The euro, a shared currency
With the same notes, you can buy an ice cream in Paris, Rome or Lisbon. That is the euro, the currency of 21 EU countries.
Since 2002
Euro notes and coins arrived in people’s wallets on 1 January 2002.
Source : ecb.europa.eu21 EU countries
21 of the 27 EU countries use the euro. The latest to join was Bulgaria, in 2026. 6 small countries or territories outside the euro area use it too.
Source : ecb.europa.euOne side for each country
Notes are the same everywhere. Coins have one common side and one side chosen by each country. All of them can be used anywhere in the euro area.
Source : ecb.europa.eu
Little quiz
Question 1 of 3
Since when have we had euro coins?
Since 1 January 2002.
Question 2 of 3
Can a German coin be spent in France?
Yes, every euro coin works across the whole euro area.
Question 3 of 3
Do all EU countries use the euro?
Only 21 out of 27.