Brussels, 10/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - The latest Eurobarometer published on 10 April by the European Commission confirms its widespread positive feelings about the new currency. 84% of euro area citizens feel that the euro changeover was smooth and successful in general, while even more (87%) declare that the operation went smoothly for them personally. The results confirm the general feeling that the logistical and technical operations rose to this historical challenge. 72% of euro area citizens declare that they were well prepared on the 1st of January €-day, while 88% declare that they were well informed. This personal appreciation varies from 61% in Greece, 77% in Spain, 83% in Portugal, Austria and Finland, 84% in Italy and the Netherlands, 89% in Ireland, 92% in Germany, 93% in France, 96% in Luxembourg and Belgium. In a question asked for the first time, 81% of the euro area citizens agree that the euro changeover is a major event in the history of Europe. 17% of citizens "think in euro" in all their daily transactions. This ranges from 9% in Finland, 12% in Germany, 14% in France, 16% in Belgium, 17% in Italy, 19% in Luxembourg, 21% in Spain, 22% in Portugal, 25% in Austria, 29% in Greece and 42% in Ireland. Regarding prices, 74% of citizens still feel that prices were rounded up after the 1 January. This ranges from 55% in Portugal, 59% in Austria, 63% in Finland, 66% in Italy, 68% in Luxembourg, 75% in Spain, Greece ad Belgium, 77% in France, 78% in Ireland, 79% in Germany and 82% in the Netherlands. Complete text available on Eurobarometer: http//europa.eu.kint/comm/public_opinion_/index-en.htm