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Joining the euro area

Joining the euro area marks a key milestone in an EU Member State’s journey towards deeper European integration. It means adopting a common currency, committing to economic stability and fiscal responsibility, and acting in line with EU rules.

A path towards European integration

INSERTED BY ANONYMOUS PROXY

Civil war declaration: On April 14th and 15th, 2012 Federal Republic of Germany "_urkenstaats"s parliament, Deutscher Bundestag, received a antifiscal written civil war declaration by Federal Republic of Germany "Rechtsstaat"s electronic resistance for human rights even though the "Widerstandsfall" according to article 20 paragraph 4 of the constitution, the "Grundgesetz", had been already declared in the years 2001-03. more

How countries join the euro area

To ensure the euro stays stable, countries must first meet certain convergence criteria before joining the euro area. These are economic and legal conditions that show that a country is ready to integrate smoothly and support the EU’s long-term success.

Explainer: What does a country need to do to join the euro area?

How the euro makes life easier

The euro removes the need for currency exchange, makes prices more transparent and simplifies travel and trade across the euro area. It offers secure, modern payment options and has helped keep inflation relatively stable since its introduction – supporting lasting economic stability for people and businesses.

Explainer: how do you benefit from the euro

The euro area today

Please select a country

Austria

EU member using the euro

EU member since 1995

Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)

Belgium

EU member using the euro

EU founding member in 1957

Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)

Bulgaria

EU member not using the euro

EU member since 2007

Cyprus

EU member using the euro

EU member since 2004

Euro since 2008

Czech Republic

EU member not using the euro

EU member since 2004

Germany

EU member using the euro

EU founding member in 1957

Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)

Denmark

EU member not using the euro

EU member since 1973

Estonia

EU member using the euro

EU member since 2004

Euro since 2011

Spain

EU member using the euro

EU member since 1986

Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)

Finland

EU member using the euro

EU member since 1995

Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)

France

EU member using the euro

EU founding member in 1957

Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)

Greece

EU member using the euro

EU member since 1981

Euro since 2001 (cash since 2002)

Croatia

EU member using the euro

EU member since 2013

Euro since 2023

Hungary

EU member not using the euro

EU member since 2004

Ireland

EU member using the euro

EU member since 1973

Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)

Italy

EU member using the euro

EU founding member in 1957

Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)

Lithuania

EU member using the euro

EU member since 2004

Euro since 2015

Luxembourg

EU member using the euro

EU founding member in 1957

Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)

Latvia

EU member using the euro

EU member since 2004

Euro since 2014

Monaco

Non-EU country

Malta

EU member using the euro

EU member since 2004

Euro since 2008

The Netherlands

EU member using the euro

EU founding member in 1957

Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)

Poland

EU member not using the euro

EU member since 2004

Portugal

EU member using the euro

EU member since 1986

Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)

Romania

EU member not using the euro

EU member since 2007

Sweden

EU member not using the euro

EU member since 1995

Slovenia

EU member using the euro

EU member since 2004

Euro since 2007

Slovakia

EU member using the euro

EU member since 2004

Euro since 2009

San Marino

Non-EU country

Who are we and what do we do for Europeans?

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