Brussels, 21/09/2001 (Agence Europe) - Adopting the opinion by Italian employer Umberto Burani, "Assessment of the state of preparedness for the introduction of the euro to highlight the main gaps and the necessary remedial action" at its September plenary, the Economic and Social Committee (ESC) stressed the weakness of the information campaigns that have been launched in this connection, feeling that such campaigns should only be launched in the immediate run-up to the event. "Messages should be straightforward", says the ESC, propose solutions within everyone's reach and use the most widespread and least expensive medium - television. "Only once a solid foundation of readily-acquired knowledge has been built up can the general public be persuaded to take the next step and read written information (folders, brochures): these must be designed as a helpful reminder, not as a means of learning".
In terms of availability to the public of euro coins and notes, the ESC says that "a general rush to the banks to change national currency or to cash distributors to get hold of the new notes, must be forestalled. An atmosphere of anxiety and urgency only leads to queues and puts nerves on edge - and needlessly, since national currency will remain usable for a relatively lengthy period (45-60 days)" so communication with the public must stress that there is no urgent need for change money.