European Commission: Cyprus and Malta Smoothly Transition to Euro
The European Commission (EU) hailed the smooth transition of Cyprus and Malta in joining the eurozone. Both countries began using new coins and banknotes January 1 when they officially adopted the euro. According to an EU release, retailers provided customers change only in euro:
- 92% of the time in Cyprus
- 91% of the time in Malta
On the flip side, the people of both countries still held a fair share of their national currency in their pockets and purses. According to the same EU release, a survey on January 2 indicated:
