The document summarizes the road to the euro, the introduction and adoption of the euro as a common currency for European countries, and the impacts of establishing the euro. Key events included establishing the European Monetary Union and European Central Bank in 1998. The euro was introduced in 1999 and replaced national currencies by 2002. It increased trade and investment within the eurozone while reducing exchange rate risks and interest rates. However, Greece's debt crisis from 2008-2010 exposed weaknesses in the eurozone.

7. Officially adopted 16.Dec.1995 Official user Eurozone (16 countries) Ranking 2 nd largest reserve currency Nickname The single currency Pegged by 11 currencies Central bank European Central bank Inflation 1.5%, March 2010

15. Headquarters Frankfurt, Germany Established 1 June 1998 President Jean-Claude Trichet Central bank of Eurozone Currency Euro Reserves € 526bn in total Preceded by 16 national banks