Sweden counts cost of "No" vote

Sweden's currency has fallen in the wake of its decision to reject the euro. Meanwhile, the European Commission warned the country it could be frozen out of EU decision-making.

Sweden's European Commissioner Margot Wallstrom said, "I think there will be both an economic and political price to pay for remaining outside," said in a radio interview .

The "No" vote was carried 56-42% in Sunday's referendum, following a previous rejection of the single currency from Denmark in 2000 and a "not yet" from Britain in June.

There had been some expectation that there would be a surge of sympathy votes for the pro-euro government following the murder of Sweden's Foreign Minister, Anna Lindh.

Sweden's vote contrasted with a definite "Yes" vote by Estonia on Sunday to EU membership. Estonia is one of 10 countries hoping to join in 2004.

European Commission President Romano Prodi told Swedish television that the country would certainly lose influence by remaining outside the euro zone.