European Monetary Affairs Commissioner Pedro Solbes Mira holds a news
conference at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, January
2, 2002. The historic introduction of euro notes and coins in a dozen
European countries is going smoothly so far but big tests still lie
ahead, European Monetary Affairs Commissioner Solbes said. He said the
new currency was getting a warm reception from the euro zone's 300
million citizens and that the elimination of uncertainty about the
changeover was one reason why the euro was also enjoying a spell of
popularity on the foreign exchanges. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

FLR/