Euro

Euro The euro (symbol: &euro;; banking code: EUR) is the official currency of the European Union and single currency for several hundred million Europeans.

The euro was introduced to world financial markets in 1999 and launched as a currency in 2002. The euro is strongly advancing both economic and political integration among the participating EU member states. All EU member states are eligible to join if they comply to certain monetary requirements.

Information
The euro is divided into 100 Cent (currency)|cents. In each language, the form "cent" is officially required to be used in legislation in both the singular and in the plural, though in English (and French) the natural plural cents is recommended for use in material aimed at the general public.

All euro coins (including the €2 commemorative coins) have a common side showing the denomination (value) and a national side showing an image specifically chosen by the country that issued the coin ; the monarchies often have a picture of their reigning monarch, other countries usually have their national symbols. All coins can be used in all member states: for example, a euro coin bearing the image of Juan Carlos I of Spain is legal tender not only in Spain, but also in all other member states where the euro is in use. There are €2, €1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c coins.

All euro banknotes have a common design for each denomination on both sides. Notes are issued in the following values: €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10, €5. Some of the higher denominations are not issued in a few countries, though again, are legal tender.