Trichet: Germany played a decisive role in the establishment of the Treaty of Rome in 1958, the Single European Act in 1986 and, in particular, Monetary Union. Germany has also  BIS central bankers’ speeches  1  succeeded remarkably well in regaining its competitiveness over the last ten years.
This morning I would like to discuss the global challenge presented by the Year 2000 problem and describe international efforts, particularly those of the Joint Year 2000 Council, to assist the worldwide financial services industry to be ready for the century date change. Of course, the obligation to fix the Year 2000 problem belongs ultimately to you in the private sector.