Opinion among Europeans is running about 2-1 in favor of the euro
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Measuring the euro's popularity
By CNN European Political Editor Robin Oakley
(CNN) -- Fifty billion Euro coins and 14 billion notes are in production. But many citizens in the 12 countries where they will be used from January have scarcely noticed.
In Italy, 20 percent of those asked in a magazine survey thought the euro was the prototype for a new high-speed train; 14 percent believed it was a new car.
And that's in a country where, according to the European Commission's latest test of opinion, the euro is most popular of all.
In Italy, the Eurobarometer poll found 83 percent back a single European currency and only 12 percent oppose it.
Austria, with 59 percent in favour and 32 percent against, is pretty well bang on the European average.
In Germany, where attachment to the Deutsch mark lingers, 53 percent back the euro and 38 percent oppose the idea.
And in the UK, which like Denmark and Sweden is currently staying outside the eurozone, only 25 percent favour the single currency, with 57 percent opposed.
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Euro survey
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Country |
Pro-euro |
Against |
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Austria |
59 |
32 |
|
Belgium |
75 |
18 |
|
Denmark* |
40 |
56 |
|
Finland |
49 |
46 |
|
France |
67 |
28 |
|
Germany |
53 |
38 |
|
Greece |
72 |
22 |
|
Ireland |
72 |
16 |
|
Italy |
83 |
12 |
|
Luxembourg |
81 |
15 |
|
Netherlands |
66 |
30 |
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Portugal |
59 |
30 |
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Spain |
68 |
22 |
|
Sweden* |
29 |
62 |
|
UK* |
25 |
57 |
|
EU overall |
59 |
33 |
Source: European Commission Eurobarometer, April/May 2001
* EU member states outside the eurozone |
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Across the capitals of Europe, in supermarkets and in the streets, some greet the euro with enthusiasm, most accept it with a shrug.
But common themes have emerged. Many grumble about losing their familiar national currency and fear the change will hit their purses, with shopkeepers rounding up, not down as they switch to pricing in euros.
"I think it's quite difficult to people to learn how to use it. And I don't like it. I think every land should have their own money," says one Finnish woman.
"I don't talk about the euro with my friends. I'm glad the change is coming but it's not such a big thing," says one man in Germany.
But many complain they have not been told enough.
"There is very little information in the schools. They should make clear what they're talking about. We need to start practising," says one Italian resident.
There are worries aplenty. French bakers have predicted a 15 percent rise in the cost of bread. Irish priests fret that collection plate offerings will fall. And even euro-enthusiasts fear short-term chaos with the changeover.
This Christmas in Europe, the most popular present could be the hand-held calculator.
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