Dutch and Belgians To Scrap Small Change

The Netherlands and Belgium have indicated they will soon scrap the one and two cent euro coins, which apparently serve only to annoy both consumers and shop owners. In The Netherlands, retail and consumer organizations, banks and the Dutch Central Bank have agreed upon an abolition of the coins from Sept. 1, Dutch media reported on Thursday. Instead, prices will be rounded up or down to the nearest five cents. It is a voluntary measure, but up to 90 percent of shops are expected to take up the possibility. According to Belgian press agency Belga, Belgian authorities and organizations concerned have also agreed to scrap the small coins. A final agreement on the issue is expected next autumn. (EUobserver.com)