1.   Aid was especially needed for stabilization funds to bolster the convertibility of the three planned currencies.

2.   As an emotional issue, fox hunting for millions of Brits far outstrips such mundane election campaign questions as whether the country should join the planned European single currency.

3.   Belgian bonds rose, amid signs of low inflation in Europe and optimism that Belgium will qualify for the planned European single currency.

4.   Budget cutting and fiscal austerity measures adopted by European governments to qualify for the planned single currency have strengthened national economies, German Chancellor Helmut Kohl said.

5.   Bundesbank President Hans Tietmeyer ratcheted up the pressure on European leaders to resist political compromises that might damage confidence in the planned single currency, the euro.

6.   Bundesbank Chief Economist Otmar Issing today said the strength of the dollar is not a surprise given the concerns over the planned single currency.

7.   Countries seeking to qualify for the planned single currency must meet a series of economic targets this year.

8.   Economists view some form of budgetary pact as crucial to the credibility of the planned currency, the euro.

9.   European leaders hope to give a push to monetary union this week by nailing down an agreement to prevent reckless government spending that could undermine a planned common currency.

10.   European nations participating in the planned single currency will still be able to supervise financial markets on a national level, Bundesbank President Hans Tietmeyer said.