The euro

The euro is the most tangible element of European integration.

Launched in 1999 as an account currency, the euro started circulating as banknotes and coins on 1 January 2002.

Today, it is the official currency of 21 EU countries, which together form the euro area.

EU countries in the euro area

The euro is the official currency of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.

Bulgaria is the latest country to have joined the euro area, introducing the common currency on 1 January 2026.

Hover over the map to see when each euro area member state introduced the euro.

Text version

When each euro area member states introduced the euro:

Austria in 1999

Belgium in 1999

Bulgaria in 2026

Croatia in 2023

Cyprus in 2008

Estonia in 2011

Finland in 1999

France in 1999

Germany in 1999

Greece in 2001

Ireland in 1999

Italy in 1999

Latvia in 2014

Lithuania in 2015

Luxembourg in 1999

Malta in 2008

Netherlands in1999

Portugal in 1999

Slovakia in 2009

Slovenia in 2007

Spain in 1999

How EU countries join the euro area

To join the euro area, a country must meet certain conditions, known as the ‘Maastricht convergence criteria’. These economic and legal requirements were established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 to ensure that member states are prepared to adopt the euro and function smoothly in the euro area.

Economic requirements

Low inflation

The inflation rate must not be more than 1.5 percentage points above the rate of the three best-performing member states.

Stable exchange rates

The country must have participated in the exchange rate mechanism for at least two years without strong deviations.

Sustainable public finances

The country should not be subject to the excessive deficit procedure.

Sustainable interest rate

The long-term interest rate should not be more than two percentage points above the rate of the three best-performing member states in terms of price stability.

Who decides on euro introduction?

The Council of the EU decides whether a country can introduce the euro. The decision is based on:

a Commission proposal
a recommendation from the euro area member states
a consultation of the European Parliament
a European Council discussion

The euro in the world

The euro is the second most used currency worldwide, with its influence extending far beyond the EU’s borders. Many countries and territories around the world have directly or indirectly pegged their currency to the euro.

The international role of the euro

Digital euro

In an increasingly digital world, the EU is looking into the possible launch of a 'digital euro' to futureproof the common currency, enabling it to respond to changing payment method preferences and to strengthen Europe’s autonomy and resilience.

A digital euro would be a digital form of central bank money, issued by the European Central Bank.

The digital euro would complement cash, not replace it, providing a secure, easy-to-use and cheap way for people to make digital payments across the euro area.