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The euro connects us all
On 1 January 1999, 11 countries of the European Union (EU) fixed their exchange rates, adopted a shared monetary policy under the European Central Bank and launched a new common currency: the euro. It was initially an electronic currency used by financial markets and for cashless payments. Three years later, euro banknotes and coins entered into circulation.
Today, the euro is the currency of 19 EU countries and over 340 million Europeans. It is one of the most important currencies in the world.
Euro banknotes and coins are tangible, everyday reminders of the freedom, convenience and opportunities that the EU makes possible.
The euro
brings us together
How much do you really know about the euro?
Take our quiz and test your knowledge of the euro (and the European Central Bank). We have fun questions for newbies and experts. Give it a try and share it on social media!
How you benefit from the euro
As our currency, the euro has become an integral part of everyday life and it makes it easier for us to trade, travel, study, live and work abroad.
At the European Central Bank we look after the euro to provide a stable environment for people living in countries using the euro, including families, workers, employers, entrepreneurs, pensioners, savers and debtors. We contribute to economic growth and welfare by ensuring the stability of the euro.
We are stronger together with the euro
Our currency is the most tangible representation of European integration and it has made us stronger together, said President Mario Draghi at the European Parliament's plenary session on the anniversary of the euro on 15 January 2019. Today, our duty is to complete what was started two decades ago.
How does the euro help Europeans do business?
Small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of the euro area economy. Find out how entrepreneurs and small business owners benefit from the single currency.
The euro: opening doors for Europeans
European leaders signed the Maastricht Treaty 25 years ago, a milestone for European integration that paved the way for the euro. Take a look at how our single currency has made it easier for Europeans to travel, study and work abroad.
Did you know?
Did you know that the two parallel lines running through the € symbol signify stability?
And that the average income in the euro area rose from €20,900 in 1999 – when the euro was introduced – to €33,900 in 2018?
The journey of the euro
The euro has come a long way since the late 1960s, when an economic and monetary union was initially discussed, to today, when it is one of the most important currencies in the world.
The euro is a tangible symbol of Europe and its values. Our common currency helps to preserve peace and welfare, and to create conditions for prosperity and an economically stable future.
Learn more about the journey the euro has taken to reach you
Follow our events
celebrating the #EUROat20
3 December 2018
The #EUROat20: an extraordinary journey
The European Commission celebrated the euro’s extraordinary journey with an event on 3 December 2018 in Brussels.
February 2019
#EUROat20 ECB-QuizClash competition
Well done to those of you who got all the questions right: you are all true euro experts! A list of the thirty winners can be found here. The prizes were either an iPad Pro or an Interrail Global Pass.
For those who don't already know, we launched this quiz competition in February in collaboration with QuizClash – questions were on topics such as the euro and the European Central Bank.
August-October 2019
European Cultural Days
Our 2019 European Cultural Days are dedicated to Europe’s common culture and identity. You can find more information on the events on our European Cultural Days web page.
17-19 June 2019
ECB Forum on Central Banking: 20 years of European EMU
The sixth annual ECB Forum on Central Banking focused on 20 years of European Economic and Monetary Union and took place in Sintra, Portugal.
ARCHIVE AND PHOTOS
We have collected a series of photos and footage from our archive, covering the last 20 years of the euro. Feel free to reuse them and make sure to attribute them to us.
Archive footage on 20 years of the euro
Photo collection on 20 years of the euro
PAPERS AND SPEECHES
Have a look at some of the most recent papers and speeches on the topic of the euro, Economic and Monetary Union and the economic outlook over the past 20 years.
Macroeconomic imbalances in the euro area
Mario Draghi on Europe and the euro 20 years on
Mario Draghi on Economic and Monetary Union
Mario Draghi on risk-reducing and risk-sharing in our Monetary Union
Mario Draghi on structural reforms in the euro area
Mario Draghi on making integration work for Europe
Benoît Cœuré on the international role of the euro
Jean-Claude Trichet on ten years of the euro