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
What has Greece received in outside support so far?
Under the framework of further debt relief, Athens was given a 10-year extension on its loans and a deferral on repayment of interest and principle.
Greece exits third and last bailout after biting austerity
After years of stinging austerity measures, Greece emerges from its third and last bailout, although officials warn the country still has a "long way to go".
Europe, Germany forced to the sidelines in Turkish crisis
Financial and political stability in Turkey is critical to Europe. But EU leaders are finding it hard to help end an ongoing crisis in Turkey amid long-standing tensions with Ankara.
German parliament gives green light to final Greek bailout
Lawmakers on the Bundestag's budget committee signed off on the 15-billion-euro (17.5-billion-dollar) payment in a special session during the summer holiday.
Eurozone unemployment remains stable at 8.3 per cent in June
The countries with the lowest unemployment rates in June were the Czech Republic at 2.4 per cent and Germany at 3.4 per cent.
Eurozone growth slows as trade tensions persist
Economic growth in the eurozone slowed in the second quarter, official data shows, feeding concerns that global trade tensions fuelled by Washington may be hurting Europe's economy.