There were numerous challenges -- as well as difficulties and risks -- to be overcome by the European Central Bank ( ECB ) , the central banks and governments of the euro area countries , the European Commission , banknote printing works , mints as well as by people in many other fields , especially banks and shops . Communications too formed an essential part of the preparations .
Nei tre anni successivi , tuttavia , rimase una valuta « virtuale » , utilizzata principalmente dalle banche e dai mercati finanziari . Per gran parte della popolazione diventò « reale » , visibile e tangibile , soltanto il 1° gennaio 2002 .