THE EURO AT 25

Celebrating 25 years of the euro - a tangible, everyday reminder of the freedoms and opportunities the European Union makes possible.

In 2024, the EU marked the 25^th anniversary of its single currency.

The euro was launched on 1 January 1999 as an 'invisible' currency initially, used only for accounting purposes and electronic payments.

In 2024, the EU marks the 25^th anniversary of its single currency.

The euro was launched on 1 January 1999 as an 'invisible' currency initially, used only for accounting purposes and electronic payments.

Today, the euro is far more than one of the most important currencies in the world, it is also a fundamental element of European integration and a shared part of our common European identity.

Launch of the euro

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.

A map of the EU member states, highlighting the first 12 euro countries with the placement of a euro coin on them.

A map of the EU member states, highlighting the 19 euro countries with the placement of a euro coin on them. Above the map, there is the text '340 m people'.

Launch of the euro cash

On 1 January 2002, Europeans across twelve countries - Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain - rushed to banks and ATMs to hold euro coins in their hands for the first time as the euro became the official cash currency.

It was the world’s largest ever cash changeover, marking an important milestone in European history and political and economic integration in the EU.

Overnight, 308 million people began carrying the same money in their wallets, marking an important milestone in European history and political and economic integration in the EU.

Today, the euro is the common currency of 20 EU countries. About 350 million EU citizens use it everyday.

Launch of the euro cash

It was the world’s largest ever monetary changeover, involving the banking sector, security carriers and retailers, as well as the general public.

Overnight, 308 million people began carrying the same money in their wallets, marking an important milestone in European history and political and economic integration in the EU.

Today, the euro is the common currency of 20 EU countries. About 350 million EU citizens use it every day.

Bringing benefits to a growing number of citizens and businesses

The euro is a stable and reliable currency that helps ensure sound public finances and encourage long-term planning and investments.

By eliminating currency exchange costs and lowering interest rates for EU countries, households and businesses, the euro also underpins the aim of the EU single market by making it easier and safer for us to travel across the euro area, as well as to do business, go shopping, work, study or even retire abroad.

A 1 EUR coin set against a background of dots and EU stars.

A globe showing outlines of North and South America, parts of Europe and parts of Africa against a background of dots and EU stars.

An image of a globe, partly covered by a shape symbolising a third of a circle. It is set against a background of dots and EU stars.

The benefits of the euro go beyond the euro area, and the euro plays an important role on the international stage.

The euro is the second most important currency in the world after the US dollar.

Some 60 countries and territories have directly or indirectly pegged their currency to the euro, and it accounts for close to 32% of global payments.

The benefits of the euro go beyond the euro area, and the euro plays an important role on the international stage.

The euro is the second most important currency in the world after the US dollar.

Some 60 countries and territories have directly or indirectly pegged their currency to the euro, and it accounts for close to 32% of global payments.

Future of the euro

The euro has become a symbol of stability in a rapidly changing world. It represents the EU’s dedication to peace and prosperity and shows the value of unity.

Enlargement of the euro area is an ongoing process, and more EU countries are likely to adopt the single currency eventually.

An animated compass that points different directions.

Future of the euro

The euro has become a symbol of stability in a rapidly changing world. It represents the EU’s dedication to peace and prosperity and shows the value of unity.

Enlargement of the euro area is an ongoing process, and more EU countries are likely to adopt the single currency eventually.

A stack of euro coins. Above the stack, a semi-circle of EU stars.

A stack of euro coins, the majority of which are covered by a blue filter. Above the stack, a semi-circle of EU stars.

A stack of euro coins, on which the outlines of Croatia and Bulgaria are shown. A semi-circle with EU stars is above the stack.

Popular support for the euro remains high: in the latest Eurobarometer poll of October 2023, 79% considered that the euro is generally a good thing for the EU.

... and 69% considered the euro good for their own country.

Enlargement of the euro area is an ongoing process, and more EU countries are likely to eventually adopt the single currency.

The latest country to join the euro area is Croatia, which introduced the common currency on 1 January 2023.

Bulgaria participates in an exchange rate mechanism, which is an important stage on the way to the euro zone.