The euro area consists of those Member States of the European Union that have adopted the euro as their currency.
The euro could develop further its global role, reflecting the euro area’s economic and financial weight.
The euro is the currency of 20 EU Member States. Denmark has ‘opt-out’ clauses in the Treaty exempting him from participation, while the remainder have yet to meet the conditions for adopting the single currency.
The euro offers many benefits for individuals, businesses and the economies of the countries that use it.
It is essential to monitor the state of public opinion on the euro and understand the underlying factors which influence it.
New financial technologies can facilitate access to financial services and improve the efficiency of the financial system. The Commission is exploring how the financial sector can benefit from these developments, while remaining safe for consumers and investors.
On 1 January 1999, 11 EU countries fixed their exchange rates, agreed to follow a single monetary policy entrusted to the European Central Bank, and launched their new common currency on world financial markets.