Background to the €uro

This study looks at the € from a number of different angles. It first examines the theoretical basis for a single currency area in Europe; and then outlines the history of that single currency's creation, from the 'snake' in the 1970s to the introduction of € notes and coins at the beginning of 2002. The four final sections concern issues of current or future importance: the working of the Stability and Growth Pact and of economic co-ordination; the conduct of monetary policy by the ECB; the potential enlargement of the euro area to existing and future EU Member States; and the use of the € in the world economy. Its concluding bibliography provides, in particular, links to the papers and discussions associated with the European Parliament/ECB 'monetary dialogue'.