Eichel wants UK, Sweden, Denmark in euro after enlargement

German Finance Minister Hans Eichel said it is highly desirable that the three EU members not currently part of the euro zone - the UK, Sweden and Denmark - adopt the euro after enlargement of the EU.

Eichel said the entry of the trio is of vital importance, as after enlargement he favours the creation of a new 'euro Ecofin council', which will only consist of euro zone members.

Currently, all EU members are part of the Ecofin council of finance ministers, but enlargement will mean up to 10 new nations join the EU without being yet part of the euro.

"By that time it would be very desirable if all those that can be members are. That means the UK, Denmark and Sweden," he said.

Eichel said discussions at yesterday's Ecofin had raised "relatively large hopes" Sweden would soon be a part of the euro zone, due to growing support for euro adoption in the country.