Press Release: Solbes calls on big business to urge small suppliers prepare for the euro

In order to get a clearer picture of the corporate world's state of preparation for the euro changeover the Commission organised a working roundtable, held in May 2001, with the euro-project officers of 19 large European companies. The discussion focused in particular on the state of preparation of small and medium sized enterprises in the supply chain of large corporations. A significant number of small companies have still to start their preparations for the euro and large companies can have a catalyst effect in this process by urging their suppliers and partners/ distributors to prepare in time. This is one of many initiatives that the Commission is taking in its role as co-ordinator and broker between different economic actors in the count-down to 1 January 2002.