Changes

The euro is the common [[currency]] in continental Europe today.  Use of the euro began in January 2002, and 12 nations switched their currency immediately to the euro.  It is the counterpart to the dollar in the United States.

The euro is the common [[currency]] in continental Europe today.  Use of the euro began in January 2002, and 12 nations switched their currency immediately to the euro.  It is the counterpart to the dollar in the United States.

In the United Kingdom the currency is still the [[pound]], but there is pressure to convert to the euro that is used throughout Europe. Many conservatives in England ([[Tories]]) resist converting to the European currency because they feel it represents a loss in sovereignty and control. In particular, there is fear of England becoming dependent on the fiscal policies of the larger combination of Germany, Italy, and France.

In the United Kingdom the currency is still the [[pound]], but there is pressure to convert to the euro that is used throughout Europe. Many conservatives in England ([[Tories]])resist conversion to the European currency because a reliance on someone else's currency represents a loss in sovereignty and control. In particular, there is fear of England becoming dependent on the fiscal policies of the larger combination of Germany, Italy, and France.

But by the end of 2006, after about five years of the euro, a French magazine reported that 52% of the French feel that the euro is a "bad thing".  French workers now blame the euro for price hikes and job losses.  71% of French [[blue-collar workers]] say the euro has hurt them personally.  The Telegraph, 12-27-06.

But by the end of 2006, after about five years of the euro, a French magazine reported that 52% of the French feel that the euro is a "bad thing".  French workers now blame the euro for price hikes and job losses.  71% of French [[blue-collar workers]] say the euro has hurt them personally.  The Telegraph, 12-27-06.