The document summarizes information about the euro currency, including that it was launched in 1999 and adopted by 16 EU countries totaling 329 million citizens. It lists the eurozone countries and years they adopted the euro. Details are provided about euro coins and banknotes. Reasons for adopting the euro include ensuring stable economic growth and controlling inflation. Adopting the euro makes travel easier and decreases currency exchange costs for businesses. Estonia is considering adopting the euro to boost economic confidence and protect savings from currency devaluation.

1. Euro currency Liisa Kuuse Sanne Rüütelmaa Pärnu 2010

2. What is euro? Europe’s single currency shared by 16 EU countries and around 329 million citizens world’s most important currencies the euro was launched on 1 January 1999 Before a Member State can adopt the euro, it must fulfil certain economic and legal criteria.

3. Which countries have adopted the euro and when? 1999 - Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Finland 2001 - Greece 2007 - Slovenia 2008 - Cyprus, Malta 2009 - Slovakia

4. Coins: 1c · 2c · 5c · 10c · 20c · 50c · €1 · €2 · €2 Banknotes: €5 · €10 · €20 · €50 · €100 · €200 · €500

6. Pros Makes travelling easier A stable currency with low inflation Low interest rates A single currency increases price transparency Easier international trade Better protection from external economic shocks

7. Cons Differences across the EU in economic performance Political barriers Loss of national sovereignty Cost of Introduction Unemployment will increase Will the euro be accepted as easily as is thought?

8. Why did Europe decide to adopt the euro? to ensure stable economic growth to control price increases

9. Why should Estonia change over to the euro ? Changeover to the euro, a world currency, will have a positive effect on the confidence of the economy The euro will decrease the risk that the value of our money would decline and savings would be reduced Transition to the euro will make travelling more convenient and cut the costs of currency exchange for both private individuals and businesses

10. The endThank you!