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
Omicron: Mild or severe impact on the global economy?
After limping its way back from the Covid pandemic last year, the global economic recovery has been rattled by the Omicron variant's rapid rise
Eurozone inflation hit record high in December
The European Central Bank is under pressure to reconsider its low interest rate policy after soaring energy prices forced Eurozone inflation to hit its highest annual rate since records began in 1997
Two decades on, euro can’t shake reputation as price driver
Europeans have been living with the euro for 20 years now, but many still point the finger at the single currency for covertly driving up consumer prices -- despite plenty of evidence to the contrary
Five surprising things to know about the euro
Do one and two-cent coins have a future? Can you still exchange Estonian kroons? Here are some lesser-known facts about the euro, which entered circulation 20 years ago in January
20 years on, dreams of euro rivalling dollar persist
Will the euro ever challenge the dollar's global dominance? Europe's single currency will soon celebrate its 20th birthday but it needs a eurobond if it truly wants to rival the greenback, analysts say
European Union in the world
This online graphic shows the EU’s proportion of population, air pollution, energy use, trade, economic output and development cooperation.