towards and knowledge about the introduction of the euro. Gallup Europe conducted this survey in September 2006. It was the fourth such Eurobarometer survey (following surveys in September 2004 and 2005, and in April 2006), again polling over 10 000 citizens.

1. Familiarity with and knowledge about the euro

Respondents in the recently acceded Member States are already relatively familiar with the single currency. 77% of the respondents have already seen euro banknotes while 70% have seen euro coins. Less than half of the respondents have already used the euro. Generally, euro banknotes are better known and more used in the recently acceded Member States than coins.

In addition to these practical aspects, the survey also tested the respondents' knowledge of the euro's general features. As to the design of the single currency, only a minority of respondents was able to respond correctly that banknotes are identical throughout the euro area (45% compared to 46% in April 2006), and that the coins have national designs on one side (37%, unchanged). As in April 2006 and before, only 40% identified the correct number of euro-area Member States. A relatively stable majority of citizens (67%, previously 69%) in each surveyed country believes that their country can decide whether it will adopt the euro or not.

Regarding the expected date of introduction of the euro, the results show a marked shift since April 2006, corresponding to actual developments. While in spring the majority of the population of the Baltic States believed that their countries would adopt the euro before 2008 (72% in Lithuania, 71% in Estonia and 51% in Latvia), only a minority now shares this opinion (35%, 44% and 36%, respectively).

2. Information and information channels

The results of the September 2006 survey reveal a moderate increase in the perceived information level, both on average as well as in each country except Latvia. Overall, 5% of respondents believe that they are very well informed about the euro, and another 35% report that they are rather well informed. These figures have improved for the second time, suggesting that the dissemination of information has been gradually improving over time. Inversely, 58% consider that they are not very well, or not at all, informed about the euro, including respondents in Cyprus (60%) and Malta (62%), which are aiming to introduce the euro on 1 January 2008. The results suggest that demand for information is far from satisfied for the time being.

As in April 2006, an average of 77% of respondents express their confidence in national central banks as a trusted source of information. European institutions are perceived as the second most trusted source (results being slightly lower than in April 2006: 67% relative to 70%). Most respondents continue to prefer mass media and banks as channels of information and are mainly interested in practical information on the euro introduction, e.g. the value of the euro (93%), how to avoid being cheated (92%), the changeover scenario (90%), etc. The survey confirms once more that a dual display of prices is considered essential in preparing for the changeover, both in shops (85%) and on utility bills (75%).

3. Perceptions of and support for the single European currency

As in April 2006, citizens in the recently acceded Member States are prepared – at least mentally – to have their currency replaced by the euro: 47% are very or quite happy about a future changeover, which is comparable to the April 2006 findings. The trends are very much country-dependent: the relative share of citizens happy about the euro changeover increased in five of the ten recently acceded Member States, while it has decreased in the other five since April 2006.

Generally, citizens expect that the advantages will be greater for their country than for themselves. Only 8% think that the introduction will have a very positive effect (no change compared to April 2006), and 42% that it will have a positive rather than a negative effect on the country (a 2-percentage-point decrease from April 2006). Similar figures on a personal level show that 8% expect very positive (+1), and 36% rather positive (-3) consequences when it comes to adopting the single currency in their country. A significant minority of 40% expect negative personal consequences, but fewer citizens fear a similar outcome for their country (36%).

Support for the euro decreased significantly in Hungary and Cyprus, and somewhat less in Poland, Malta and Latvia, while increasing in the other Member States. Citizens in Malta and Cyprus remain sceptical, despite the possibility of their countries adopting the euro in the near future. While only 31% of respondents expect positive consequences for Malta, 48% (compared to 42% previously) appear to be very or rather happy with the euro replacing their national currency. In Cyprus, the picture is more pessimistic: only 29% expect positive consequences for the country, which is the lowest rate of all ten countries, and only 32% (compared to previously 39%) are very or rather happy.

4. Expectations and fears regarding the adoption of the euro

The September results broadly confirm previous surveys as regards citizens' expectations of the euro. 45% (compared to 46% in April 2006) of the respondents continue to fear that the introduction of the euro will increase inflation in their country. There is still broad consensus in the recently acceded Member States that the euro is an international currency and that there are several benefits associated with their country's adoption of the euro.

Regarding the euro's economic or political effects, respondents generally acknowledge that it will have positive effects on public finances (44%, unchanged). Citizens are split (40% agree and 39% disagree) when asked whether the euro will favour employment or boost economic growth.

[1] COM(2004)748 ta' l-10 ta’ Novembru 2004 COM(2005)545 ta' l-4 ta’ Novembru 2005 COM (2006) 322 tat-22 ta' Ġunju 2006.

[2] Mill-2007, 13-il Stat Membru ta' l-UE se jagħmlu parti miż-żona euro, filwaqt li l-għadd totali ta' Stati Membri ta' l-UE se jiżdied għal 27, wara l-adeżjoni tal-Bulgarija u tar-Rumanija. Filwaqt li d-Danimarka u r-Renju Unit għandhom status ta' "opt-out", il-ħdax-il-pajjiż l-ieħor huma "Stati Membri b'deroga" li huma mistennija jadottaw l-euro ladarba jiġu sodisfatti l-kundizzjonijiet meħtieġa.

[3] L-aħħar Rapporti ta' Konverġenza tal-Kummissjoni ġew adottati fis-16 ta' Mejju 2006 fuq talba mil-Litwanja (COM(2006) 223) u s-Slovenja (COM(2006) 224). Il-Kummissjoni se toħroġ ir-Rapport ta' Konverġenza regolari li jmiss qabel tmiem l-2006.

[4] Fix-xenarju "big bang", il-karti u l-muniti ta' l-euro jiġu introdotti fl-istess żmien li fih l-euro tiġi introdotta bħala l-munita ta' l-Istat Membru kkonċernat.

[5] Il-perjodu ta' ċirkolazzjoni doppja huwa l-perjodu li jibda dakinhar li l-karti u l-muniti ta' l-euro jiddaħħlu fiċ-ċirkolazzjoni (il-Jum-€) u li fih kemm il-munita nazzjonali kif ukoll l-euro jkunu valuta legali fl-Istat Membru kkonċernat.

[6] Frontloading tirreferi għall-forniment tal-karti u l-muniti ta' l-euro mill-bank ċentrali nazzjonali lill-istituzzjonijiet ta' kreidtu qabel l-introduzzjoni tal-kontnati euro. Sub-frontloading tfisser it-tqassim mill-istituzzjonijiet tal-kreditu ta' karti u muniti euro li jkunu ġew fornuti minn qabel lill-bejjigħa bl-imnut u negozji oħra, u possibbilment lill-pubbliku ġenerali, qabel ma jiġu introdotti l-kontanti euro.

[7] Ara l-ĠU C 254, 20.10.2006, p.6 għal-pubblikazzjoni ta' l-uċuħ nazzjonali tal-muniti euro Sloveni.

[8] Ara l-Kapitolu 3.

[9] Ċipru għandu 400 istituzzjoni ta' kreditu, b'madwar 500 uffiċju. In-numru ta' kontijiet bankarji r-ras (2.90) jabeż il-medja taż-żona euro (1.59) bi 82%. Sors: BĊE, Blue Book

[10] Ix-xenarju "big bang" b'perjodu ta' "phasing-out" huwa wieħed minn tliet xenarji possibbli għall-introduzzjoni ta' l-euro kif ipprovdut mill-qafas legali tal-Komunità, cf. ir-Regolament tal-Kunsill (KE) Nru 2169/2005 tal-21 ta' Diċembru 2005 li jemenda r-Regolament (KE) Nru 974/98 dwar l-introduzzjoni ta' l-euro (ĠU L 346, 29.12.2005, p. 1). Waqt il-perjodu ta' "phasing-out", l-istrumenti ġurdiċi ġodda jistgħu jibqgħu jirreferu għall-munita nazzjonali għal perjodu massimu ta' sena. L-Istat Membru kkonċernat għandu jillimita l-applikazzjoni tal-"phasing-out" għal ċerti tipi ta' strument ġuridiku, jew strumenti ġuridiċi adottati f'ċerti oqsma.

[11] Ara BĊE, Blue Book

[12] Ara r-Rakkomandazzjoni tal-Kummissjoni tat-23 ta' April 1998 dwar id-djalogu, il-monitoraġġ u l-informazzjoni biex tiġi ffaċilitata t-transizzjoni għall-euro (ĠU L 130, 1.5.1998, p.29).

[13] http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/flash/fl191_en.pdf

[14] See OJ C 225, 19.9.2006, p. 7, for the official publication of the new common sides.

[15] Exchange at banks at the conversion rate without service fees.

[16] This term refers to campaigns encouraging citizens to deposit hoarded cash with banks well in advance of the changeover to the euro.