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The euro & you
What are the advantages of the euro for citizens?
When travelling in the euro area
You only have to change money once; one currency is all you need now. For instance, when you visit a museum in Italy, you can pay the entrance fee using euro coins left over from your stay in Greece; you can buy a meal in France with euro banknotes you got from a cash dispenser in Spain; etc. All this will save both time and money.
When shopping in the euro area
Prices are displayed in the same currency; they are easier to compare and help you make the right choice.
When doing business with the euro area
There is no longer any risk of fluctuation between currencies. Interest and inflation rates are much lower. You buy, sell and borrow within a larger and more competitive market. Managing your business is easier and less expensive.
Advantages for Europe's international role
Having a single currency and an economic and monetary union strengthens Europe’s role in international fora and organisations like the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
As a world currency, the euro is taking on an important role as an international investment and reserve currency.
The euro has already become a major currency in which to borrow money: issues of international securities denominated in euro now rival dollar issues.
Use of the euro in international trade is also expanding, reflecting Europe’s weight in the world economy.
A single currency makes Europe a strong partner to trade with and facilitates access to a genuine single market for foreign companies, who will benefit from lower costs of doing business in Europe.
The option of pricing goods and commodities in euro (such as oil and metals for example) will become more attractive over time.
Advantages for investors, who have access to larger and more liquid financial markets.
this page updated
June 2, 2009
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