EURO - COMMON CURRENCY OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

Završni rad na temu "Euro - zajednička valuta Europske unije" istražuje što je euro i zašto je važan kao valuta unutar Europske unije (EU), ali i globalno. Euro je službena valuta 19 od 27 članica EU, te se koristi u svakodnevnom poslovanju i trgovini diljem eurozone. Rad pobliže pojašnjava kriterije koje članice EU moraju ispuniti kako bi postale dio Ekonomske i monetarne Unije (EMU), koja obuhvaća upotrebu eura kao zajedničke valute. Ovi kriteriji uključuju stabilnost cijena, održivost javnih financija, tečajnu stabilnost i nisku inflaciju. Analiziraju se prednosti i nedostatci ulaska članica EU u EMU. Prednosti uključuju olakšano poslovanje, smanjenje rizika deviznih fluktuacija, te veću konkurencijsku prednost na globalnom tržištu. S druge strane, nedostatci uključuju gubitak monetarne suverenosti i ograničenu mogućnost prilagodbe na ekonomske šokove. Trenutno, 19 od 27 članica EU je dio EMU, dok ostale zadržavaju svoje nacionalne valute. Perspektiva širenja EMU ovisi o ispunjavanju ekonomske konvergencije i političke volje članica. Unatoč izazovima, euro ostaje ključnim elementom europske integracije i stabilnosti unutar EU.The thesis titeled, "Euro - the common currency of the European Union," explores what the euro is and why it is important as a currency within the European Union (EU), as well as globaly. The euro is the official currency of 19 out of the 27 EU member states and is used in everyday business and trade throughout the eurozone. The paper explains in detail the criteria that EU members must meet to become part of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), which involves the use of the euro as a common currency. These criteria include price stability, sustainable public finances, exchange rate stability, and low inflation. The paper analyses the advantages and disadvantages of EU member states joining the EMU. Advantages include simplified business operations, reduced risks of currency fluctuations, and a competitive edge in the global market. On the other hand, disadvantages include the loss of monetary sovereignty and limited ability to adjust to economic shocks. Currently, 19 out of 27 EU member states are part of the EMU, while the others retain their national currencies. The prospects of EMU expansion depend on meeting economic convergence criteria and the political will of member states. Despite challenges, the euro remains a key element of European integration and stability within the EU