In order to join the euro area, EU member states are required to fulfil so-called 'convergence criteria'.
These binding economic and legal conditions were agreed in the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 and are also known as 'Maastricht criteria'. All EU Member States, except Denmark, are required to adopt the euro and join the euro area, once they are ready to fulfil them.
The Treaty does not specify a particular timetable for joining the euro area, but leaves it to member states to develop their own strategies for meeting the condition for euro adoption.
TheEuropean Commissionand the European Central Bank jointly decide whether the conditions are met for euro area candidate countries to adopt the euro. After assessing the progress made against theconvergence criteria, the two bodies publish their conclusions in respectivereports. These are further ratified by theECOFIN Councilin consultation with theParliamentand Heads of State. If favourable, theadoption processcan begin.
FAQs
You can use the euro in 20 EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.
Which EU countries don't use euro? ›
Seven countries (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Sweden) are EU members but do not use the euro. Before joining the eurozone, a state must spend at least two years in the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II).
Why would a country not use the euro if they are a member of the European Union for example United Kingdom? ›
They're allowed to do so because they are not a part of the eurozone. If they were to enter the eurozone, the monetary policies would change, which would result in the loss of their economic independence.
What are the 27 countries in the EU? ›
EU countries
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
How many countries still use the euro? ›
Currently, the euro (€) is the official currency of 20 out of 27 EU member countries which together constitute the Eurozone, officially called the euro area.
How many countries are in the EU? ›
The European Union is a group of 27 countries in Europe. to make things better, easier and safer for people. They agreed to work together and help each other.
Why is Switzerland not in the EU? ›
However, after a Swiss referendum held on 6 December 1992 rejected EEA membership by 50.3% to 49.7%, the Swiss government decided to suspend negotiations for EU membership until further notice. These did not resume and in 2016, Switzerland formally withdrew its application for EU membership.
Why is Norway not in the EU? ›
A major issue for Norway is its fishing resources, which are a significant part of the national economy and which would come under the Common Fisheries Policy if Norway were to accede to the EU. Norway has high GNP per capita and would have to pay a high membership fee.
Why is Denmark not using the euro? ›
Denmark joined the European Union in 1973. It has negotiated an opt-out from the euro and is thus not obliged to introduce it.
Which countries are not in the EU? ›
European Countries (NON-EU)
- Albania. See Entry Requirements for Albania. ...
- Azerbaijan. See Entry Requirements for Azerbaijan. ...
- Georgia. See Entry Requirements for Georgia. ...
- Liechtenstein. See Entry Requirements for Liechtenstein. ...
- Montenegro. See Entry Requirements for Montenegro. ...
- Serbia. See entry requirements for Serbia. ...
- Turkey.
While most EU countries adopted the Euro, Denmark negotiated an opt-out clause because of several factors, which include public concerns and other economic considerations. As a result, the Danish Krone remains the official currency of Denmark.
Why is Poland not using the euro? ›
Despite the Polish government under Prime Minister Donald Tusk having favoured euro adoption in 2012, it however did not have the required two-thirds majority in the Sejm to amend the constitution to make it legally compatible with euro adoption, due to the opposition of the Law and Justice Party to the euro.
Why is Turkey not in the EU? ›
Turkey borders two EU member states: Bulgaria and Greece. Turkey has been an applicant to accede to the EU since 1987, but since 2016 accession negotiations have stalled. The EU has criticised Turkey for human rights violations and deficits in rule of law.
What is the best European country to live in? ›
Switzerland has the highest overall life satisfaction in 2022. With a mean country score of 8.0, Switzerland had the highest self-reported overall life satisfaction in 2022 (out of countries with available data), followed by Austria and Finland (both at 7.9).
How many countries have left the EU? ›
Following a referendum held on 23 June 2016, Brexit officially took place at 23:00 GMT on 31 January 2020 (00:00 1 February 2020 CET). The UK is the only sovereign country to have withdrawn from the EU. The UK had been a member state of the EU or its predecessor, the European Communities (EC), since 1 January 1973.
Can you use Euros in England? ›
While you can get away with just having the Euro on hand for much of Western Europe, if you're planning to visit the United Kingdom (UK) or Switzerland during your travels (and often many group tours and cruise itineraries will stop off in these locations!), you'll need to also take with you some Great British Pounds ( ...
Why does Poland not use the euro? ›
Despite the Polish government under Prime Minister Donald Tusk having favoured euro adoption in 2012, it however did not have the required two-thirds majority in the Sejm to amend the constitution to make it legally compatible with euro adoption, due to the opposition of the Law and Justice Party to the euro.
Why does Denmark not use the euro? ›
Denmark joined the European Union in 1973. It has negotiated an opt-out from the euro and is thus not obliged to introduce it.
Why does Sweden not use the euro? ›
2003 referendum
A referendum held in September 2003 saw 55.9 percent vote against membership of the eurozone. As a consequence, Sweden decided in 2003 not to adopt the euro for the time being. If they had voted in favour, Sweden would have adopted the euro on 1 January 2006.