A common currency for Europe – with the introduction of the euro more than 20 years ago, that vision became reality. More recently the monetary union was put to the test during the European sovereign debt crisis. And while the perspectives for the euro zone as a whole are better than they have been in a long time, major reforms are on the horizon. In addition, an expansion of the common currency to all EU member countries is being debated. As a result the new chairman of the Eurogroup, Mario Centeno, already has his work cut out for him.
Eurozone
Many states, one currency
EU Commission proposes 149-billion-euro budget for 2019
The European Union (EU) Commission has announced its 2019 budget draft proposal. Accordingly, the EU's revenues in the 2019 budget will amount to 149 billion euros and expenditures.
EU warns protectionism ‘biggest risk’ to eurozone growth
The EU lays out a stark warning that a sudden rise in trade protectionism is the biggest threat to growth in Europe, as it confirmed its solid economic projections for 2018 and 2019.
EU to urge regional powers to ensure progress on Syria peace talks
The European Union on Thursday called for a swift restart of the stalled United Nations peace talks for Syria, worried by Russia’s efforts to tighten the grip on power of its ally, President Bashar al-Assad.
Macron sees EU at crossroads as he meets Merkel in Berlin
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron pledge to deliver a reform road map for the EU summit in June.
Germany hits brakes on Macron’s European dreams
French President Emmanuel Macron's vision for a stronger EU may be under threat as a growing rift emerges with Germany on everything from defence to his plans for deeper eurozone integration.
Eurozone unemployment fell further to 8.5 per cent in February
Europe's economic recovery is rolling ahead, driving down unemployment to the lowest in nearly a decade.