At the end of the day, and I should like to make this clear once more, the task of shaping the future constitutional evolution of the European Union, and of determining its “finalité politique” is a matter for the politicians and the citizens of Europe - and not for central bankers. Having said that, the euro is certainly one parameter in this process.
A currency has always been a powerful symbol of identity, and this will also be true for the euro. Particularly from the beginning of 2002 onwards, when the euro will be in the pockets of some 300 million European citizens, our common currency is set to become a symbol of a shared identity which brings the reality of Europe into everyday lives.