11.   Ireland, Denmark and Luxembourg were alone in meeting deficit requirement last year, calling into question the feasibility of introducing the currency on time.

12.   SINCE BIRTH, EURO HAS FIZZLED In the two months since the European single currency was introduced, pretty much the only direction it has moved is down.

13.   Some bankers and investors believe these high-yielding bonds will become a more common feature in Europe when a single currency is introduced.

14.   Still, the debate on the single European currency is expected to dominate the meeting amid lack of progress towards economic targets needed to introduce the currency.

15.   The pact, when ratified, will fine countries who go on a spending spree once the currency is introduced.

16.   The plan, contained in a commission draft report on practical aspects of introducing the currency, is opposed by the German government and Bundesbank.

17.   The same summit also must resolve how the single currency would be introduced to national economies that qualify for the money merger.

18.   The same summit must also resolve how the single currency would be introduced to national economies that qualify.

19.   They will study reports showing European countries are behind schedule in meeting economic-performance standards needed to introduce the currency.

20.   This is hardly the first time a new currency has been introduced.