Celebrating 20 Years of the Euro, and Record Lows for Counterfeiting

On 1 January 1999, 11 EU countries fixed their exchange rates, adopted a shared monetary policy under the European Central Bank, and launched their new common currency. The euro was born as an electronic currency.

Three years later, and with the addition of one country, euro banknotes and coins were introduced in 12 countries, providing the combined population of 309 million people with a visible and tangible symbol of European integration.

Today, the euro is the currency of 19 EU countries and over 340 million Europeans, and the second most important currency in the world (after the US dollar). A further two countries (Croatia and Bulgaria) will join in the next couple of years. In addition, the euro is the official currency of a further three countries, and the unofficial currency of several more.