Originally Posted by jpatokal
No, the original poster is correct. Denmark and the UK negotiated formal opt-outs from the Euro when they joined the EU, but the 10 new members (and Sweden) did not, so technically they have to join the Euro as soon as possible.
Now that I read this it all comes back to me. You´re absolutely right. But there are somewhat strict criteria to join the Monetary Union and these new member countries can decide not to join the EURO-zone if they really want not to.
Also I have to agree with you that the € has been great for a traveller like me (all of us FTs). but the best thing has been the low intrest rates we´ve had in Finland. Without the economical trouble in Germany, France and Italy the rates would be somewhat higher. Thank you €!