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
ECB’s Draghi unruffled by risks to eurozone
ECB chief Mario Draghi says the eurozone economy is strong enough to weather rising "uncertainties", sticking fast to his plan to scale back crisis-era stimulus by the end of the year.
EU unveils plans to ramp up EU border guard, strengthen asylum rules
During his annual address to the European Parliament Jean-Claude Juncker unveiled measures to strengthen the asylum system in the Union.
What has Greece received in outside support so far?
A brief overview over the European aid efforts for the Greek economy.
Greece exits third and last bailout after biting austerity
After years of stinging austerity measures, Greece emerges from its third and last bailout, although officials warn the country still has a "long way to go".
Europe, Germany forced to the sidelines in Turkish crisis
Financial and political stability in Turkey is critical to Europe. But EU leaders are finding it hard to help end an ongoing crisis in Turkey amid long-standing tensions with Ankara.
Greece gets last bailout tranche as crisis nears end
Greece has received the final 15-billion-euro payment from its eight-year bailout programme in what creditors hailed as proof that tough austerity measures were "paying off".