Five years of euro banknotes and coins

At the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the introduction of euro banknotes and coins in December 2006, the European Commission published a Communication (report) in order to take stock of the major developments since 2002.

It reports on the evolution of the amount of euro cash in circulation, on developments with respect to production and stock management, on protection against counterfeiting, on the evolution of public opinion on the euro and, finally, presents some specific recommendations for future developments.

The Communication highlights the need for renewed efforts to inform the general public about the euro, both to remove some persistent misperceptions and to address lack of information in certain areas. It also puts forward a number of ideas and suggestions which could help to further enhance the functioning of the European coinage system.
It is accompanied by a Staff Working Paper of the Commission services, which provides more detailed and factual information on the main issues raised in the Communication.