The bill was used until Belgium adopted the euro in 2002.

Its use became very popular within the population and commerce of these countries especially during the first few months after adopting the euro.

As a consequence, Sweden decided in 2003 not to adopt the euro for the time being.

However, those who adopt the euro can be party to decisions on the same conditions as other members.

The problem arises for the countries which have not adopted the euro.

Important challenges remain for these countries on the road to adopting the euro.

It is in these terms that the issue of when to adopt the euro must be considered.

This will make it the 17th country to adopt the euro.

We cannot accept that new demands are suddenly to be made on countries adopting the euro.

Future generations will ask why we took so long to adopt the euro.