The euro is the official currency for 20 member states of the European Union. These countries are collectively known as the Eurozone or euro area, and using euro money simplifies travel and trade within these borders. Let’s explore the countries that have adopted the euro and where you can use this currency.
The following 20 EU countries currently use the euro (€) as their official currency:
- Austria: A major economy in Central Europe, Austria adopted the euro in 1999.
- Belgium: As a founding member of the EU, Belgium was an early adopter of the euro.
- Croatia: The most recent country to join the Eurozone, Croatia adopted the euro on 1 January 2023.
- Cyprus: An island nation in the Mediterranean, Cyprus uses the euro as its currency.
- Estonia: This Baltic state adopted the euro in 2011, strengthening its ties with the European economy.
- Finland: Located in Northern Europe, Finland is part of the Eurozone.
- France: One of the largest economies in the Eurozone, France is a key player in the euro system.
- Germany: Europe’s largest economy, Germany is central to the stability and influence of the euro.
- Greece: Located in Southern Europe, Greece is part of the Eurozone.
- Ireland: An island nation in Western Europe, Ireland uses the euro.
- Italy: A major European economy, Italy is a significant member of the Eurozone.
- Latvia: Another Baltic country, Latvia adopted the euro in 2014.
- Lithuania: Completing the Baltic states in the Eurozone, Lithuania adopted the euro in 2015.
- Luxembourg: A small but financially significant country, Luxembourg is a Eurozone member.
- Malta: An island nation in the Mediterranean, Malta uses the euro.
- Netherlands: A country in Western Europe, the Netherlands is part of the Eurozone.
- Portugal: Located on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal uses the euro.
- Slovakia: This Central European country adopted the euro in 2009.
- Slovenia: Slovenia, in Southern Central Europe, is also a Eurozone country.
- Spain: A large economy in Western Europe, Spain is a key member of the Eurozone.
Beyond these EU member states, the euro is also used in several other territories and countries. This includes overseas territories of Eurozone countries, such as:
- The Azores and Madeira (Portugal)
- The Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla (Spain)
- French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, Saint Barthélemy, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France)
Furthermore, some European microstates have formal agreements to use the euro:
- Andorra
- Monaco
- San Marino
- Vatican City
In addition to formal adoption, the euro is used as a de facto currency in:
- Kosovo
- Montenegro
When traveling to any of these countries and territories, using euro money can simplify your transactions. Within the Eurozone, cross-border payments are treated similarly to domestic payments, making it convenient for both residents and visitors. For the latest exchange rates and more detailed information about the euro, you can refer to resources from the European Central Bank and the European Union.
