Launching the euro

Euro notes and coins entered circulation in 12 European Union countries at midnight. The President of the European Central Bank calls the move the dawn of a new era.

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The euro is born

The euro's effect will be felt well beyond its borders

The biggest monetary changeover in history begins as the euro becomes a reality for 300 million citizens in 12 European countries. Early indications are that the huge logistical task of distributing the new currency has gone relatively smoothly, with little evidence of either counterfeiting or price rises.

 The BBC's Nick Hawton reports

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Mood of optimism sweeps the continent

The launch has been long awaited

European leaders hail the launch as a new period in European history. It marks the climax of what has been called the biggest logistical operation in post-war Europe.

 The BBC's Justin Webb reports

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Long road to euro

The European Central Bank - one of the key creations in the run up to introducing the euro

Achieving monetary union has been a long and difficult process. But it has been a political act as much as an economic one. Our Europe Affairs Analyst William Horsley has been examining how the euro came about.

 The BBC's William Horsley reports

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Victory for euro enthusiasts

France says adieu to the franc after 600 years

The euro's launch is a nightmare come true for its many opponents who still warn that Europe is not suited to a single currency. But the enthusiasts are celebrating - they have been campaigning for the new currency ever since it was agreed in the Dutch town of Maastricht 10 years ago.

 The BBC's Economics Editor Evan Davis reports

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UK still split over the new currency

Differences over the euro still rage in the UK

In Britain, pro-euro campaigners hope that the currency's launch will provide a boost to their argument that Britain should join in. But many euro sceptics say that however well or badly the currency performs, the country should stay out on a point of principle.

 The BBC's Rebecca Jones reports

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Finnish at start of euro

Finland will be amongst the first countries to adopt the euro

Finland will officially be the first to convert to Euros; as it is the easternmost country of those adopting the new currency, midnight will strike there first. The Finns are used to mixing old and new in other areas of their lives, but will they be as successful when it comes to the currency changeover?

 The BBC's Evan Davis reports from Helsinki

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Dutch go for broke

The Dutch will have just one month to adapt to the euro

Guilders will disappear from circulation by the end of January 2001 under the Netherlands' ambitious plans for conversion to the euro. It is the quickest conversion timetable for any of the 12 countries in what will become Euroland.

 The BBC's Jenny Scott reports from Amsterdam

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A look at the new money

The central bank has distributied $600bn of notes and coins to member states

In August the European Central Bank put the new money on show. The multicolour notes come in denominations from five to 500 euros. The images of bridges, windows and gateways are designed to symbolise the new links between European countries.

 The BBC's Jonathan Charles reports from Frankfurt

 Watch Wim Duisenberg's statement in full

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The logistical nightmare

The new coins weigh as much as 12 aircraft carriers

Enough Euro notes to stretch all the way from earth to the moon and back are going to be delivered - securely - to banks and businesses all over the continent by January 1st, causing a logistical headache of mammoth proportions.

 The BBC's Rebecca Walton reports

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