In 1998, goals for one European currency were released. Pounds Francs, Lire and Marks were to be swallowed up by the Euro. Notes and coins were introduced in 1999 amidst opposition in countries like England. Slick talking calmed the fears. The Euro is here to stay, even though the British still resent its lower value than their Pound.
How did this happen? The Delors report of 1988 proposed a single currency. This was the basis for the 1992 Maastricht Treaty that legalized the currency by January 1, 1999. The little Euro has boosted trade between old continental rivals.
Early fans of the Euro said in October 1998: "It solves the problems which currencies cause the international economy. Within 10 years the Euro should be merged with the Dollar to create a Eurodollar, a single currency for both the United States and Europe, and eventually for the rest of the world. We believe that history, economics and politics point toward the benefit of a single international currency."
Even as you read this, the currency is being referred to in England, France and many other countries as the Eurodollar. Some there don't even know why the name changed.
Another objective: "The earliest that the Euro and the Dollar could be linked at a 1:1 ratio would be January 1, 2003." They aren't linked yet but that's their current approximate value. They hope to marry them before 2008.
"The 1st goal is to establish the Eurodollar as a single currency, rather than to eliminate the Euro and the dollar altogether. Time will establish confidence in the new currency. On January 1, 2003 the Federal Reserve Bank and the European Central Bank should begin cooperating to lay the foundations for the Global Reserve Bank, which would replace them. Ties would be established between other government agencies in the United States and Europe, which oversee financial markets and would be affected by the introduction of the single currency. Corporations would begin preparing for operating their financial accounts in a single currency. vel of integration. The Eurodollar could be the legal tender of all member countries by January 1, 2005. The GRB would then take control of monetary policy for member countries, and the regional Federal Reserves in the United States and European central banks would henceforward carry out the policies of the Global Reserve Bank." The current American government opposes this level of integration.
It shouldn't amaze you that the back of each Euro note features a bridge. It is intended as "a metaphor for communication among the people of Europe and between Europe and the rest of the world." At the "Weltachsen" conference in Bonn (Nov. 1999) Professor Otmar Issing's speech began with: "When Marshall McLuhan introduced his famous concept of the world as a global village in 1962, he could not have foreseen how fast the process of globalization would proceed." Issing is a member of the executive board of the European Central Bank. He claimed "The introduction of the Euro has been a new milestone in globalization."
The Bible predicts a day when you won't be able to buy or sell without the mark of the final World Empire. That presupposes a world economic controlling body. When Europe and America unite financially there will be controls upon your personal freedom that you cannot believe. The Bible predicts a great upheaval at the end of the world but it also promises that Jesus Christ will return as Savior for those who trust Him and Judge for the rebellious. As you see all these things happening in your lifetime I plead with you to yield the government of your life to God. You can know God. You can have a deep inner calm in a fast changing world. Ask me how.