41.   The above considerations imply that the path to the European currency union is unlikely to be smooth.

42.   Analysts said the statistic to watch is not opposition to currency union but the increasing number of Germans who expect the euro to come on time.

43.   And in France, the possibility of a victory by the left in elections this Sunday raised further concerns about the European currency union.

44.   And stability, analysts said, is crucial at a time when Italy stands on the threshold of currency union.

45.   Any internal wrangling over currency union would prove harmful in an election year.

46.   Another rate increase is likely before founder members of a European currency union are selected in April or May next year, analysts and investors said.

47.   According the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Austria will need to stick to its cost-cutting policies to ensure its inclusion in the currency union.

48.   After his talks with Prodi yesterday, Kohl refused to be drawn on whether he thought Italy should qualify for currency union next year.

49.   All three officials testifying also demanded the relations between the currency union and non-members be made clear.

50.   Already the euro disarray is damaging hopes that Denmark will vote to join the currency union.