What countries use the euro?
The euro is the official currency of 21 European Union countries, known as the eurozone. Bulgaria became the 21st member on January 1, 2026.
The eurozone countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. Croatia joined in 2023, and Bulgaria in 2026.
The euro was introduced in 1999 for electronic payments and in 2002 as cash. It is managed by the European Central Bank in Frankfurt. Some non-EU places also use it, including Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City and Andorra by agreement, and Kosovo and Montenegro without formal agreement.
EU members without the euro
Several EU countries still use their own currencies, including Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Czechia, Hungary and Romania. Denmark has an official exemption. Others are expected to join eventually but must first meet economic conditions.
Did You Know?
Euro coins have a common European side and a national side, so coins minted in different countries have different designs but can be used across the eurozone.