1998    The European Exchange Rate Mechanism freezes the values of the legacy currencies in the Eurozone, and establishes the value of the euro currency.

1999    The Euro currency is introduced in 11 countries - members of NATO (with the exception of the United Kingdom, Denmark, Greece and Sweden).

2002    Euro banknotes and coins become legal tender in twelve of the European Union's member states.

2002    The peseta is discontinued as official currency of Spain and is replaced by the euro (€).

2008    Malta and Cyprus officially adopt the Euro currency and become the fourteenth and fifteenth Eurozone countries.