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The Euro - Currency for Europe

by Dr. Werner Becker, David Gregosz

Striking A Balance Of The Single Currency

The Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) lies at the heart of European integration.The EMU, with the euro as the single currency for 11 EU nations, waslaunched in 1999. The introduction of the euro then followed on in two stages.

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First of all, the new European currency was established within the financial

markets and monetary policy in non-physical form, so Europe can celebrate the

euro’s 13th birthday at the start of 2012. However, if we trace the birth of the

euro back to 2002, when it was first introduced in physical form, then we have

only reached its 10th anniversary. The euro only became a tangible part of the

lives of European citizens once the coins and notes were introduced. For politics

and business, on the other hand, the start date of 1999 was critical in making

the right preparations for the major project of European integration.

The euro’s short history can be broken down into two stages: a ten-year period

of plain sailing up to 2009, followed by a stormy period when it faced great

challenges and dangers and an uncertain future. At the time of its 10th birthday

at the beginning of 2009, the euro was widely acclaimed a success 2, but

since the eruption of the sovereign debt crisis in early 2010, the dark clouds

have been gathering over many eurozone countries. When assessing the state

of the still-youthful euro, it is necessary to take into account not only the positive

developments but also its disappointments and serious shortcomings.

Firstly, the previous situation of the euro will be analysed using certain criteria.

Then the debt crisis situation will be investigated and the policy decisions made

to deal with it in 2011 will be evaluated, along with the future structure of the

EMU. Finally, future opportunities and risks will be examined in light of the debt

crisis.

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Contact

David Gregosz

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Director KAS office Poland

David.Gregosz@kas.de +48 22 845-9330
Facts and Findings
August 18, 2011
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