The issue was getting all of the different banking systems into synchronization and forcing the banks to get there. SEPA effectively got everyone to the level

The issue was getting all of the different banking systems into synchronization and forcing the banks to get there. SEPA effectively got everyone to the level of some of the smaller EU countries that implemented similar systems by early 1990s. It wasn't easy, because some of those countries had population that still thought cheques are a good idea.