21.   The euro countries are Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

22.   They no longer will have to change money when they go to another euro country.

23.   According to news reports, central banks in several euro countries have had problems minting enough euro coins but Reynders made no comment on that.

24.   Distribution in the remaining euro zone countries -- Greece, Germany and Portugal -- is due to begin on Monday.

25.   Euro notes are printed in all euro zone countries except Luxembourg.

26.   Eurostat said its estimate for December was based on early consumer price information from euro zone countries where data is available, plus early information about energy prices.

27.   Since early last year, the French have been campaigning for formation of a stability council grouping the finance ministers of the euro zone countries.