Cash changeover

The euro cash changeover for the 12 EU-members entering the euro zone in 1999 (Greece in 2001) commenced on 1 January 2002. The introduction of the euro banknotes and coins and the withdrawal of the legacy currencies proceeded smoothly without major problems. The entire transition process was completed successfully by end-February 2002. Legacy currencies can with the exeption of coins in some countries still be exchanged for euro, although the national banknotes and coins are no longer legal tender.