Euro at 25: The value of unity in a changing world

The case for Europe has always rested on solving problems that countries could not address alone. After the Second World War, visionary leaders understood that the only way to secure peace on our continent was to unite our economies. And a united Europe would, in time, require a single currency to make the most of the economic benefits created by this peace dividend.

In the late 1980s, as Europe took further steps to deepen its single market, the dream of a single currency became a project. And 25 years ago - on 1 January 1999 - that project became a reality. Today, the euro is an indispensable part of our daily life, giving us simplicity, stability and sovereignty.

It has made life simpler for European citizens, who can easily compare prices, trade and travel. It has given us stability, protecting growth and jobs amid a series of crises. And issuing the world's...