The Global Role of the Euro, Frankfurt am Main - Hoofdinhoud

The euro, as both competitor and collaborator to the dollar, plays an important role in the global market. The common currency is creating the potential for a bipolar international monetary system offering unprecedented challenges and opportunities to economic policy-makers.

Ten years after its establishment, the euro has been very successful as a stabilising force for the European economy. Moreover, its very existence in these times of global financial turmoil has helped to protect member countries’ economies from competitive devaluations and capital flight.

It has emerged as the second international currency and keeps gaining influence in areas contiguous to the borders of the euro area. Its global role is likely to become stronger. While other regions around the world are more and more often considering alternatives to the dollar, euro usage will continue to increase steadily in trade invoicing, financial investment, and reserve holdings.

The global role of the euro will be the focus of a four-day seminar especially tailored to journalists coming from Canada and the United States of America.

The briefing will take place in Brussels & Frankfurt and participants will have the opportunity to meet EU officials, external experts and attend the press conference of the President of the ECB, Mr. Jean-Claude Trichet, following the Governing Council meeting of the European Central Bank in Frankfurt.