Any enlargement of the euro area is subject to political decisions, and not automatic. I should like to recall that the Maastricht Treaty provides for a clear and transparent procedure, which lays down the conditions for EU Member States wishing to join the euro area. The basic prerequisite is that the convergence criteria must be complied with.
This should ensure that Member States provide evidence of sufficient economic convergence with the euro area before adopting the euro. The introduction of the euro in other countries will require not only compliance with the convergence criteria, but also further preparatory work in various areas.