Originally Posted by Reindeerflame
A number of recent EU members (Poland, Latvia, etc.) retain their traditional currencies
Incorrect. Crowns and Zlotych and what have you are still in use for the time being, but all of the newcomers have agreed to join the Euro- indeed I am under the impression that they were forced to join the Euro if they were to be admitted to the EU. Timescales vary, I think with most countries the rates will be locked in 2007 and the Euro will start being used in 2009...