On 1 January 1999, 11 countries of the European Union (EU) fixed their exchange rates, adopted a shared monetary policy under the European Central Bank and launched a new common currency: the euro. It was initially an electronic currency used by financial markets and for cashless payments. Three years later, euro banknotes and coins entered into circulation.

Today, the euro is the currency of 19 EU countries and over 340 million Europeans. It is one of the most important currencies in the world.

Euro banknotes and coins are tangible, everyday reminders of the freedom, convenience and opportunities that the EU makes possible.