The date for the introduction of the euro banknotes

At its meeting of 4 November 1997, the Council of the European Monetary Institute (EMI) considered the question of the date for the introduction of the euro banknotes. After evaluating the different options, the Council of the EMI agreed that the euro banknotes should be introduced on 1 January 2002. This agreement was forwarded to the Council of the European Union; the Governing Council of the European Central Bank will be notified accordingly.

The Council of the EMI is confident that the early release of its view on the date for the introduction of the euro banknotes will help all parties concerned in their preparations for the changeover to the euro.