The former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl has said that countries not in the EU could join the euro
Published:
23 January 2004 y., Friday
In a rare interview with the German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung today, the former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl has said that countries not in the EU could join the euro.
Mr Kohl, who was leader of Germany from 1982 to 1998, said, "I can imagine that one or the other country will adopt the euro without becoming an EU member".
Mentioning Switzerland, which is not a member of the EU, he said, "I think that in the not too distant future people will pay with the euro in Switzerland. Because there, after several referendums, it will be recognised that the euro is good for Switzerland". He also cites the Ukraine as a possible euro member outside the EU.
The former leader believes that this would be a good way to bring countries that do not have the possibility of joining the EU closer to the Union.
Furthermore, Mr Kohl, who is thought of as one of the architects of the euro, criticises present EU countries who have decided to retain their own currencies - the UK, Sweden and Denmark.
He says, "Some European Union countries have not adopted the euro. One could say they have stepped on the brakes. But time is against the laggards".
Šaltinis:
euobserver.com
Copying, publishing, announcing any information from the News.lt portal without written permission of News.lt editorial office is prohibited.
The most popular articles
Most EU countries continue to meet deadlines for incorporating single market rules into national law, contributing to economic growth and job creation.
more »
Japanese officials unveil their new bullet train, capable of travelling at speeds of 320 km per hour (198 miles per hour).
more »
The first International Security Technology Exhibition, KIPS 2011, will be held on 23-26 February 2011 in Kiev (Ukraine). The motto of the exhibition is ‘There can never be too much security!’
more »
The world's highest restaurant opens in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, located 400 metres above ground in Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower.
more »
The rights of consumers will be clarified and updated, whether they shop at a local store or buy goods on line, under new EU rules as amended by the Internal Market Committee on Tuesday.
more »
MEPs on Wednesday gave their green light for the Council to conclude an Interim Economic Partnership Agreement with Papua New Guinea and Fiji, two countries of the Pacific Region with significant exports to the EU.
more »
Report sets 10 priorities for tackling the bloc's main economic challenges, launching the first ever ‘European semester'.
more »
China's first capsule hotel ready to open its doors in Shanghai, aims to capture slice of booming leisure budget travel market.
more »
Declaration by Michel Barnier on the start of three new authorities for supervision.
more »
On 1 January, Estonia adopted the euro as its official currency and the changeover is running smoothly and according to plan.
more »