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The euro

The 10th anniversary of euro banknotes and coins

Ten years ago, on 1 January 2002, euro banknotes and coins were introduced in 12 Member States of the European Union. More

Learn, play and win with the euro

Explore the "Euro School", a new series of educational tools. It is aimed at a variety of audiences and consists of games, interactive applications, publications and an exhibition.

Euro School
Euro School events

Participate in the “Euro Run competition 2012”

Euro Exhibition

The ECB has developed an exhibition on the euro banknotes and coins and their security features. The exhibition is currently touring the EU Member States.

Various security features have been incorporated into the euro banknotes. Just feel them, look at them and tilt them to check for yourself!
Testing of banknote authentication devices
Reproduction rules for banknotes
Anti-counterfeiting
Banknote research and development – cooperation opportunities with the ECB

Growth of the euro area

11 countries made up the euro area when the euro was introduced in 1999. There are now 17 members, the newest being Estonia, Slovakia, Cyprus and Malta.