Brussels, 03/04/2001 (Agence Europe) - Commissioner Pedro Solbes, responsible for economic and monetary affairs, once more drew a "contrasted assessment" of the preparations for the changeover to the Euro, during the presentation, on Tuesday, to the European Parliament of a Commission Communication on this issue. The good news stays close to the persistent sources of concern. It is urgently necessary to make an effort aimed at SMEs and progressively intensify the information actions with consumers, stated the Commissioner. The Communication contains an assessment of the implementation of the Commission recommendation of 11 October 2000 (see EUROPE of 12 October 2000, p.8). It shows a lack of preparation of SMEs and the lack of information for consumers. It calls on the public administrations for a more voluntary attitude to set an example and recalls the major role played by banks in the transition to the Euro. The document identifies around twenty good practices to facilitate the transition to the Euro. None of them are revolutionary, but their cumulated implementation is susceptible of oiling the cogs of the machine of currency change, added Mr Solbes.