The Euro: The First Decade

On 1 January 1999 eleven EU Member States adopted a new currency - the euro. The introduction of the euro was a remarkable feat in the history of European monetary, financial, economic and political integration. It was an event of worldwide significance. Despite much criticism and predictions that it would quickly collapse, the first decade of the euro has been a remarkable success. The euro area has now expanded to 16 members with a combined population of 326 million and contributes 16 per cent of global output. This 2010 book was the first to provide a wide-ranging strategic review of the first decade of the euro. Written by an impressive line-up of academic and professional economists, The Euro: The First Decade is an invaluable reference for scholars and policy makers who wish to know more about the successes and failures of the euro and the challenges that lie ahead.

On 1 January 1999 eleven EU Member States adopted a new currency the euro. The introduction of the euro was a remarkable feat in the history of European monetary, financial, economic and politcal integration. It was an event of worldwide significance. Despite much criticism and predictions that it would quickly collapse, the first decade of the euro has been a remarkable success. The euro area has now expanded to 16 members with a combined population of 326 million and contributes 16 percent of global output. This book is the first to provide a wide-ranging strategic review of the first decade of the euro. Written by an impressive line-up of academic and professional economists, The Euro: The First Decade is an invaluable reference for scholars and policy makers who wish to know more about the successes and failures of the euro and the challenges that lie ahead.

Marco Buti is Director-General of the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs at the European Commission.

Servaas Deroose is Director for the Macroeconomy of the Euro Area and the Union in the Directorate-General of Economic and Financial Affairs at the European Commission.

Vitor Gaspar is Acting Director-General of the Bureau of European Policy Advisers at the European Commission.

João Noiguiera Martins is an economic advisor to the Director-General of the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs at the European Commission.