Book Description

On 1 January 2001, the Euro became the official, circulating currency of twelve of the fifteen nations of the European Union, replacing such national currencies as the franc, the mark, and the lira. It becomes the currency of just over 300 million people encompassing an economic area with a GDP of USD5.2 trillion. The common currency is a pivotal step in the economic integration of participating European Union member states. A successful European common currency may also provide a challenge to the dollar as the world's reserve currency. The book presents issues and analyses related to this new and powerful currency. Contents: Preface; The Euro; The Euro Currency: How Much Could It Cost the United States?; The Euro: Implications for the United States -- Answers to Key Questions; Tracking of Business Attitudes to the Euro: The First Year After its Launch; The Impact of the Changeover to the Euro on Community Policies, Institutions and Legislation; Index.