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 ministers strike shaky compromise on eurozone budget
EU finance ministers have agreed on the broad outlines of a eurozone budget, a key reform pushed by Paris that was scaled back amid deep resistance from the Netherlands
EU states adopt ‘panda bonds’ in Chinese outreach
EU members states are strengthening ties with China by issuing "panda bonds" that are helping Beijing raise its profile on international financial markets
Eurozone unemployment stable at 7.8 per cent in January
The unemployment rate in the eurozone held steady for January, according to data released by the European Union's statistics agency.
Eurozone unemployment stable at 7.9 per cent in December
According to data released by the European Union's statistics agency, the unemployment rate in the eurozone remained steady at 7.9 per cent in December.
Eurozone inflation drops to 1.9 per cent in November
Eurozone consumer price inflation in November eased more than initially estimated.
ECB holds interest rates at historic low
The European Central Bank leaves its benchmark refinancing rate on hold at a historic low amid global tensions.