"The adoption of the euro in Cyprus and Malta is proceeding very swiftly. This is testimony to the good preparations beforehand for which all involved in the two countries, starting with their respective governments, must be congratulated," announced Joaquín Almunia, European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs.

He continued:

"It is now crucial that both countries continue to implement sound fiscal and budgetary policies so that they can fully benefit from economic and monetary union."

Since 1 January, the euro has been Cyprus's and Malta's currency, and euro banknotes and coins are officially in circulation on both islands.

The ratio of euro cash payments in shops increased quickly during the first week: on 5 January (the first Saturday of the year), about three quarters of all cash payments in shops were already being made in euro only (72% in Cyprus and 73% in Malta), according to a survey carried out among the Cypriot and Maltese population for the Commission.

Retailers gave change exclusively in euro in virtually all cash transactions where change was given (97% in Cyprus and 99% in Malta), the survey also found.

On 5 January, at least three out of four citizens in both countries were carrying only or mostly euro cash in their wallets and purses (for banknotes: 74% in Cyprus, 76% in Malta; for coins 81% in Cyprus, 84% in Malta).

In Malta, a majority of citizens had exclusively euro banknotes (58%) and euro coins (62%) in their wallets, though the respective figures in Cyprus were slightly lower at 32% and 40%.

As people appeared to be eager to exchange their national cash holdings into euro and to withdraw euro cash, there were still some queues at banks on Saturday, particularly in Malta, where the winter sales have already started. But the situation seems to be getting back to normal now. In Cyprus, some 179 000 over-the-counter exchanges and withdrawals were made between 1 and 4 January, involving some EUR253 million.

In Malta, approximately 132,000 over-the-counter withdrawals took place between 1 and 5 January, for a total amount of around EUR88 million. Some 105,000 ATM withdrawals had been made in Cyprus by 4 January, and 202,000 in Malta up to and including 6th January.

With respect to the conversion of prices into euro, so far only a few incidents of undue price increases have been reported in both countries, for example for parking fees, cinema tickets and doctors' fees.

The authorities are investigating all these cases, and are asking those responsible to revert to the former prices where necessary. Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant and to report any cases of unfair pricing to the authorities or consumer associations.