The month in Strasbourg

The launch of the single currency - the euro - took a closer step this month, when MEPs approved detailed specifications for the new Euro-coins. Parliament was concerned to ensure that the coins would be "user friendly" and easily identified by the elderly and the blind. MEPs also want the minting of a special 100 Euro gold coin, and the use of metals that can easily be recycled such as stainless steel used. They are concerned that nickel content, in view of a potential health hazard, be kept to a minimum.