Latvia’s New Year celebrations were shared with an official ceremony at midnight as the country became the 18th member of the eurozone.<br /><br />Acting Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, who is credited with steering the country towards adopting the euro, withdrew the first Latvian euros from an ATM machine in Riga.<br /><br />Estonia’s premier Andrus Ansip, who was guest of honour, followed suit. His country joined the eurozone club in 2011. <br /><br />Lithuania aims to do the same next year, completing the Baltic countries’ efforts to link up economically with the West.<br /><br />While many Latvians are sceptical about the euro due to its recent tribulations, Latvia’s premier says it is an opportunity, not a guarantee of wealth.
