Search Options
Home Media Explainers Research & Publications Statistics Monetary Policy The €uro Payments & Markets Careers
Suggestions
Sort by

Everyone needs stability

Stability is our thing

Do you think about the European Central Bank (ECB) when you buy groceries, save up for a concert ticket or open a bank account? Probably not. Nor do you need to. At the ECB we work for you behind the scenes, so you can focus on the important things in your life.

So, what do we do for you? Our main job is to stabilise prices in the euro area. If that sounds a bit abstract, we hope this information campaign will show you what it means in practice. In essence, we make it easier for you to plan ahead, save and invest in your future.

Read more about how our work affects you Check out our Instagram page and learn more

Introducing the ECB

We’re the central bank for the 20 countries that use the euro. Our main task is to stabilise prices, which helps to ensure that your money keeps its value and the economy around you grows. That’s one way that we provide stability. Watch this video to find out about others:

Safeguarding the value of your hard-earned money

When you pay for a coffee, you can be sure that your €10 note or electronic payment will be accepted. The cafe owner’s daily takings, including your payment, will be safe in a euro area bank account. And when the owner transfers wages to her staff, the money will move seamlessly.

Have you ever taken a close look at the money in your pocket?

We are also responsible for euro banknotes, which are full of security features. But the euro is far more than just a safe way to pay. As our common currency, it makes it easier to travel, study or work abroad. It brings us together and connects people across Europe.

Europeans working for Europe – working for you!

The ECB’s staff come from all over Europe and are proud to serve the 346 million Europeans who use the euro every day. Working closely with your country’s central bank, we strive to provide financial stability for the citizens of Europe – people like you and us.

Curious to learn more?

If you’re interested in finding out more about our work and how it affects your daily life, here are some good places to start:

What the ECB does and what it means for you

Let’s look at ten ways in which our work benefits you.

Read more about our work
The ECB and the Eurosystem explained in three minutes

Watch this three-minute video for an overview of everything we do for you.

Watch the video
Would you like to learn even more?

Find our explainers here and test your knowledge in our quizzes.

Check out our resources

All pages in this section