The euro at ten. Growing up

The euro was launched with great expectations in 1999 and is a success story today. This is based on a high degree of price stability, the stimulation of trade and investment in Europe, good progress in financial market integration, and a growing international role played by the euro. But there have been disappointments, too, especially as far as growth and EMU enlargement are concerned. The monetary union faces major challenges as it enters its second decade. The distortion of competitive positions within EMU needs to be corrected. And the reformed stability pact still has to stand the test in conditions of weak growth.