Any change automatically triggers feelings of apprehension.
The less something is desired, the more anxiety it may create and consequently it also instils a sense of fear. Even a desired change can sometimes create anxiety due to fear of the unknown. However, we have an innate ability to adjust to new situations by going through a learning process that facilitates accommodating a new reality.
The adoption of the euro as Malta’s new currency presents all of us with a challenge.
The change that will occur must be understood in an EU perspective. Malta has been a member of the European Union for just over two years.
We have embraced a number of principles that give us a European identity while at the same time aligning us with the provisions of the acquis communautaire.
Twelve member states have adopted the euro as their legal tender since 2002.
The fact that we are not alone in the changeover process, and that the nine other new member states will also be adopting the euro (Slovenia being the first, by adopting the euro in 2007), reduces the impact and creates less resistance.
An issue that was examined in a number of surveys conducted by the European Commission was the fear of losing the national identity, so valuable to the Maltese. Although there was a small minority who felt that adopting the euro might impinge on their national identity, a large number do not feel it is an issue.
The recent consultation process on the national side of the new euro coins served as a means of dissipating such fears, as people were encouraged to participate and choose images that reflect our national identity.
Furthermore, euro coins circulate in the whole euro area. Entering the eurozone and having Maltese euro coins will serve as a marketing tool for the cultural heritage that Malta has to offer.
People resist change when they do not understand its implications and perceive that it might cost them much more than they can gain. Such situations often occur when trust is lacking between the person initiating the change and the recipients.
In such circumstances, education, training and well-informed and structured information campaigns that keep the target audience in mind, coupled with the participation and involvement of the public, reduce this fear and help people gain more confidence while creating familiarity with the new concept. The NECC will play an active role in creating a well-structured information campaign targeting all stakeholders, that will unfold in the coming months.
For further information, visit the NECC website on www.euro.gov.mt or call the Euro Helpline 154.
Daniela Xuereb is NECC information officer