Finland Times

     Although Finns manage most of their payments electronically, cash is currently still in demand.

     Kari Takala, senior adviser at the Bank of Finland's currency department, believed the situation might be different after 15 years.

     He predicted banknotes and coins would remain in use in the eurozone until the end of the next decade.

     Many people regard cash as a backup system, and it is quick and convenient to use, Takala told YLE, adding that in the future people would see how quickly mobile payment methods take the place of cash.

     The central bank neither favors cash payments, nor tries to abandon them, despite the fact that manufacturing banknotes and coins is comparatively expensive, according to Takala.

     "The Bank of Finland, and the whole eurozone, have a neutral approach to the situation," Takala was quoted as saying. "People decide for themselves what kind of payment methods they want to use in various situations."

     The change would be driven by market forces when the time comes, he added.

     Finland began to adopt the euro currency for electronic transactions in the beginning of 1999, and cash payments in 2002.