Brussels, 25/06/2001 (Agence Europe) - According to the investigation "Flash Eurobarometer on the Euro - May 2001" published on Monday by the Commission, the national information campaigns are starting to product perceptible effects throughout the countries of the Euro zone, after a entire year of waiting, though less than 200 days before the introduction of Euro notes and coins, there remains much progress to be done. Concerning Public information on the Euro, the investigation reveals the following results: - date for introduction of Euro notes and coins: 61% of those questioned cite 1 January and 25% 2002, without specifying. Between November 2000 and May 2001, people who continued to wonder on what date the Euro would be introduced, or who gave a false answer fell from 43% to 14%; - the general; impression of "feeling well informed" remains shared between those who feel well informed (52%) and those who feel badly informed; - the period of dual circulation of currencies: in May 2001 this period is usually overestimated, 55% of those questioned think that it will last longer than the period legally set. Moreover, 22% of those questions still do not know anything in the matter.
As for the preparation for the arrival of the Euro; the percentage of those questions stating having tried to memorise certain prices in Euros rose from 21% in 2000 to 29% in May 2001 and 61`% of those questioned give the Euro is correct value, which represents a rise of 14% between 2000 and May 2001. Other results from the investigation are as follows: - practical experience of the Euro: 21% of the people questioned stated having to this day used for professional or personal reasons virtual Euros (in accounts); - a period for changing the currencies: concerns relating to abuses and trickery over prices reached 61% in the opinion polls over recent months (against 53% in March 2000); - image of the Euro: the Euro would be susceptible to simplifying travel (91%), shopping in the countries of the Euro zone (87%) and the comparison of prices from one country to another (78%) and eliminating conversion charges (70%); - the economic aspects of the Euro: 59% fell that it favours economic growth in the countries of the Euro zone, 61% that it will take on the status of an international currency and 59% that it will contribute towards price stability; - advantages and inconveniences: for the first time since March 2000, the opinion polls think that the Euro will present for them more benefits than disadvantages are a majority totalling 47% against 41%.
The analysis on a country by country basis may be found at the following web address: http: //europa.eu.int/eurio/html/rubrique-cadre5.html?pag=whatsnew5.html|lang=5.