Maastricht to Euro: creation of the Euro and EMU convergence (1992–2002)

1. Maastricht Treaty signed, setting EMU path

   Feb 7, 1992Labels: Maastricht Treaty, European Community

   • Britannica
   • ECB Explainer

2. Maastricht Treaty enters into force

   Nov 1, 1993Labels: Maastricht Treaty, European Union

   • Britannica
   • Britannica EU

3. European Monetary Institute begins operations

   Jan 1, 1994Labels: European Monetary, national central

   • EMI

4. European Council selects “euro” name and 1999 start

   Dec 16, 1995Labels: European Council, euro name

   • EU Council

5. Dublin European Council advances EMU changeover framework

   Dec 14, 1996Labels: Dublin European, ERM II

   • EP Dublin
   • ECB Speech

6. Amsterdam European Council agrees Stability and Growth Pact

   Jun 17, 1997Labels: Amsterdam European, Stability and

   • EP Summits
   • EP Resolution

7. Treaty of Amsterdam signed, amending EU treaties

   Oct 2, 1997Labels: Treaty of, EU treaties

   • Treaty Amsterdam

8. European Council selects first 11 euro-area participants

   May 2, 1998Labels: European Council, euro-area members

   • UNECE

9. European Central Bank established to run monetary policy

   Jun 1, 1998Labels: European Central, monetary policy

   • ECB 25 Years
   • EC Speech Repo

10. Irrevocable conversion rates for legacy currencies announced

    Dec 31, 1998Labels: conversion rates, legacy currencies

    • CNN Money

11. Euro launched for electronic payments and accounting

    Jan 1, 1999Labels: Euro launch, electronic money

    • ECB Intro
    • EUR Lex 974

12. Treaty of Amsterdam enters into force

    May 1, 1999Labels: Treaty of, EU legal

    • Treaty Amsterdam

13. Euro banknotes and coins introduced in 12 countries

    Jan 1, 2002Labels: Euro cash, cash introduction

    • ECB Changeover
    • ECB Intro

14. Euro becomes sole legal tender across euro area

    Mar 1, 2002Labels: Legal tender, euro adoption

    • ECB Changeover