Euro (currency)

The euro (€) is the official currency used by 19 of the 27 European Union (EU) countries, known collectively as the Eurozone. Introduced in 1999, the euro was designed to facilitate trade and travel among member countries by eliminating currency exchange issues. It can be used in everyday transactions, from shopping to paying bills. The European Central Bank manages the euro, setting monetary policy to ensure price stability. Its widespread use makes it one of the world's most important currencies, second only to the US dollar in terms of global transactions.