A common currency for Europe – with the introduction of the euro more than 20 years ago, that vision became reality. More recently the monetary union was put to the test during the European sovereign debt crisis. And while the perspectives for the euro zone as a whole are better than they have been in a long time, major reforms are on the horizon. In addition, an expansion of the common currency to all EU member countries is being debated. As a result the new chairman of the Eurogroup, Mario Centeno, already has his work cut out for him.
Eurozone
Many states, one currency
Eurozone unemployment stable at 7.9 per cent in December
According to data released by the European Union's statistics agency, the unemployment rate in the eurozone remained steady at 7.9 per cent in December.
Eurozone inflation drops to 1.9 per cent in November
Eurozone consumer price inflation in November eased more than initially estimated.
ECB holds interest rates at historic low
The European Central Bank leaves its benchmark refinancing rate on hold at a historic low amid global tensions.
EU seeks to boost the euro as a global currency
The European Commission presents ideas to strengthen the role of the euro as a global currency.
EU finance ministers clinch eurozone reform deal
EU finance ministers have agreed reforms to better fight against a financial crisis but the agreement falls short of the original ambitions to relaunch Europe by French President Emmanuel Macron
EU ministers: More time needed on daylight savings reform
Survey to which 4.6 million people responded, revealed 84 per cent of Europeans want to stop moving the clocks by an hour under daylight saving time.