Book Description

2008 marks the tenth anniversary of the creation of the European Central Bank (ECB) and the setting of conversion rates between the currencies of the original participating countries of the eurozone. Since then the euro has been introduced in fifteen Member States with negligible transition costs. This report examines the structure and governance of the eurozone institutions and developments in the eurozone economy in the past ten years, including the management of inflation and the impacts on trade and economic growth. The primary conclusion is that the young currency has made a positive start to its life but that, based on the experience to date, it is too soon to state what the future holds. Other conclusions include: The ECB has gained public acceptance and market credibility, has run a credible price-stabilising policy in the euro area and is performing its primary role of maintaining price stability effectively. The introduction of the euro has been a major influence on increased trade both within the eurozone and with other countries, and it has stimulated integration in parts of the capital market. The euro has become an important reserve currency, and has established itself with remarkable speed as a widely accepted transactions currency. The euro has resisted external shocks to date, and does not face any foreseeable likelihood of disintegration. None of the fears, expressed at the time of its launch, about a divisive or negative impact on European economies has been borne out. Its existence has contributed to economic development and low inflation in the eurozone.