Euro Guides

Blueprint for a deep and genuine Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) by EUbusiness — last modified 29 November 2012, 00:15 CET

The European Commission adopted on 28 November a Blueprint for a deep and genuine Economic and Monetary Union, which provides a vision for a strong and stable architecture in the financial, fiscal, economic and political domains.

Cross border credit transfers within the EU by Ina Dimireva — last modified 04 December 2009, 14:22 CET

This Directive establishes minimum information and performance requirements for cross-border credit transfers so as to ensure that funds can be transferred throughout the European Union (EU) rapidly, reliably and inexpensively.

European Commission excessive deficit reports - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 07 October 2009, 12:08 CET

Today the European Commission adopted reports under the corrective arm of the Stability and Growth Pact for Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Portugal.

DG Economic and Financial Affairs Contacts - European Commission by Ina Dimireva — last modified 02 October 2009, 21:26 CET

The European Commission's Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN) strives to improve the economic wellbeing of the citizens of the European Union by developing and promoting policies that lead to sustainable economic growth, a high level of employment, stable public finances and financial stability.

Financing Programmes for SMEs by Ina Dimireva — last modified 02 October 2009, 21:30 CET

The European Commission's DG ECFIN oversees programmes which provide access to finance for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The day-to-day management of these activities is handled by major International Financial Institutions (IFIs).

The Euro and International Financial Markets by Ina Dimireva — last modified 02 October 2009, 21:31 CET

The euro is a key global currency which has an important role in international financial markets. It is used widely by third-country governments and private actors worldwide as a currency of choice for their reserves, their borrowing and for trade.

The Euro - Business Benefits by Ina Dimireva — last modified 02 October 2009, 21:35 CET

In addition to cutting costs and risk, the European Union's single currency benefits business by encouraging investments and bringing more certainty to business planning – thus allowing businesses to be more effective overall.

The Euro and Economic and Monetary Union by Ina Dimireva — last modified 02 October 2009, 21:51 CET

All EU Member States form part of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), which can be described as an advanced stage of economic integration based on a single market. It involves close co-ordination of economic and fiscal policies and, for those countries fulfilling certain conditions, a single monetary policy and a single currency – the euro.

Single Euro Payments Area - new EC plans - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 10 September 2009, 18:22 CET

The European Commission has adopted a Communication on Completing SEPA: a Roadmap for 2009-2012 in response to the Communication on 'Driving European recovery'. The Single Euro Payment Area, or SEPA, is an initiative of the European banking sector and aims at creating an integrated market for electronic payment services in euros, with harmonised sets of business rules and technical standards. With these new European payments, consumers, companies, merchants and public administrations will be able to make payments under the same conditions throughout Europe as easily as within their own country. The Communication provides a framework for action within six priority areas where greater involvement of all relevant actors is required in order to achieve the full implementation of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA).

Cross-border euro payments - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 16 October 2008, 00:39 CET

The European Commission has put forward a proposal modifying the provisions and extending the scope of the 2001 Regulation on cross-border euro payments, under which cross-border bank transfers in euro within the EU cost the same as domestic transfers. The proposal comes in response to the rapid evolution of the EU payments market. It aims at extending the principle of equality of charges to direct debit payments. It also contains some provisions enhancing the protection of consumer interests and rights and alleviating the statistical reporting burden.

EMU and the euro - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 07 May 2008, 16:50 CET

The euro is a resounding success, says the European Commission today. The protection provided by an international currency with a market of nearly 320 million people, supported by sound public finances and stable macroeconomic policies, is particularly welcome in these times of uncertainty and worrying increases in the prices of energy and food. But as we complete 10 years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), the Commission says we must acknowledge that there is still work to be done. The euro area’s governance and coordination of economic policies must be improved. This will involve both deepening and broadening economic surveillance arrangements to guide fiscal policy over the cycle and in the long term and, at the same time, address divergences in growth, inflation and competitiveness. We also need to better project our voice in the global arena, to reflect the euro’s weight as an international currency used well beyond its borders. Only then will the benefits of the single currency become fully apparent to the citizens of the euro area.

EMU and the euro - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 28 December 2011, 13:02 CET

The euro is a resounding success, says the European Commission today. The protection provided by an international currency with a market of nearly 320 million people, supported by sound public finances and stable macroeconomic policies, is particularly welcome in these times of uncertainty and worrying increases in the prices of energy and food. But as we complete 10 years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), the Commission says we must acknowledge that there is still work to be done. The euro area’s governance and coordination of economic policies must be improved. This will involve both deepening and broadening economic surveillance arrangements to guide fiscal policy over the cycle and in the long term and, at the same time, address divergences in growth, inflation and competitiveness. We also need to better project our voice in the global arena, to reflect the euro’s weight as an international currency used well beyond its borders. Only then will the benefits of the single currency become fully apparent to the citizens of the euro area.

The United Kingdom and the euro by EUbusiness — last modified 04 February 2008, 01:05 CET

The United Kingdom joined the European Union in 1973. It has negotiated an 'opt-out' from the euro and is thus not obliged to introduce it.

Sweden and the euro by EUbusiness — last modified 04 February 2008, 01:02 CET

Sweden joined the European Union in 1995 and has not yet adopted the euro, but in accordance with the Treaty it will do so once it meets the necessary conditions.

Finland and the euro by EUbusiness — last modified 04 February 2008, 00:54 CET

Finland joined the European Union in 1995 and was one of the first-wave EU countries to adopt the euro on 1 January 1999.

Slovakia and the euro by EUbusiness — last modified 04 February 2008, 00:49 CET

Slovakia joined the European Union in 2004 and has aspirations to adopt the euro in 2009.

Slovenia and the euro by EUbusiness — last modified 04 February 2008, 00:46 CET

Slovenia joined the European Union in 2004 and, on 1 January 2007, became the first of the new EU countries to adopt the euro.

Romania and the euro by EUbusiness — last modified 04 February 2008, 00:41 CET

Romania joined the European Union on 1 January 2007 and has committed to adopt the euro once it fulfils the necessary conditions.

Portugal and the euro by EUbusiness — last modified 04 February 2008, 00:37 CET

Portugal joined the European Union in 1986 and was one of the first-wave EU countries to adopt the euro on 1 January 1999.

Poland and the euro by EUbusiness — last modified 04 February 2008, 00:32 CET

Poland joined the European Union in 2004 and is currently preparing to adopt the euro.