While most Europeans were
popping champing corks and kissing strangers from the Eiffel Tower to the Brandenburg Gate,
their bankers were hard at work as the New Year opened.
Work began when the US markets closed for 1988 at about
11pm London time -- already 1999 in Helsinki and the
fireworks were about to start in Germany and France.
The real countdown was only
beginning -- the Londoners had until late Sunday evening, when the markets
opened in Asia.
First Sydney, and then Tokyo..... By the time dawn reached
London on Monday January 4th, 1999, the euro would already be trading on the world's
markets.
England wasn't even in the euro, but the euro was coming to
them and it will be coming to you too.
A new currency is born.
Featured Links:
European Union:
The official site of the European Union has pages in the languages of all member states.
Virtual
Europe:
Job seekers can find out their rights in other member countries. Select the country you're
from and the country you intend to live or work in.
EURES:
EURES is a European labour market network aiming at facilitating the mobility of
workers in the European Economic Area. It links more than 450 Euroadvisers -- specialists
in employment matters -- throughout Europe.
Job
Search:
Searches are done by occupation and country. It's a slow process and will only get slower
as their data base gets larger.
Euro:
This is the European Commission's internet site dedicated exclusively to the euro - one
currency for Europe. Whether you are a citizen interested in your future currency, a
specialist working on technical preparations for the changeover, or a surfer passing by;
this site has useful and interesting information in all eleven official languages of the
European Union.
Conversion
Rates:
Following their adoption on 31 December 1998, you can check the final conversion rates of
the member currencies.
The Sign:
The graphic symbol for the euro looks like an E with two clearly marked, horizontal
parallel lines across it. It was inspired by the Greek letter epsilon, in reference to the
cradle of European civilisation and to the first letter of the word 'Europe'. The parallel
lines represent the stability of the euro. The official abbreviation for the euro is
'EUR'. It has been registered with the International Standards Organisation (ISO), and
will be used for all business, financial and commercial purposes, just as the terms 'FRF'
(French franc), 'DEM' (Deutschmark), 'GBP' (pound sterling) and 'BEF' (Belgian franc) are
used today.
Euro Banknotes:
There are 7 euro notes. In different colours and sizes they are denominated in 500, 200,
100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 euros. The designs are symbolic for Europe's architectural heritage.
They do not represent any existing monuments. Windows and gateways dominate the front side
of each banknote as symbols of the spirit of openness and cooperation in the EU. The
reverse side of each banknote features a bridge from a particular age, a metaphor for
communication among the people of Europe and between Europe and the rest of the world.
Final designs were announced in December 1996 at the Dublin, European Council. All notes
will carry advanced security features.
Coins:
There are 8 euro coins denominated in 2 and 1 euros, then 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Every euro coin will carry a common European face. On the obverse, each Member State will
decorate the coins with their own motifs. No matter which motif is on the coins they can
be used anywhere inside the 11 Member States. For example, a French citizen will be able
to buy a Bratwurst in Berlin using a euro coin carrying the imprint of the King of
Spain.The common European face of the coins represents a map of the European Union against
a background of transverse lines to which are attached the stars of the European flag. The
1,2 and 5 cent coins put emphasis on Europe's place in the world while the 10, 20 and 50
present the Union as a gathering of nations. The 1 and 2 euro coins depict Europe without
frontiers. Final designs were agreed at the European Council meeting in Amsterdam in June
1997.
The European Union has its own flag,
its own anthem and celebrates Europe
Day on 9th May.
Europe @ Travel Notes:
A travel guide to Europe, where travellers now use the funny money.
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Meta-Travel Forums:
If you have a question, want to hang out with other travellers, tourists or the
natives.... then join Travelnotes in the Meta-Travel forums and share in the global
experience.
World News
Directory of newspapers and news sources.
