We cannot assume implementation over night but we do not have another 30 years to complete the euro introduction. Hence, SEPA payments instruments (SCT and SDD) must become the payments instruments for euro payments fully replacing national legacy instruments. Since the publication of the sixth SEPA progress report in November 2008, a number of major milestones have been reached in the SEPA project.
For instance, the launch of SEPA direct debits in November 2009 has made cross-border direct debit payments possible for the first time. By 1 November 2010 the reachability of payment accounts for SEPA direct debits will be legally ensured across the EU. This will allow the effective use of SEPA direct debits throughout Europe.