Currencies of Europe: which EU countries have their own currency

Europe is a continent of diversity, not only in terms of cultures and languages, but also currencies. While the euro is the main currency of the European Union, not all member countries have adopted it. For example, Poland uses the złoty, Hungary uses the forint, and the Czech Republic uses the koruna.

Understanding Europe's currency landscape is important not only for travelers planning a trip across the continent, but also for businessmen, investors, and anyone interested in the region's economy. Knowing which currency is used in each country can help budget for your trip, understand the financial peculiarities of each state, and avoid inconveniences when exchanging money.

In this article, we will explore which European Union countries use the euro and which have retained their own currency. We will also discuss the history of the euro, its advantages and disadvantages, and how currency policy affects Europe's economy.

Brief history of the euro and its purpose for the EU

The idea of a single European currency emerged in the mid-20th century, but it was only in 1992, with the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, that the creation of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) was officially initiated. The euro was introduced as a non-cash currency in 1999, with banknotes and coins entering circulation in 2002.

Purpose of the euro for the EU:

1. Simplification of trade and economic integration. The euro eliminated the need to exchange currencies between eurozone countries, reducing transaction costs and promoting trade and investment.

2. Increased price transparency. With the euro, it became easier to compare prices for goods and services across different countries, promoting competition and lowering prices for consumers.

3. Price stability and low inflation. The European Central Bank (ECB) is responsible for maintaining price stability in the eurozone, ensuring low inflation and economic stability.

4. Strengthening Europe's position on the world stage. The euro became the second most important reserve currency in the world after the US dollar, strengthening Europe's position in the global economy.

The introduction of the euro brought many benefits to eurozone countries that would not have been possible if Europe's currencies had remained separate. Among the advantages are simplified trade, price stability, and strengthening Europe's position in the global economy. However, some countries faced challenges in adapting to the single currency policy, especially during economic crises.

Currencies of Europe: Euro and beyond

While the euro dominates in the European Union, national currencies in Europe continue to play an important role in the life of countries that have retained them. They are not only a means of payment but also a symbol of national identity, history, and culture.

Why some EU countries have not adopted the euro?

The decision to join the eurozone is complex and depends on many factors, including economic stability, inflation rate, national debt, and political will. Some countries, such as Sweden and Denmark, have the right to opt out of the euro, while others (such as Poland and Hungary) do not yet meet the convergence criteria.

Challenges of maintaining a national currency:

• The need to exchange currencies can lead to additional costs and inconveniences for businesses and tourists.

• Exchange rates can be volatile, creating risks for businesses and investors.

• Countries outside the eurozone have limited influence on the formation of European currency policy.

Eurozone and Euro

The Eurozone is an economic and monetary union of 20 member countries of the European Union that have adopted the euro (€) as their official currency and sole legal tender. These countries have agreed to a common monetary policy conducted by the European Central Bank (ECB).

Which countries use the euro?

As of 2024, the euro (€) is the official currency of 20 European Union member countries that together form the Eurozone:

1. Austria

2. Belgium

3. Cyprus

4. Estonia

5. Finland

6. France

7. Germany

8. Greece

9. Ireland

10. Italy

11. Latvia

12. Lithuania

13. Luxembourg

14. Malta

15. Netherlands

16. Portugal

17. Slovakia

18. Slovenia

19. Spain

20. Croatia (since January 1, 2023)

Additionally, the euro is also used as the currency in countries outside the EU, such as:

• Andorra

• Monaco

• San Marino

• Vatican City

Features of the Eurozone

The Eurozone is not just a group of countries using one currency. It is a unique economic and monetary union with its own features:

1. Single currency. The euro (€) is the sole legal tender in all Eurozone countries.

2. Common monetary policy. The European Central Bank (ECB) is responsible for conducting a single monetary policy for all Eurozone countries, setting interest rates, and controlling the money supply.

3. Economic integration. The Eurozone promotes economic integration among member countries, facilitating trade, investment, and labor mobility.

4. Financial stability. The ECB aims to ensure financial stability in the Eurozone, preventing inflation and maintaining price stability.

Advantages and disadvantages of using a common currency in Eurozone countries

A common currency, such as the euro, is a powerful tool for economic integration, but its introduction and use are associated with both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of using a common currency:

1. Simplification of trade and transactions. The absence of the need to exchange currency reduces transaction costs and facilitates trade between countries using the common currency.

2. Reduction of exchange rate risks. A fixed exchange rate between currencies of countries using a common currency eliminates exchange rate risks for businesses and investors.

3. Increased price transparency. A common currency allows for easy comparison of prices for goods and services across different countries, promoting competition and lowering prices for consumers.

4. Strengthening of economic integration. A common currency promotes economic integration among countries, facilitating the movement of capital, labor, and technology.

5. Strengthening of political cooperation. The introduction of a common currency is often accompanied by enhanced political cooperation among countries.

Disadvantages of using a common currency:

• Loss of monetary sovereignty. Countries adopting a common currency lose the ability to conduct independent monetary policy, such as setting interest rates or regulating the exchange rate.

• Different economic conditions. Countries using a common currency may have different economic conditions and levels of development, making it difficult to conduct a single monetary policy that meets the needs of all countries.

• Risk of asymmetric shocks. Asymmetric shocks are economic disruptions that affect different countries differently. In the case of an asymmetric shock, the country hardest hit may face difficulties in recovering its economy, as it cannot use monetary policy to stimulate growth.

• High transition costs. Transitioning to a common currency is a costly and complex process that requires significant investment in financial infrastructure and adaptation of businesses to the new currency.

Currencies of EU Countries with Their Own National Currencies

There are 8 countries in the European Union that have retained their national currencies and are not part of the Eurozone:

• Bulgaria – Bulgarian Lev (BGN).

• Czech Republic – Czech Koruna (CZK).

• Denmark – Danish Krone (DKK).

• Hungary – Hungarian Forint (HUF).

• Poland – Polish Zloty (PLN).

• Romania – Romanian Leu (RON).

• Sweden – Swedish Krona (SEK).

• Croatia – Kuna (HRK) - until January 1, 2023.

Why have these countries not adopted the euro?

The reasons vary for each country, but the main ones include:

• Some countries believe that their economy is not yet ready to transition to the euro, as they do not meet the convergence criteria (such as inflation rate, government debt).

• In some countries, there is political resistance to giving up the national currency, which is seen as a symbol of sovereignty and national identity.

• Some countries, such as Denmark, have the right to opt-out of the euro under the terms of their EU accession.

Most of these countries intend to join the Eurozone in the future, but specific timelines have not yet been determined. The accession process requires meeting certain economic criteria and implementing relevant reforms.

Europe is a continent with a rich history and diverse cultures, reflected in its currency landscape. While the euro is the dominant currency, national currencies continue to play an important role for many EU countries, reflecting their identity and economic peculiarities.

The adoption of the euro has brought numerous benefits, such as simplified trade, price stability, and strengthening Europe's position on the world stage. However, this does not mean that abandoning the national currency is the only right path for all countries. Each state must consider its unique economic, political, and social circumstances when deciding to join the Eurozone.

In the future, we can expect both further expansion of the Eurozone and the preservation of national currencies in some countries. It is important that this decision is made consciously and responsibly, taking into account the interests of all stakeholders.