On January 1, 2002, more than 300 million European citizens saw the euro turn from a virtual currency into reality. The entry into circulation of euro notes and coins means that European Monetary Union (EMU), a project devised by Europe's political elite over more than a generation, finally came down to the street. The psychological and economic consequences of the launch of Europe's single currency will be far-reaching. It will mark the final break from national currencies, promising …showed first 75 words of 2896 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2896 total…the sharing of executive seats and the composition of the governing council, may also be revised as the EU proceeds with enlargement to Central and Eastern Europe. After a turbulent decade, the euro is entering the post-Maastricht era, when it will become the currency of choice not just for the twelve-member ebro zone but also for many of the EU's neighbors. The next chapter in a process of truly historic proportions is about to begin.