Sweden Puts Off Euro Vote Until 2010

Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson has ruled out a referendum on Sweden joining the euro until at least 2010. Speaking in Tokyo on Tuesday, Persson said, "I can't see the new referendum in Sweden before 2010," wire agencies reported. "You must respect the outcome of the referendum", he added. Swedes voted by 56-42 not to join the 12-country euro zone in mid-September last year. Still, Persson reiterated that he expected Sweden to join "sooner or later". Sweden, the UK and Denmark are the only three EU countries who have not joined the single currency. (EUobserver.com)