Joining the euro area
Joining the euro area marks a key milestone in an EU Member State’s journey towards deeper European integration. It means adopting a common currency, committing to economic stability and fiscal responsibility, and acting in line with EU rules.
A path towards European integration
How countries join the euro area
To ensure the euro stays stable, countries must first meet certain convergence criteria before joining the euro area. These are economic and legal conditions that show that a country is ready to integrate smoothly and support the EU’s long-term success.
Explainer: What does a country need to do to join the euro area?How the euro makes life easier
The euro removes the need for currency exchange, makes prices more transparent and simplifies travel and trade across the euro area. It offers secure, modern payment options and has helped keep inflation relatively stable since its introduction – supporting lasting economic stability for people and businesses.
Explainer: how do you benefit from the euroThe euro area today
Please select a country
Austria
EU member using the euro
EU member since 1995
Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)
Belgium
EU member using the euro
EU founding member in 1957
Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)
Bulgaria
EU member using the euro
EU member since 2007
Euro since 2026
Cyprus
EU member using the euro
EU member since 2004
Euro since 2008
Czech Republic
EU member not using the euro
EU member since 2004
Germany
EU member using the euro
EU founding member in 1957
Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)
Denmark
EU member not using the euro
EU member since 1973
Estonia
EU member using the euro
EU member since 2004
Euro since 2011
Spain
EU member using the euro
EU member since 1986
Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)
Finland
EU member using the euro
EU member since 1995
Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)
France
EU member using the euro
EU founding member in 1957
Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)
Greece
EU member using the euro
EU member since 1981
Euro since 2001 (cash since 2002)
Croatia
EU member using the euro
EU member since 2013
Euro since 2023
Hungary
EU member not using the euro
EU member since 2004
Ireland
EU member using the euro
EU member since 1973
Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)
Italy
EU member using the euro
EU founding member in 1957
Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)
Lithuania
EU member using the euro
EU member since 2004
Euro since 2015
Luxembourg
EU member using the euro
EU founding member in 1957
Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)
Latvia
EU member using the euro
EU member since 2004
Euro since 2014
Monaco
Non-EU country
Malta
EU member using the euro
EU member since 2004
Euro since 2008
The Netherlands
EU member using the euro
EU founding member in 1957
Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)
Poland
EU member not using the euro
EU member since 2004
Portugal
EU member using the euro
EU member since 1986
Euro since 1999 (cash since 2002)
Romania
EU member not using the euro
EU member since 2007
Sweden
EU member not using the euro
EU member since 1995
Slovenia
EU member using the euro
EU member since 2004
Euro since 2007
Slovakia
EU member using the euro
EU member since 2004
Euro since 2009